AISWCD RESOLUTION 2006-2

Increasing CPP Funding Percentage

WHEREAS, the Illinois legislature each year appropriates monies for cost sharing of conservation practices in Illinois at a cost share rate of 60%.

WHEREAS, the cost of construction of such practices continues to rise and the disposable income from farming continues to decrease and with some unused dollars being returned to the state general fund and not being used for conservation practices and with FSA CRP practices being funded at 90% cost share.

THEREFORE, we the AISWCD feel that an increase to 75% cost share offered by the local soil and water districts would allow more land owners to participate in this program, thus, resulting in more conservation practices being put on the ground.

Explanation/Clarification:
Each year the Illinois Department of Agriculture appropriates funds for cost sharing of conservation practices in our state. This rate is 60% funded by the state and 40% funded by the land owner. With the cost of construction rising each year and the amount of income by the land owner declining and some dollars being returned to the state general fund not being spent for CPP practices each year and with FSA CRP having 90% cost share program. We, the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Districts, would encourage the Illinois Department of Agriculture to change the amount of funding from 60% to 75%. This would allow more landowners to participate in the program to accomplish conservation at a lower out of pocket expense.

Approved by the Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District May 4, 2006

Approved by Land Use Council 2 May 30, 2006

Approved by Legislative Committee: June 5, 2006

Approved by AISWCD Board: June 6, 2006

Resolution 2006-2 PASSED on July 31, 2006