2020 Annual Report
FRESNO IRRIGATION DISTRICT
“Water…Your Most Valuable Resource.”
Grant Opportunities
EQIP - WaterSMART Initiative
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through partnership with US Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is offering funding to growers to improve water conservation and irrigation water use efficiency. Prioritized projects aim to reduce groundwater withdrawals and improve irrigation efficiency.
This grant opportunity is unique from regular EQIP funding. The WaterSMART funding pool awarded to Fresno Irrigation District is confined to eligible farms within the district boundaries. This means growers compete for funding within a much smaller applicant pool.
Application Deadline:
Applications are being accepted through February 16, 2024!
Funding opportunities:
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Microirrigation system
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Irrigation ditch lining
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Irrigation pipeline
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Irrigation reservoir
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Irrigation water management
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Mulching
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Cover crop
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Reduced tillage or no-till
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Well decommissioning
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Windbreaks and hedgerows
To apply:
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Make sure you are enrolled in the Farm Service Agency. This is a prerequisite to apply for EQIP funding. Contact Fresno County’s FSA office at 559-276-7494 to begin the process.
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Download and fill out Application Form 1200 here: Form 1200 and Form 1200 Continuation Page.
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Submit your Form 1200 no later than February 16, 2024 to the NRCS Fresno Field Office, 4625 W Jennifer Ave. #125, Fresno, CA 93722. If you are unable to make it to the field office, please contact FID at (559) 233-7161.
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Still not sure the program is right for you? Check out the Program Flyer for more information on how it works.
Program Background:
The Fresno Irrigation District is one of four agencies in Fresno and Madera counties selected to receive funding for its growers through the EQIP WaterSMART Initiative. This program partners funds from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART funding pool for conservation planning and improvement with the well-established EQIP program run by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding is intended to improve water conservation and irrigation water use efficiency on eligible farms within FID’s boundaries through farm-scale projects.
Learn More:
FID is hosted an online webinar Friday, February 2nd at 2:00 PM for growers who want to learn more about the grant program and how to apply. The webinar recording and PowerPoint slides are available below!
Groundwater Recharge Pilot Program
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), launched a groundwater recharge pilot program.
FID growers are encouraged to apply for funding to conduct groundwater recharge on their land under the pilot program. The application deadline is November 3, 2023.
Application Deadline:
Applications submitted in fall of 2024 are for recharge to be completed in fall-winter 2025-26.
Past Funding opportunities:
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Basin: $4,032 - $4,232 per acre-foot of storage
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Trench: $3.59 per cubic yard excavated
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On-Farm Recharge: $99-$103 per acre, per year
To apply:
Stay informed on the timeline and process by signing up for email notices from FID. Scroll to the footer of the homepage to sign up: https://www.fresnoirrigation.com/
Program background: This pilot program comes after the NRCS recognized groundwater depletion as a significant resource concern, resulting in the California NRCS developing two interim practice standards for groundwater recharge. This new groundwater recharge program is under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to evaluate the following Interim Conservation Practice Standards:
Further information for potential applicants:
Contact the Fresno Service Center at (559) 276-7494 for further information.
FID is one of five irrigation districts involved in this pilot project. FID is committed to furthering the path to sustainability, and is thrilled to announce this opportunity for its growers. We strongly encourages members of our district to apply.