NRCS-WA implements Act Now policy to expedite assistance to producers

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) has embarked on a swift and efficient approach, unveiling the Act Now policy to hasten the delivery of conservation contracting.

This newly introduced Act Now policy empowers NRCS to promptly sanction and commit to a ranked application within a designated ranking pool, provided an eligible application meets or exceeds a state-determined minimum threshold ranking score.

Under the Act Now policy, qualifying applications can swiftly progress in the process without the need to wait for all applications to be ranked within a specified period. 

For the NRCS-WA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Fiscal Year 2024, applications will be categorized into various ranking pools:

• Covered Cropping Systems (High Tunnel - Low Tunnel)

   - Minimum Ranking Score: 60 points

   - Funds Available: $650,000

• Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs), Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs)

   - Minimum Ranking Score: 40 points

   - Funds Available: $200,000

• North Central Team Local Working Group - Forestry Initiative

   - Minimum Ranking Score: 40 points

   - Funds Available: $150,000

• Snake River Team Local Working Group - Forestry Initiative

   - Minimum Ranking Score: 40 points

   - Funds Available: $1,000,000

• Snake River Team Local Working Group - Nutrient Management Initiative

   - Minimum Ranking Score: 40 points

   - Funds Available: $500,000

Applications eligible for Act Now ranking pools will be continuously accepted on an ongoing basis. These eligible applications will be batched and processed in the order received. Selections will be made every three weeks until the allocated funds are exhausted.

Once qualified, Act Now applications will be pre-approved while funds remain available. These applications will then proceed to the contracting process at the local NRCS Field Office, which has 45 calendar days to complete the obligation from the date of pre-approval.

The Act Now policy is a step toward streamlining the application process and is a part of the NRCS Equity Action Plan. This initiative eradicates the waiting period for the review of all applications before approvals for a ranking pool can be granted.

For further details regarding available assistance, reach out to your local USDA Service Center.