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Press Release

Rhode Island Producers can ACT NOW for NRCS Funding

Two new initiatives are being offered to Rhode Island farmers and forest landowners for streamlined funding using ACT NOW.
Publish Date
A farmer and NRCS planner looking at a conservation plan in the field.

In support of the Agency focus on customer service and streamlining procedure, Rhode Island NRCS will offer two initiatives using the Act Now process. This will include IRA and Classic Combustion System and Energy Initiatives (CSEI) and the Streamlined Conservation Planning Activities Initiative. 

Warwick, RI (Jan. 23, 2024) – The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Rhode Island (NRCS-RI) is now 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) Fiscal Year 2024 applications will be put into ranking pools:

  • 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 533)
    • Energy Efficient Lighting System (CPS 670)
    • Energy Efficient Building Envelope (CPS 672)
  • EQIP Classic Combustion System and Energy Initiative (60-point minimum ranking score)
    • Combustion System Improvement (CPS 372)
    • Pumping Plant (CPS 533)
    • Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation (CPS 533)
    • Energy Efficient Lighting System (CPS 670)
    • Energy Efficient Building Envelope (CPS 672)
  • Streamlined Conservation Planning Activities (20-point minimum ranking score)
    • Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs)
    • Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs)
    • Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs)

Eligible applications will be batched and processed in the order they’re received, with selections made weekly beginning February 23, 2024. Applications eligible for Act Now ranking pools will be accepted on a continuous sign-up basis 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.

For more information about assistance available, contact your local USDA Service Center.

Click here to learn how to sign up for free email and text alerts about the latest NRCS program and national funding opportunities.

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