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$15 Million Available in Conservation Innovation Grants

Proposals Must be Received in Palmer by January 26

Palmer, December 7, 2006–Alaska State Conservationist Bob Jones has announced that Alaskans are eligible to compete for $15 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for the development of innovative conservation technologies in conjunction with the production of food and fiber. 

Grants will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years. Applications will be accepted from all eligible entities including federally-recognized tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals.

Two CIG categories are available to Alaskans in FY 2007:

  • Natural Resource Concerns Category—up to $10 million available for proposals addressing one or more of the following CIG natural resource concerns: water resources; soil resources; atmospheric resources; grazing land and forest health; and market based approaches.
  • Technology Category—up to $5 million available for proposals addressing one or more of the following CIG technology categories: on-farm energy efficiency, and drainage and/or irrigation water efficiency.

CIG will fund projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. An example of a successful Alaska application is the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District that in 2006 received the first CIG to innovate conservation tillage, crop residue and crop rotation management guidelines suited to Southcentral Alaska.  The expected outcomes of the project include the establishment of a cover crop demonstration site in Palmer and improving eight practice guidelines for conservation tillage, residue management and crop rotation.

Grants for approved projects cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed $1 million. At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-Federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee.

Applicants must send their proposal and budget information by January 26, 2007, to Bob Jones, Alaska State Conservationist, NRCS, 800 W Evergreen Ave, Suite 100, Palmer AK  99645.  While proposals will be judged by a national panel, each needs letter of review by the Alaska State Conservationist to be eligible. 

To view the Announcement of Program Funding or to apply for CIG visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig or http://www.grants.gov/.  For more information about CIG in Alaska, please call Tom Hedt, Assistant State Conservationist (Programs) at 761-7757.

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