Project funding is open!

SCC received an additional $3 million in capital funds for the 2023-35 biennium. SCC encourages counties and CDs to input projects into CPDS so that they are ready to go for review.

This capital funding provides an opportunity for on-the-ground conservation projects that protect the five critical areas (including salmon habitat) while maintaining agricultural viability.

Projects awarded with this funding must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Proposals must:

• Meet a VSP county work plan goal or benchmark
• Be in a VSP watershed
• Seek to address salmon habitat resource needs/impacts
• Use Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications
• Be approved prior to submittal by the county VSP work group.

Complete details are available in the VSP Guidelines and tips for successful VSP project proposals.

About the process:

• Proposals will be considered monthly on the first Tuesday of the month (note: August 2023 will be the second Tuesday).
• Notice of successful funding awards can take up to 3-5 business days (or more during heavy fiscal times like end-of-year close-out) to reach project applicants.
• At the SCC May commission meeting, the commission supported an increase in the landowner cost-share cap in the 2023-25 biennium from $50,000 to $100,000. Details in updated SCC Grant and Contract Policy and Procedure Manual.
• For CPDS assistance, please contact Brian Cochrane.
• Please make sure the correct contact person and email is listed in CPDS for the project and that the contact person is someone at either the county or the conservation district, and not the landowner.

Examples of projects

Examples of funded proposals have included projects such as: waste transfer, pumping plants, fencing, heavy-use areas, waste storage facilities, riparian forest buffers, trails and walkways, roof runoff structures, sprinkler systems, access control, irrigation system/micro irrigation, livestock pipelines, tree/shrub site preparation, wetland enhancements, livestock water facilities, drainage ditch coverings, and more.

Photo: Sarah Wilcox - Thurston VSP used past capital funding to construct a heavy use area and livestock watering system.