Water Bank Program

 

To preserve and improve major wetlands as habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, conserve surface waters, reduce soil and wind erosion, contribute to flood control, improve water quality, improve subsurface moisture, and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.

Active 10.929 Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture B - Project Grants; C - Direct Payments For Specified Use; Z - Salaries and Expenses Not applicable. Water Bank Act, Public Law 91-559, 16 U.S.C. 1301-1311 Applicants must have land in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Landowners and operators of specified types of wetlands in designated important migratory waterfowl nesting, breeding and feeding areas. Program is offered in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Identification as an owner and/or operator of eligible land; a conservation plan developed in cooperation with the local soil and water conservation district; and proof of required compliance. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. New contracts were accepted in FY 2019. Current contracts remain in effect with payments being made until the expiration date. Not applicable. The period officially specified for the program year. Participants may appeal to the National Appeals Division. Not applicable. Not applicable. Agreements are for 10 years with eligible landowners to help preserve important nesting, breeding, and feeding areas of migratory waterfowl. During the agreement, the participants agree in return for annual payments not to drain, burn, fill, or otherwise destroy the wetland character of such areas and not to use areas for agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary. The Secretary carries out the program in harmony with wetlands programs administered by the Secretary of the Interior and uses technical and related services of appropriate State, Federal, and private conservation agencies to assure proper coordination. Not applicable. Recipients are subject to audit by Office of Inspector General, USDA. Maintained in the NRCS office and Federal record centers for a specified number of years. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Annual payments will be made for 10 years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Lump. For more information on this and other related conservation programs, consult the local telephone directory where your land is located for the location of the nearest USDA service center. For a list of NRCS State offices with telephone numbers and addresses, information is available on the internet at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/. Ronnie Maurer, Branch Chief, Programs Branch, Financial Assistance Programs Division
1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Room 4534-S
Washington, DC 20250 USA
ronnie.maurer@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 819-6368 http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/?cid=stelprdb1047790 12-3320-0-1-302 (Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements or Contracts)) FY 22$3,476,000.00; FY 23 est $4,536,000.00; FY 24 est $3,600,000.00; FY 21$3,499,000.00; FY 20$4,918,000.00; FY 19$3,245,000.00; FY 18$4,064,000.00; FY 17$4,369,000.00; FY 16$3,923,000.00; - (Salaries and Expenses) FY 22$353,000.00; FY 23 est $680,000.00; FY 24 est $489,000.00; FY 21$200,000.00; FY 20$106,000.00; FY 19$131,000.00; FY 18$192,000.00; FY 17$91,000.00; FY 16$205,000.00; - $20 to $50 per acre. Average: $35. Program regulations published in the Federal Register, 7 CFR Part 752. Program is announced through the news media to eligible participants in the States designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a participating State. Not applicable.