Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 3
BC, Canada
Enhance irrigation infrastructure and water management in British Columbia's agricultural sector.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 30, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJune 20, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3 provides cost-shared funding to BC-based applicants for assessments, engineering studies, or plans to enhance agricultural water supply and management. Eligible activities include water supply assessments, engineering studies for water system upgrades, dam engineering assessments, dam emergency plans, dam safety reviews, other professional consultative services, and drainage or dike engineering projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specific to companies and organizations based in British Columbia. The eligible geographical area is statewide, ensuring regional developmental objectives are met effectively.
- Companies and organizations located in British Columbia, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$55,000
Feasibility study on new water supply sources for an urban farming initiative
$80,000
Conduct a dam safety review and create an emergency plan for a local farm dam
$95,000
Engineering study for upgrading the existing agricultural water system
$65,000
Conduct a comprehensive water supply assessment for agricultural use
$120,000
Engineering study for dike reinforcement in an agricultural area
$75,000
Development of a drainage master plan for a farming cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible applicants for this grant must be based in British Columbia and fall into specific categories.
- The applicant must be a BC-based entity.
- Eligible applicants include Diking District, Indigenous Community, Indigenous Cooperative, Indigenous Corporation, Indigenous Governing Body, Indigenous Organization – For-Profit or Non-Profit, Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship.
- Irrigation District or Improvement District are eligible.
- Local Government or Regional District can apply.
- Non-Profit Organizations focusing on Agriculture or Conservation are eligible.
- Eligible producers include Cooperatives, Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Partnerships, or Sole Proprietorships.
- Water Users’ Communities qualify to apply.
- Individual producers and Indigenous producers using water for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes are eligible.
- Community water supply groups, including Indigenous groups that provide mixed irrigation/drainage/diking services, are eligible.
- Public corporate bodies incorporated under specific provincial legislation, legally able to acquire or control property and licenses, are eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is available for eligible applicants who are based in British Columbia (BC) and meet specific organizational criteria set by the program.
- Diking District
- Indigenous Community
- Indigenous Cooperative
- Indigenous Corporation
- Indigenous Governing Body
- Indigenous Organization – For-Profit
- Indigenous Organization – Non-Profit
- Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Indigenous Producer – Partnership
- Indigenous Producer – Sole Proprietorship
- Irrigation District or Improvement District
- Local Government or Regional District
- Non-Profit Organization – Agriculture
- Non-Profit Organization – Conservation
- Producer – Cooperative
- Producer – Corporation
- Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Producer – Partnership
- Producer – Sole proprietorship
- Water Users’ Community
- Individual Producers and Indigenous Producers using water for agricultural and non-agricultural uses are also eligible.
- Community water supply groups providing irrigation/drainage/diking services to a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural users are eligible.
- Public corporate bodies incorporated under provincial legislations to legally acquire, hold, control property and licenses, and conduct works.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that funding targets specific eligible sectors related to agricultural water infrastructure.
- Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including seafood/aquaculture).
- Provincial and federal governments.
- Crown Corporations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports initiatives that aim to enhance the agricultural water supply and infrastructure in British Columbia. Activities eligible for funding under this grant focus on comprehensive assessments, engineering studies, and strategic planning to ensure sustainable and efficient water management.
- Water supply assessments or feasibility studies in key agricultural areas to determine available water supply.
- Engineering studies or plans for water purveyors to assess and determine opportunities for upgrades and expansion of existing purveyed water systems.
- Dam engineering assessments including redetermination of Consequence Classification.
- Completion of Dam Emergency Plans.
- Conducting Dam Safety Reviews.
- Other Professional Consultative Services as required under the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR).
- Drainage master plans, dike engineering studies or design plans, or any professional consultative services on drainage or dikes to assess and determine opportunities for upgrades or expansion of existing diking and drainage infrastructure.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant covers specific expenses related to assessments, engineering studies, or plans for water infrastructure.
- Consulting services by Qualified Professionals.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under this grant focus on ensuring applications align with program objectives and requirements.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Create an account on the IAF Client Portal.
- Register your organization if not previously registered (process can take up to two business days).
- Ensure all your contact details and organization information are up-to-date if you already have an account.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Select "Agriculture Water Infrastructure | Stream 3" from the Funding Opportunities section in the IAF Client Portal.
- Provide necessary details such as applicant type, project name, summary, proposed start and end dates, and project location (latitude and longitude).
- Outline water problems/issues to be solved and how your project addresses them.
- Include performance measurement information and total project cost/budget.
- Gather and upload relevant supporting documents (e.g., quotes, estimates, permits, assessments, plans, maps, letters of support, and project schedules).
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Applications open for submission on June 20, 2024, at 9:00 am on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully committed.
- Log in to the IAF Client Portal to submit the complete application and attachments.
- Check all entries for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Step 4: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an automated confirmation email via the IAF Client Portal regarding the submission.
- Ensure to check spam/junk folders for the confirmation email.
- Review the application’s status within the portal under the ‘submitted applications’ section.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information about the grant includes specific requirements for various activities and guidelines on project timelines and reporting procedures.
- Applications open on June 20, 2024, and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is fully committed.
- Projects must be completed within 24 months of approval, with a final deadline of January 15, 2032.
- Applicants must register through the IAF Client Portal before submitting an application.
- Funding ranges from $20,000 to $200,000, with a 50% cost-shared ratio.
- Eligible applicants must be BC-based entities like regional districts, Indigenous organizations, and various types of producers.
- Retroactive costs will not be reimbursed, and all projects require IAF approval before incurring any expenses.
- Comprehensive documentation, such as quotes, permits, and assessments, must be included in the application.
- Consultation with stakeholders and compliance with regulatory requirements may be necessary depending on the project's scope.
- Progress and final reports, along with financial documentation, are critical for reimbursement of expenses.
- Projects must comply with the Dam Safety Regulation and other relevant guidelines for specific activities like dam engineering or dike design.
- Successful applicants must acknowledge the funding from the Government of BC in any public communication about the project.
grant_single_labels|contact
awp@iafbc.ca
Apply to this program
Enhancing Agricultural Water Infrastructure in British Columbia
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3 offers cost-shared funding for pivotal assessments, engineering studies, and plans aimed at innovatively optimizing water management in British Columbia's agricultural sectors. This initiative seeks to improve water supply and efficiency, benefiting stream flows and fish populations, alongside fostering sustainable food production.
Detailed Insights into the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, specifically Stream 3, is a forward-looking initiative devised to encourage enhanced water management practices and infrastructure in British Columbia's agricultural landscape. With a focus on promoting efficient and sustainable water use, the program aligns with provincial ambitions to support thriving ecosystems while bolstering food production capabilities. This initiative is crucial given the forecasted impacts of climate change on water resources, necessitating innovative approaches to sustainable agricultural practices.
Stream 3 of the AWP is attentive to the foundational stages of water infrastructure projects, offering financial aid for comprehensive studies and planning. Eligible activities include conducting water supply assessments or feasibility studies that discern available water resources, engineering evaluations for improving purveyed water systems, and critical analyses such as dam safety reviews—all of which are indispensable in maintaining and enhancing water infrastructure resilience. By focusing on the primary groundwork required for infrastructure projects, Stream 3 ensures that any funded efforts are well-researched and poised for long-term sustainability amidst evolving environmental conditions.
This funding stream operates with a cost-sharing structure, offering up to $200,000 per project, which must amount to at least $40,000 in total costs, ensuring substantial investment in significant projects that promise extended benefits. By facilitating projects that include engineering studies, dam safety reviews, and other consultative professional advice, Stream 3 capitalizes on strategic planning efforts that form the backbone of robust, sustainable agricultural water systems. This foresight into planning helps establish enduring infrastructure capable of withstanding British Columbia's diverse and sometimes challenging climate.
Notably, the program is accessible to a diverse array of eligible entities, including Indigenous communities, local governments, and individual producers, all of whom play a vital role in the province's agricultural framework. This inclusivity not only empowers these communities by providing them with financial tools to enhance their water systems but also ensures that upgrades or expansions are considerate of local knowledge and needs.
The program sets clear deadlines and application procedures to guide applicants through the process efficiently. With applications opened in May and formal submissions accepted in June, the systematic approach ensures organized distribution and administration of funds until the budget ceiling is met. The program's structure allows approved projects to span over a period of up to 24 months, encouraging comprehensive project planning and execution.
Furthermore, the AWP requires successful applicants to rigorously document and report on their project expenditures and progress through the IAF Client Portal, ensuring accountability and transparency in how public funds are utilized. Such measures enhance the confidence of both stakeholders and the community in the efficacy and impact of funded projects.
Ultimately, the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program's Stream 3 is a significant initiative that not only addresses immediate water management needs but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in agricultural sustainability. By investing in the preliminary assessments and engineer studies essential for substantial infrastructural developments, the program plays a pivotal role in fortifying British Columbia's agricultural resilience and productivity in the face of changing environmental parameters.
