NRCS Cost Share SWAP
As part of the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District’s (DSWCD) Soil and Water Assistance Program (SWAP), DSWCD will be offering additional financial assistance to NRCS irrigation contract awardees to support private landowners, farmers, or land managers (landholders) with timely implementation of on-farm irrigation water conservation and efficiency improvements.
Funded applicants will be offered additional reimbursed along with NRCS contract award for up to a total of 75% of NRCS project cost at time of award. DSWCD will also offer 50% cost share of electrical upgrades outside NRCS contract up to $20,000.NRCS additional funds and electrical will not exceed $60,000 per landholder/property/contract.
The program will add additional funds to NRCS contracts that include:
Pivot Upgrades
Flood To Sprinkler Conversion
Piped Conveyance and Pond liners
Sprinkler System Upgrades
Eligibility
Property is located in Deschutes County.
Landholder has current NRCS contract for planted crop irrigation infrastructure.
Landowner or lessee may apply. Lessee must have documented control of land for during of contract of two years, with signed landowner consent form.
Property has documented and current water right.
Landholder has contacted WyEast, Central Oregon Coop, or Energy Trust and applied to their energy efficiency rebate programs.
FAQ
We base our assistance on the total project estimate by a certified irrigation supplier. Having an updated quote when you apply to our program helps ensure that your are getting the most updated numbers for our additional funds. We also have a two year implementation requirement so projects go on the ground before costs grow with inflation.
You are welcome to apply. Our eligibility criteria states that it is the ground that must be in Deschutes County, not the owner or operator.
Like most government programs, we operate on a reimbursement schedule that is released after full program implementation and verification.
We are only able to provide funding to planted crop irrigation infrastructure at this time.
Unfortunately, no. All of our irrigation programs are starting this year. Retroactive applications or projects are ineligible.
Still have questions? Reach out!