2009 Washington State NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Announcement

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CIG was authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8] under Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246). The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of EQIP and CIG to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who is vice president of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). EQIP is administered by NRCS under the authorities of the CCC. The purpose of CIG 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. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals, guides, and references or to the private sector. CIG does not fund research projects. It is a vehicle to stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success and to be candidates for eventual technology transfer or institutionalization. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2009 will be approximately $150,000.00. Grants to eligible entities and individuals may not exceed a maximum of $50,000.00 each. Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. NRCS will accept applications for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, submitted to NRCS from eligible entities, including Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, State and local governments, and non¬governmental organizations and individuals. Applications will only be accepted for projects that will take place in Washington State. The full announcement sets forth the applicant and project eligibility requirements, application procedures, and grant award criteria for proposed projects.

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