GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR MAGSA LANDOWNERS
NRCS EQIP WaterSMART Program
A $1 million funding pool is available to MAGSA landowners every year for the next 4 years through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) WaterSMART Initiative.
This funding pool is set aside for MAGSA landowners only! Those who are eligible to receive funds must meet NRCS EQIP eligibility requirements. To be eligible, an applicant must own or lease and manage their land, and have an average gross income of $900,000 or less.
Eligible projects may include: water delivery automation & monitoring; irrigation water management & conveyance; sprinkler irrigation systems, & more. We strongly encourage you to use this opportunity to fund your well meters and telemetry! (MAGSA’s Implementing Rules & Regulations for Groundwater Well Metering, Measurement, Monitoring, and Construction Policy outlines requirements for well meters and telemetry by January 31, 2025).
EQIP Application Drop-Off Events
Once you’ve completed your NRCS application forms, you will need to submit them to NRCS. We recommend doing this at one of our MAGSA-hosted EQIP Application Drop-Off events, where you can drop off your application forms in Kerman rather than the Fresno NRCS field office. You can also receive feedback and consultation directly from an NRCS Soil Conservationist at the event.
Events are happening Fridays from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM on the following dates:
- October 14
- October 21
- November 4
- November 18
Event location: Kerman Community Center, 15101 W Kearney Blvd., Kerman, CA 93630
Questions about the event? Email us at info@mcmullinarea.org, or call us at 559-515-3339
Application Materials:
Download and complete the forms below to the best of your ability. Bring your forms (and a blank voided check) to a MAGSA EQIP Application Drop-Off event and receive help completing and submitting your application. For additional support, refer to the EQIP Application Guide below.
- Conservation Program Application (CPA-1200)
- MAGSA recommends landowners include meters and telemetry and advanced irrigation water management in your application! See Application Guide for sample application.
- Adjusted Gross Income Form (CCC-941)
- Direct Deposit Form (SF-119911)
- Bring a blank voided check for the account you wish to register with NRCS
- Irrigation History Form (LTP-5)
Application Guide
MAGSA has created an Application Guide to support landowners through the entire EQIP WaterSMART application process. This Application Guide covers:
- Eligibility Requirements
- What Projects & Practices Can I Receive Funding For?
- Including Meters & Telemetry in Your EQIP Application
- Application Steps
- Important Dates & Pathway to Success
Click the button below to access the NRCS EQIP WaterSMART Grant Application Guide designed specifically for MAGSA landowners!
NRCS EQIP Application Webinar Recording
This webinar was held on August 10, 2022 for MAGSA landowners and operators who are interested in applying for a share of this funding. Attendees left this event with a clear understanding of the EQIP application process, including how to enroll in the Farm Service Agency (a critical first step!), made connections to local NRCS field office staff, and gained confidence in completing the application process.
NRCS EQIP APPLICATION WEBINAR PRESENTATION SLIDES