PHOENIX, Ariz. — USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Jan. 14 federal funding for new conservation projects across the nation that are poised to improve soil health, water quality and water use efficiency, wildlife habitat and other related natural resources on private lands.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is unique because for the first time, private sources will provide a dollar-for-dollar match with assistance and financial support to resolve local problems. RCPP funding for projects to make long-term improvements in water quality and soil health was earmarked in the 2014 farm bill.

According to Vilsack, this round of projects amounts to $372.5 million, which amounts to 7 percent of total Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program funds. One hundred fifteen total projects of varying scale in all states and Puerto Rico received funding. Of those, 21 address issues on a national scope.

More than 600 applications were submitted during the first call for proposals.

“This is an entirely new approach to conservation efforts,” said Vilsack. “These partnerships empower communities to set priorities and lead the way on conservation efforts important for their region. They also encourage private sector investment so we can make an impact that’s well beyond what the federal government could accomplish on its own.

“We’re giving private companies, local communities and other non-government partners a way to invest in a new era in conservation that ultimately benefits us all.”

Jason Weller, chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, said, “This is an example of government at its best. We are empowering communities and farmers to combine resources and work together to solve local issues. It’s a chance to include commodity organizations, dairy cooperatives, utilities and the private ag sector to come together in locally-led projects.”

Each funded project includes an average of 11 private partners. Project action isn’t limited by just one program or acronym, which is generally the case when implementing conservation practices for a specific purpose such as manure retention systems or stream bank stabilization. “You will have all the tools to work with, not just one acronym to work with. This is not just a ranch-by-ranch approach,” said Weller.

In addition to accomplishing conservation goals, the investments create jobs in communities. Conservation work involves building and maintaining infrastructure on farms or in the field that require contractors, engineers, construction workers and more. Not only can cleaner water enhance wildlife habitat, but it aids local tourism, hunting and fishing and the outdoor recreation industry.

RCPP projects include a wide array of agriculture and natural resources activities, from helping farmers create drought resiliency to improving drinking water resources.

Other projects provide habitat improvement for game and at-risk species such as the sage grouse.

“RCPP is a five-year, $1.2 billion USDA opportunity,” said Weller. “Projects not selected in the first year may be eligible in subsequent years.”

The next announcement for program funding during fiscal year 2016 will be announced later this year. Funding announced last week is allocated for the first two years of the program.