USDA recently announced $40 million for one-time payment adjustments that will allow eligible Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) participants to complete conservation practices that have been delayed because of recent increases in energy prices.
The one-time adjustment will apply to participants who signed EQIP contracts in 2004 or earlier. The increase in payment will apply to specific practices that have been most affected by spikes in the cost of concrete, steel, plastic pipe and other construction materials. The increase will only be paid for practices that are completed between March 1 and June 30 and will focus on specific practices that have escalated in price by 20% or more because of rising energy costs.
The Energy Initiative applies to regular EQIP projects, Ground and Surface Water Conservation EQIP projects and Klamath Basin EQIP projects.
For more information on this one-time adjustment, go to the NRCS Web site www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit your nearest USDA Service Center.
