COST-SHARE ASSISTANCE FOR CONSERVATION PROJECTS

The RCDMC provides free planning and other technical assistance for eligible agricultural conservation projects on agricultural lands, including engineering design and permitting assistance. If your project is eligible, the RCDMC can provide access to cost-share assistance through the USDA NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) program or the PG&E Special Environmental Projects (SEP).  For certain projects the RCDMC may also be able to apply for other grant funds on behalf of a cooperating landowner, grower or rancher.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial and technical assistance to eligible participants for the installation of vegetated, structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP typically cost-shares at 90 percent of the costs of eligible conservation practices Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to conduct management practices they would not otherwise do without the incentive. Limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-share up to 90 percent. EQIP sign-up information is available on-line.

PG&E SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS (SEP) FUND

The PG&E Special Environmental Projects (SEP) funds are available for farm water quality improvement projects in North Monterey County. Irrigated agricultural land east of the Salinas River from Chualar in the south to the Springfield Terrace, Royal Oaks and Prunedale hills in north Monterey County may be eligible for these grant funds. Typical projects include: sediment basins, grade stabilization structures, row arrangement, stream bank protection, and grassed waterways. These funds will pay up to 75% of design and installation costs.  

The SEP funds originate from a court settlement agreement between PG&E and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding alleged violations of the company’s permit. The SEP grants program is administered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

• SEP Flier
• SEP Cost Share