Allegheny County Conservation District Now Accepting Applications For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Grants; Your County Is Too

The Allegheny County Conservation District announced $830,000 in grants available to farms to prevent pollution in Allegheny County over the next three years.   

Farming operations can now apply for funding through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) to install soil and water conservation practices that have shared environmental and farm management goals.    

“The success of local farms is vital to our region, economy and food supply. This new investment in agriculture ensures the future sustainability of farms and healthy water resources in Allegheny County. ACCD is proud to offer solutions to farmers while protecting natural resources,” said Executive Director Heather Manzo.  

This program funds best management practices like cover crops, spring development, waste storage facilities, heavy use areas and more.  

Funding for the ACAP Program was created through the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the Clean Streams Fund and was established with the goal of reducing nonpoint source pollution in streams and surface water, including sediment pollution and nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. 

Preventing and reducing nutrient pollution keeps the region safe by protecting drinking water, air quality, food and recreation. 

“We’re partnering with farmers to steward our natural resources,” said Agriculture Resource Conservationist Madeleine Sheinfeld. “This program will make tangible progress to care for our soil and water through projects that meet the needs of farmers.”  

The program is administered by the State Conservation Commission who delegates local program implementation to conservation districts. 

Click Here to watch a video overview of the program.

Visit Allegheny Conservation District’s Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program webpage for more information.  Questions should be directed to Madeleine Sheinfeld at msheinfeld@accdpa.or g and 412-291-8017.  

For more information on conservation assistance, visit the Allegheny County Conservation District website.

All Counties Offering ACAP Grants

All county conservation districts are offering Agricultural Conservation Assistance Grants..  Contact your county conservation district to apply for funding.

[Posted: April 17, 2023]  PA Environment Digest