The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), one of the Source Water Collaboratives 29 members, has announced that up to $300 million is now available for Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects for FY 2019. Applications will be accepted from all 50 states and the US islands and territories through December 3, 2019. Source water protection stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to their state source water programs, water utilities and other partners to consider potential project applications, in consultation with their NRCS State RCPP coordinator.
The RCPP promotes coordination with partners to leverage funding and in-kind services for addressing on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns, including source water protection. The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized RCPP and made substantive changes to the program. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to read through the funding announcement very carefully, including the appendices, to gain a full understanding of the new RCPP changes.
Two webinars starting on September 26th: NRCS will hold a webinar with general program information for RCPP applicants on September 26th at 3:00 pm (eastern time). In addition, a second webinar that specifically addresses how to submit a RCPP application through the RCPP portal will be scheduled once the portal opening date is set. Details and registration links will be posted on the RCPP website in the near future.
For more information and to access the funding announcement, outcomes guidance, list of state RCPP coordinators, partner proposal guide, application template, and sample letter of commitment, visit the RCPP website.