Cost Share Assistance
Conservation Districts offer “cost share” funding as an incentive for landowners to participate in conservation work and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). Cost-share means a landowner pays a portion of a project’s total cost while the other portion is covered by the district.
What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are conservation practices that can benefit both the landowner and their operation as well as conserving natural resources. BMPs are designed to address resource concerns related to soil, water, air, plants, and animals as well as energy and humans. Practices can be utilized in projects for irrigation system conversions or upgrades, fish and wildlife habitat restoration or enhancement, manure management and nutrient management, grazing/pasture/rangeland management, tillage management, etc.
How does cost share work?
Cost share funding is provided to landowners implementing BMPs designed to address resource concerns. Projects are ranked according to the water quality, soil health benefits, water savings, and other benefits along with farm operation improvements. Project applications are also considered on a chronological basis (first-come first served).
Each district has their own cost share rate which is set by their board of supervisors. South Yakima Conservation District's cost share rate for most projects is set at up to 50% of the total project cost. Usually this means a project can receive up to $100,000, but the amount can be grant-specific and can depend on what funds are still available.
To apply for cost share or to discuss your project and available options, please contact our office.
What kinds of cost share programs does South Yakima CD offer?
Funding programs can vary considerably between districts. South Yakima Conservation District receives most grant funding for cost share through the Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC). Some projects and practices qualify for certain grant programs but not others. We can help you determine where your project would fit best within our programs.
South Yakima CD currently receives funding through the following WSCC grants for cost share:
Some of these grants are supported with funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act. The CCA puts cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
