The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources invites Massachusetts agricultural operations to submit proposals to fund and implement conservation practices through the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP). The purpose of AEEP is to support the mitigation and/ or prevention of negative impacts to the Commonwealth's natural resources that may result from agricultural practices. The application for FY 2008 is now available at http://www.mass.
Practices funded under AEEP include those which prevent direct impacts on water quality, ensure efficient use of water, address agricultural impacts on air quality and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. For more information on previously funded practices visit the AEEP website: http://www.mass. AEEP is a competitive, re-imbursement program that funds the acquisition of materials only. Labor costs and the acquisition of equipment are among the costs not eligible for re-imbursement.
Reimbursement of up to $30,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis. Persons submitting successful proposals will be required to sign a contract with Agricultural Resources. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2008. Satisfactory receipts for costs of approved materials must be submitted to Agricultural Resources.
NOTE: All funding is subject to appropriation.
Deadlines:
* Initial responses must be received at Agricultural Resources no later than 4:00 PM on July 27, 2007.
* Responses may be submitted after July 27, 2007 up until October 19, 2007 and will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, at the end of each month, subject to the availability of funds. Proposals must be received at least ten days prior to the end of the month for consideration of funding in that month reviews as shown below:
Review Period
Deadline
July, 2007
4:00 PM, July 27, 2007
August, 2007
4:00 PM, August 20, 2007
September, 2007
4:00 PM, September 20, 2007
October, 2007
4:00 PM, October 19, 2007
* Proposals which involve complex construction work requiring engineered designs may only be considered in the July 27 round of applications. Complex construction proposals include, but are not limited to, heavy use areas, roofs, bridges, windmills, barnyard runoff and drainage projects.
* All questions should be directed to:
Gerard Kennedy
Environmental Analyst
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114-2151
TEL: 617-626-1773
FAX: 617-626-1850