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Press Release

Rhode Island Farmers and Forest Landowners can Act Now for NRCS Climate-Smart Funding

In support of the Agency focus on customer service and streamlining procedure, Rhode Island NRCS is extending the application deadline for the EQIP-IRA Combustion System & Energy Initiative to May 17, 2024.
Topics
Rhode IslandAirClimateEnergyLandWaterCroplandsForestryRange & PastureEnvironmental Quality Incentives ProgramOn-Farm Energy Initiative
Publish Date
A farmer and NRCS planner looking at a conservation plan in the field.

NRCS is using the Act Now process to deliver conservation contracting faster. Act Now allows NRCS to quickly approve and obligate a ranked application in a designated ranking pool when an eligible application meets or exceeds a state-determined, minimum threshold, ranking score. 

Act Now allows qualifying applications to be automatically approved and move forward in the process without waiting for all applications to be ranked during a given period. 

NRCS-RI Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP-IRA) Fiscal Year 2024 applications in the ranking pools below will be streamlined:

  • IRA-EQIP Combustion System and Energy Initiative (60-point minimum ranking score) 
    • Combustion System Improvement (CPS 372)
    • Pumping Plant (CPS 533)
    • Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation (CPS 374)
    • Energy Efficient Lighting System (CPS 670)
    • Energy Efficient Building Envelope (CPS 672)

Eligible applications will be batched and processed in the order they’re received, with selections made weekly. Applications eligible for the Act Now ranking pools above will be accepted on a continuous sign-up basis until May 17, 2024, or until funds have been expended.

The qualified Act Now applications will be pre-approved while funds remain available. They then move forward to the contracting process at your local NRCS Field Office. 

Act Now streamlines the application process, as part of the NRCS Equity Action Plan. This means no longer having to wait for all applications to be reviewed, prior to making approvals for a ranking pool.

Call NRCS Rhode Island today to see how we can help you help your land!

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Additional Information

Act Now - Rhode Island

Act Now allows NRCS to quickly approve and obligate ranked applications in a designated ranking pool when an eligible application meets or exceeds a State-determined minimum ranking score. This means no longer waiting for a ranking deadline.

Learn More

Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Rhode Island

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to Rhode Island agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns in the Ocean State.

Learn More

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