NRCS Colorado 2009 News Release

Lakewood, CO - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the availability of up to $1 million for proposed projects in Colorado through the 2009 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on May 18, 2009. Please visit www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/cig.htm for additional information.

Individual applications will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process for improving conservation practices in Colorado. Applications will be accepted from eligible entities, including Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, State and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years. Grants under the Colorado state component will not exceed $75,000 from NRCS.

“These grants provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate new conservation technologies that will address one or more of the seven priority natural resource concern areas in Colorado, which are: Water Resources, Soil Resources, Atmospheric Resources, Grazing Land, Forest Health, Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Sources, and Wildlife Habitat,” said Tim Carney, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, NRCS.

The purpose of CIG, a component of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.

Selected applicants may receive grants of up to 50 percent of the total project cost. Applicants must provide non-Federal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost, of which up to 50 percent may be from in-kind contributions.

An exception regarding matching funds is made for projects funded that benefit beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and Indian Tribes. Seventy-five (75) percent of the required matching funds for such projects may be derived from in-kind contributions to help these entities meet the statutory requirements for receiving a CIG.

Written applications must be sent to USDA-NRCS c/o Dollie Gonzales, Resource Conservationist, 655 Parfet Street, Room E200C, Lakewood, CO 80215, and received no later than Monday, May 18, 2009 by 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

For additional information on CIG, please contact Gonzales at 720-544-2821 or via email at dollie.gonzales@co.usda.gov or you can contact Carney at 720-544-2805 or via email at tim.carney@co.usda.gov.
 

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