Here is the step-by-step process that will take you from start to finish on a cost-share practice.
Step 1: Contact your local soil and water conservation district office to see what cost-share practices are available in your district. Qualified landowners may apply at the local office.
Step 2: A certified technician will evaluate the proposed site to see if it meets eligibility requirements for cost-share and recommend the most cost effective practice for your particular situation.
Step 3: A qualified technician will design the practice based on the site visit and the goals of the landowner, and make sure that the practice will meet all standards, specifications and policies.
Step 4: A contract for a cost-share practice is created, signed by the landowner and technician, then submitted to the local soil and water district board for approval. Approvals are based on funding amounts available and if the board and landowner feel that the contract can be completed by the termination date assigned.
Step 5: After the contract has received board approval, the landowner is authorized to begin installation of the practice based on the standards, specifications and policies provided.
Step 6: Upon project completion, the landowner notifies the local soil and water office that the project is complete. Another site visit is held to confirm the completed practice meets the required standards, specifications and policies.
Step 7: The landowner submits proper documentation for all expenditures to the district office.
Step 8: The contract payment document is generated based on the extent of qualified expenditures installed and documented by the landowner and practice certification by the qualified technician.
Step 9: Once the contract payment document has been approved and signed by both the landowner and the local soil and water district board, it is electronically submitted by the local office to the Soil and Water Conservation Program office for payment processing.
Step 10: Reimbursement from the state is direct-deposited in the landowner’s bank account following approval by the Soil and Water Conservation Program.