Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) Funding Available!
The Armstrong Conservation District (District) is excited to announce that there is funding available to farmers to install best management practices on their farm in Armstrong County. The District has signed an agreement with the State Conservation Commission to administer the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). The ACAP program was created through the Clean Streams Fund established by the FY2022-2023 Pennsylvania State Budget.
The Agriculture Conservation Assistance program (ACAP) awards grants to Pennsylvania farmers to install best management practices (BMPs) on their farms that reduce pollution from entering streams and waterways. Armstrong County is eligible to receive $1,490,919 over the next 3 years to administer the program locally. All funds must be committed by December 31, 2024 and spent by December, 31, 2026.
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
• The BMP must be part of a Conservation Plan or an Agriculture Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plan and a Manure Management Plan or a Nutrient Management Plan.
• The goal of the ACAP is to fund BMPs that will reduce the loss of nitrogen, phosphorus, and /or sediment.
• The project must meet the design and construction standards established by the NRCS PA Technical Design Guide.
• All Animal Concentration Areas (ACA) on the farm must be treated to abate stormwater runoff, loss of sediment, loss of nutrients from the ACA, or the implementation of such BMP’s shall be included in an application for funds.
• Buffer installation is required as part of an ACAP application if the existing Conservation Plan or Ag E&S Control Plan includes a buffer as a BMP and the project proposes a manure storage or Heavy Use Area.
• PA State Prevailing Wages are required for projects that exceed $25,000.
• Projects costing between $10,000 to $250,000, the applicant is required to obtain multiple estimates. Projects in excess of $250,000, the applicant is required to advertise and obtain sealed bids.
• The cost share percentage will be up to an 85% ACAP funding and 15% landowner match. ACAP is a reimbursement program, reimbursing the applicant at the completion of the project.
• Other funding programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) can be utilized and can count towards the 15% landowner match requirements.
How to Apply:
All applicants must first meet with District staff to discuss the project prior to submission. All potential ACAP projects must go through a ranking and board approval process. Please contact Emily Rahalla at 724-545-3628 or by email at
ACAP Application Resources