USDA Awards $14 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants

White River Irrigation District Receives $513,833

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2008 — Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced the White River Irrigation District will receive a $513,833 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) for a Pumping Plant Energy Audit and Reporting System project.

The irrigation district will provide matching funds to CIG bringing the total value of the approved project to more than $1.39 million.

"Conservation Innovation Grants foster the development of new technologies and approaches to natural resource management and conservation," Schafer said. "The grants will ultimately result in placing innovative solutions in the hands of our producers, which benefits agriculture and the environment."

Nationwide, $14 million in Conservation Innovation Grants were awarded to fund 45 projects in 40 states to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches that will help farmers conserve and sustain natural resources on their operations.

CIG targets innovative, on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Grants go to state and local governments, tribes, non-governmental organizations and individuals.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers CIG, which is part of the Agency's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS provides technical oversight for each project. Grantees provide technical assistance required to successfully complete their projects.

Additional information about CIG, including summaries of approved projects, is available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig . A listing of all fiscal year 2008 CIG projects can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/cig_fy2008_14_million.html . For more information about NRCS conservation programs online, visit: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov , or visit the nearest USDA Service Center in your area.

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