CDFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2017 STATE WATER EFFICIENCY AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (SWEEP)

SACRAMENTO, February 1, 2017 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is beginning to accept applications, effective today, for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). An estimated $3.75 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. This program receives funding from California Climate Investments, the proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a variety of additional benefits to California communities.

Agricultural operations can apply for funding of up to $100,000 per project for irrigation projects that provide quantifiable water savings and greenhouse gas reductions. 

Prospective applicants must access the “Request for Applications” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/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 tool, Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective 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 Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

CDFA will hold three 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 his or her contact information, number of seats required and the workshop location. 
 

SWEEP Informational Application Workshops:   

Fresno County
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
American Pistachio Growers
Conference Room
9 River Park Place East, Suite 410
Fresno, CA 93720

San Diego County
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
San Diego County Farm Bureau
1670 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027
 
Tehama County
Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Department of Water Resources - Northern Region Office
2440 Main Street
Red Bluff, CA
 
Webinar
February 10, 2017 (Friday) from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
To register for the webinar, please send an email to grants@cdfa.ca.gov requesting the registration link.

Prospective applicants should refer to the SWEEP webpage (www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep) for information regarding comprehensive technical assistance workshops provided by non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts. These technical assistance workshops are intended to provide hands-on application assistance and are also free of charge.

SWEEP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments.