FRWIP — Small Dams
SK, Canada
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) offers a 50% rebate on eligible costs for developing sustainable water sources in agriculture, up to $75,000.
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
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grant_card_status|open
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The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) is designed to support the development of secure and sustainable water sources for agricultural use in Saskatchewan by providing rebates for eligible costs related to projects such as small dam construction, wells, dugouts, and pipelines. Eligible applicants, including primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations, may receive up to 50% of the project costs with a maximum rebate of $75,000. All projects must demonstrate agricultural use for the water and adhere to specific regulatory requirements.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several projects or activities eligible for this grant.
- Consultant and/or engineering fees
- Small dam construction
- Installation of a wet well
- Pumps, pipelines, and miscellaneous plumbing materials
- Permanently installed water storage tanks
- Permanent fencing to exclude livestock
- Watering appliances
- Power infrastructure including solar/wind/composite systems
- Trenching or directional boring and pipe installation
- In-kind labour and machinery/equipment
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$11,000
Saskatoon
Building a small dam and installing fencing for water supply on farm in Saskatoon.
$11,000
Moose Jaw
Implementation of wind-powered watering system and trenching for pipe installation
$18,500
Saskatoon
Construction of a small dam and installation of solar-powered pumps
$13,500
Regina
Development of a well with permanently installed water storage tanks
$12,500
Prince Albert
Installation of pipelines and nose pumps for livestock watering
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) supports the development of secure and sustainable water sources for agricultural use. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the grant.
- Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative or corporation) who can demonstrate a minimum $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior to the application. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Multi-producer groups, defined as one or more eligible applicants who are not related and are legally, financially, and operationally independent of each other but wish to financially contribute to and share infrastructure related to a small dam project.
- First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan.
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) supports eligible companies that demonstrate an agricultural use for the water, specifically for small dam projects in Saskatchewan. Eligible types of companies include primary agricultural producers, multi-producer groups, First Nation Bands, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations.
- Primary agricultural producers
- Multi-producer groups
- First Nation Bands
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are not eligible for the grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) has various eligible expenses for small dam projects. These expenses include construction-related costs, equipment, and installation fees.
- Fees for Permit to Construct Groundwater Investigation, Water Rights Licensing and Approval to Construct and Operate from the Water Security Agency (WSA).
- Consultant and/or engineering fees.
- Small dam construction with a height of embankment of 2.5 metres or less.
- Installation of a wet well, including casing and gravel.
- Pumps, pipelines, and miscellaneous plumbing materials.
- Permanently installed water storage tanks (minimum 1,000 US gallons).
- Permanent fencing to exclude livestock from a new dam.
- Watering appliances such as watering bowls, nose pumps, hydrants, or water troughs.
- Power infrastructure including solar/wind/composite livestock watering systems.
- Trenching or directional boring and pipe installations.
- In-kind labour funded at $22 per hour up to a maximum rebate of $250 per project.
- In-kind machinery/equipment use rates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is available to projects located in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Specific approvals may be required for environmentally sensitive and designated lands.
- Province of Saskatchewan
- Crown lease lands designated under The Wildlife Habitat Protection Act (WHPA)
- Lands with a Crown Conservation Easement (CCE) registered on title
- Federally designated critical habitat lands under the Species at Risk Act
grant_single_labels|criteria
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Assess your project against the program criteria and review program eligibility.
- Step 2: Contact Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Agricultural Services and Economic Development group for support with design and regulatory approval process.
- Step 3: Obtain all required regulatory approvals including authorization from landowners if the project is on land not owned by the applicant, WSA’s Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit, Water Rights Licence, and any local approvals.
- Step 4: Complete the New Entrant Self-Assessment if applicable and contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre if you meet new entrant criteria.
- Step 5: Download and complete the Small Dam Pre-Approval Application Form. Ensure application is saved to your computer before entering information.
- Step 6: Submit a completed application package by email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program, Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch, 329 – 3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1.
- Step 7: Upon pre-approval, proceed with construction ensuring the project complies with approved plans and regulatory requirements.
- Step 8: Complete construction and ensure the dam is operational for agricultural use.
- Step 9: Submit claims for funding when the project is fully constructed and operational. Include paid invoices and proof of payment.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information regarding the grant includes requirements and recommendations for pre-approval and project details.
- Pre-approval is mandatory for all small dam projects.
- Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements for water development projects before starting work.
- Written authorization from the landowner is required if the project is on land not owned by the applicant.
- Projects on Crown land require contacting the Ministry of Agriculture lands branch.
- A Water Rights Licence and Approval to Construct and Operate Works from the Water Security Agency is necessary for certain projects.
- An Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit (AHPP) is required if the dam is developed in the bed of a water body or watercourse.
- A minimum claim amount of $500 is mandatory.
- Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2027, with projects completed by March 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|contact
866-457-2377
Apply to this program
Summary of the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP)
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) by the Government of Saskatchewan offers a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $75,000 per applicant, for developing sustainable water sources for agricultural use, such as small dams. Projects must be pre-approved, and all regulatory approvals must be secured prior to the commencement of work.
Comprehensive Guide to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP)
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) is a critical initiative by the Government of Saskatchewan, designed to support the development of secure and sustainable water sources specifically for agriculture use. This program focuses on various water infrastructure projects, with a key emphasis on the construction of small dams. Here's an in-depth look at what the program entails, who can apply, and the steps required to secure funding.
Program Overview
FRWIP provides a rebate covering 50 percent of eligible costs for small dam projects, up to a maximum of $75,000 per applicant. This program is available to primary agricultural producers, multi-producer groups, First Nation Bands, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations within Saskatchewan. The rebate can be applied to a variety of expenses related to the construction and operation of small dams, which are earthen structures constructed in watercourses to hold and impound water.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for FRWIP funding, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Primary Agricultural Producers: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a minimum of $50,000 in gross farm income in Saskatchewan either in the year of application or the year prior. New entrants who haven't met this threshold but are confident of meeting it within five years may also qualify.
- Multi-producer Groups: These are groups of eligible agricultural producers who are legally, financially, and operationally independent of each other but wish to collaborate on a dam project.
- First Nation Bands and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations: These groups are also eligible to apply.
Additional requirements include demonstrating agricultural use for the water, possessing a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) number for those with livestock, and ensuring no related applicants exceed the cumulative funding caps.
Eligible and Ineligible Expenses
A variety of expenses are eligible under the FRWIP rebate program, including:
- Permit Fees: Fees for permits such as Groundwater Investigation, Water Rights Licensing, and Approval to Construct and Operate from the Water Security Agency.
- Consultant and Engineering Fees: Costs for hydro-geologists, material analysis, and project design.
- Construction Costs: Costs associated with the construction of new small dams, including the installation of wet wells.
- Water Management Systems: This includes pumps (electric, solar, wind), pipelines, floating intakes, pressure systems, and permanently installed water storage tanks.
- Fencing and Watering Systems: Permanent fencing to exclude livestock and costs for watering appliances such as bowls, nose pumps, and troughs over 100 gallons are also eligible.
- Power Infrastructure: This covers solar or wind-powered livestock watering systems, with a combined maximum of $20,000 per applicant over the program’s duration.
Ineligible expenses include costs related to basic repairs and maintenance, connections to potable water utilities, generators, used materials, and any activities commencing before October 1, 2022.
Application Process
The application process for FRWIP involves several key steps:
- Pre-Approval: Applicants must secure pre-approval for their projects and meet all regulatory requirements prior to starting construction. This includes obtaining necessary written authorizations and permits from the Water Security Agency (WSA).
- Project Completion: Projects must be fully constructed and operational before submitting a claim for the rebate. Interim payments are not provided, and all claims must be backed by paid invoices and proof of payment.
- Submission of Claims: Claims should be submitted within 18 months from the date of written project approval or by March 31, 2028. Original invoices are not returned, so applicants are advised to submit copies.
Important Deadlines
Applications for pre-approval must be submitted by December 31, 2027. Projects must be completed and operational by March 31, 2028, ensuring ample time for any unforeseen delays or additional compliance measures.
Regulatory Compliance
Meeting all regulatory requirements is mandatory for eligibility. Key approvals include:
- Landowner Authorization: Required if the project is on land not owned by the applicant.
- Water Security Agency (WSA) Permits: Including Aquatic Habitat Protection Permits and Water Rights Licences if applicable.
- Municipal Approvals: Necessary if the project will cross any road allowance.
- Environmental Sensitivity Authorized: Projects within environmentally sensitive areas require additional consents.
New Entrants and Special Provisions for Indigenous Applicants
FRWIP provides a pathway for new agricultural entrants who may not yet meet the $50,000 gross income threshold. There are also specialized support structures to reduce barriers for Indigenous producers. These applicants can contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre for personalized assistance and guidance through the application process.
Steps Before You Apply
Before applying, it’s crucial to review the full eligibility criteria, assess the project against the program’s requirements, and ensure all regulatory approvals are in place. You must also decide on adequate financial and operational plans to meet the program's mandates.
Contact Information
For questions and additional support, you can reach out to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre toll-free at 1-866-457-2377, or send an email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca. It is recommended that you engage with program specialists to navigate the application process smoothly.
Conclusion
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) offers significant financial support to Saskatchewan’s agricultural producers, aiming to ensure sustainable water development projects. By following the detailed guidelines and meeting the eligibility criteria, producers can secure substantial rebates, facilitating the construction of essential infrastructure like small dams, which are pivotal for long-term agricultural success.
