SACRAMENTO, November 20, 2015 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will begin accepting applications today, November 20, 2015, for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). An estimated $16 million will be available for competitive grant funding to provide financial assistance to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water at California agricultural operations. The funding is made available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, from proceeds of California’s Cap-and-Trade program.
Agricultural operations can apply for funding of up-to $200,000 per project, for irrigation and other water projects that provide quantifiable water savings and greenhouse gas reductions.
Prospective applicants must access the “Application Guidelines” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/SWEEP for detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Friday January 8, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
CDFA will hold four application workshops and one webinar to provide information on program requirements and the FAAST application process (see below). CDFA staff will provide guidance on the application process, provide several examples and answer any questions. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email grants@cdfa.ca.gov with their contact information, number of seats required and workshop location.
SWEEP Application Workshops:
KERN COUNTY
December 1, 2015 (Tuesday) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
University of California Cooperative Extension Kern County, 1031 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307
ORANGE COUNTY
December 4, 2015 (Friday) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Orange County Fair and Event Center, OC Room of the Administration Building, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
December 8, 2015 (Tuesday) from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street, Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814
MERCED COUNTY
December 9, 2015 (Wednesday) from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
University of California Cooperative Extension Merced County, 2145 Wardrobe Avenue, Merced, CA 95341
WEBINAR
December 10, 2015 (Thursday) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Details for participation will be provided upon registration
Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov with general program questions.
To learn more about the state’s drought response, visit Drought.CA.Gov.
Every Californian should take steps to conserve water. Find out how at SaveOurWater.com.