From the 2019 NACD Summer Conservation Forum and Tour. Learn how to implement an Alternative Funding Arrangement at the Local Level, using the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District (ERASWCD) as a guide.

1. Alternative Funding Arrangement at the Local
Conservation District
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2.  One of 47 local conservation districts
throughout the state
 Serves the Southern and Eastern half of Rio
Arriba County situated in North Central NM
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3.  District Manager
 Administrative support
 Summer Youth
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4.  Programs
◦ YCC summer youth
◦ Acequia program
◦ Coordinated Weed Program
◦ Equipment Rental
◦ Conservation Program
◦ RCPP – Rio Chama/San Juan Watershed Restoration
 Alternative Funding Arrangement
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5.  Granted $3.2 million
 Building Resiliency in the Rio Chama/San Juan
 Only local conservation district proposal in
the entire US to be authorized the use of
“Alternative Funding Arrangement.”
 Partner leverage contribution -$13.4 million
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6.  Normally would have to apply for EQIP
funding under a “informal or formal” joint
venture.
 NMACD receives funding directly
 NMACD is responsible for the implementation
of the entire program along with partners
◦ Application, ranking, funding, technical assistance,
planning, reports etc.
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7.  Submit application for AFA
 Demonstrate ability to manage conservation programs
(assess, plan, implement, reports)
 ERASWCD is responsible for implementing the program
that includes:
 Outreach
 Application process –criteria, forms
 Ranking process – criteria, forms
 Planning process – forms
 Contracting process – bidding, individual contracts
 Reporting Requirements
 Audits
 Partner coordination, cooperation, collaboration &
communication
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8.  Application process – a “batching” or
application deadline date will be established
 All applications will ranked. Ranking process
is developed with all partners
 Highest ranked applications will be notified of
funding opportunity
 Partner(s) will be notified if applicable
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9.  ERASWCD will enter into contract with
individuals
 The state’s procurement process (bidding)
will be utilized to implement projects
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10.  Farm Bill
◦ HEL/Wetland provision
◦ Payment limitation
◦ Eligible producer
◦ Meet definition of “socially disadvantaged, beginner
F/R, Limited Producer for 90% cost share
Good news – the process is a self certification
utilizing a form developed by ERASWCD
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11.  All designs must meet NRCS standards and
specifications
 A licensed engineer stamp is required
 NRCS will conduct review of all designs
 NRCS is responsible for NEPA process
◦ Environmental
◦ Archeological
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12.  Marcos Valdez
 District Manager
 East Rio Arriba SWCD
 19283 US Hwy 84/285 Suite 112
 Hernandez, NM 87537
 505-753-3508 Ext. 104
OR
 Norman Vigil
 575-684-0042
 505-967-8760
 Norman.vigilsr@outlook.com
 P.O. Box 623
 Canjilon NM, 87515
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