USDA Announces RCPP Funding and Webinar for Partnership Projects that Can Protect Drinking Water

USDA has announced $360 million in funding for the next round of Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) conservation projects. Project applications are now being accepted for locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality (including drinking water sources), combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Projects are eligible to receive between $250,000 and $10 million in RCPP funding that is expected to be leveraged with funding and in-kind contributions from partners that are equal or greater to the NRCS investment. Funding is open to private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, water districts, universities, and more. RCPP funding is divided evenly among two funding pools, one for Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs) and one for projects in a single state or across several states.

State drinking water programs are encouraged to reach out to their NRCS state conservationists office and collaborate on project ideas with their water utilities and other potential partners. The due date for funding proposals to be submitted through the RCPP portal is November 4, 2020. For more information about the funding and changes to the program this year, and to see examples of current projects, visit the RCPP website and view the Application for Program Funding on grants.gov. For questions, contact Joyce Purcell at joyce.purcell@usda.gov or (860) 871-4028.

Webinar: On August 27, 2020 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm (eastern time), NRCS will host a webinar with general program information for RCPP applicants. Visit the “How to Apply” web page for information on how to participate.