State Conservation Commission
2019-21 CREP Riparian Funding
40000003
Many of Washington's streams are inhabited by salmonid species that are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Degraded riparian habitat is identified as a key limiting factor to salmon populations. This grant funding provides matching funds for technical assistance and project implementation to continue offering the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to private landowners. CREP projects include planting shade trees along streams to reduce water temperatures necessary for juvenile salmonid survival; installing fencing to exclude livestock and agricultural activities from stream beds; installing stream crossings to prevent disturbing stream sediments; and enhancing connected wetlands to improve fish rearing habitat.
| Prior Biennium | Current Biennium | Reappropriations | Appropriations | Future Cost | Total Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 25,000,000 |
| Funds: State Building Construction Account - State | 25,000,000 |
2019-21 Improve Shellfish Growing Areas
40000004
Poor water quality has impacted shellfish growing operations throughout Puget Sound, and in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. Funding is provided to complete natural resource enhancement projects necessary to improve water quality in shellfish growing areas. This funding includes $1 million to continue erosion control work at North Cove. Activities include installation of large rock material to deflect wave activity that causes erosion.
| Prior Biennium | Current Biennium | Reappropriations | Appropriations | Future Cost | Total Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,000,000 | 16,000,000 | 20,000,000 |
| Funds: State Building Construction Account - State | 20,000,000 |
2019-21 Natural Resource Investments
40000005
Working land activities, if not properly managed, can adversely affect Washington state's natural resources. Funding is provided to assist landowners and farmers with the installation of best management practices (BMP) in non-shellfish growing areas, with the goal of preserving natural resources while maintaining economic viability of agricultural and natural resource-dependent businesses. BMP projects will include construction of fencing, stormwater management structures, manure management structures, water efficiency projects, forest and rangeland health, and other projects that protect natural resources.
| Prior Biennium | Current Biennium | Reappropriations | Appropriations | Future Cost | Total Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5,000,000 | 16,000,000 | 21,000,000 |
| Funds: State Building Construction Account - State | 21,000,000 |
2019-21 Match for Federal RCPP
40000006
Currently there is an array of federal landowner assistance programs at the National Resource Conservation Service. The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program originating with the 2014 federal Farm Bill. The RCPP encourages coordination between the federal NRCS and various local partners to deliver conservation assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to increase the restoration and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife and related natural resources on regional or watershed scales. Potential projects and practices include exclusion fencing to keep cattle out of streams, manure management systems, irrigation water efficiencies, easement acquisition and direct seed drilling techniques. This funding will provide required state matching funds for approved RCPP projects.
| Prior Biennium | Current Biennium | Reappropriations | Appropriations | Future Cost | Total Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,000,000 | 7,800,000 | 11,800,000 |
| Funds: State Building Construction Account - State | 11,800,000 |
2019-21 Water Irrigation Efficiencies Program
40000009
In 2001, the state legislature created the Water Irrigation Efficiencies (WIE) program to reduce the competition for limited water resources for communities, fish and agricultural lands. The WIE program is a statewide effort to improve how water is delivered and applied on agricultural lands. Projects funded through this program provide improved on-farm water application so water use is more efficient, while still allowing the producer to grow crops. Program funding is also used to improve water conveyance to reduce water loss through leakage and evaporation.
| Prior Biennium | Current Biennium | Reappropriations | Appropriations | Future Cost | Total Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,000,000 | 16,000,000 | 20,000,000 |
| Funds: State Building Construction Account - State | 20,000,000 |
2019-21 CREP PIP Loan Program
40000010
The Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Practice Incentive Payments (PIP) to producers under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The CREP PIP loan program covers 40 percent of the restoration costs that are awaiting payment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture until the entire restoration is complete.
| Prior Biennium | Current Biennium | Reappropriations | Appropriations | Future Cost | Total Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 100,000 | 200,000 | 300,000 |
| Funds: Conservation Assistance Revolving Account - State | 300,000 |
