Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP)

The Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) is a statewide initiative established under the Clean Streams Fund as part of Pennsylvania's FY2022-23 General Fund Budget. With an overall budget allocation of $154 million, the program aims to support agricultural landowners and operators across the Commonwealth in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff from farms. By enhancing soil health and protecting water quality, ACAP contributes to Pennsylvania’s broader environmental and conservation goals. ACAP is administered by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) and locally implemented by delegated county conservation districts. These districts receive funding based on an apportionment model created by the SCC that considers several environmental and agricultural metrics: agriculturally impaired stream miles, number of cropland acres, number of farms, and livestock and poultry figures. Allocations are disbursed annually over three years, with funds required to be committed by December 31, 2024, and fully spent by December 31, 2026. For instance, Lancaster County has been apportioned approximately $15.5 million, distributed evenly across three years. Eligible applicants must have legal or financial responsibility for an agricultural operation or land where such activities take place. The program supports a wide range of eligible project costs, including engineering and design, construction and installation, materials, labor (including applicant-provided labor), and post-construction inspection. Up to 10% of construction cost estimates can be allocated to private technical service providers. To qualify, projects must implement BMPs that align with existing Conservation Plans, Agricultural Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plans, Manure or Nutrient Management Plans. Applications must show compliance with the PA Technical Design Guide or other standards accepted by the SCC. Projects that address stormwater runoff from Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs), are near sensitive environmental zones such as surface waters or karst geology, or contribute to watershed or county-level action plans will be prioritized. Buffer installations are also mandatory if stipulated in a project’s approved conservation documentation when manure storage or heavy use areas are included. The maximum grant award is capped at $500,000 per applicant per year unless a higher amount is explicitly approved by the SCC. Cost share percentages may vary by district; in Lancaster County, for example, the program offers up to 90% cost share. Projects exceeding $25,000 in value are subject to Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage laws. The program allows fund stacking with other funding sources and requires adherence to procurement guidelines based on project size: micro-purchases under $10,000, small purchases between $10,000 and $249,999, and sealed bidding for projects above $250,000. ACAP operates on a rolling submission basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications may be submitted at any time and are reviewed and ranked monthly by the local conservation district boards. Completed application packets for Lancaster County should be submitted to Kent Bitting, PE. Review decisions are issued within 90 days of submission. Program documentation, including guidelines and a BMP list, is available via the State Conservation Commission and Lancaster County Conservation District websites. Applicants may contact Eric Cromer, ACAP/CEG Coordinator, for support via email at [email protected] or by phone at 223-666-2556.

Prioritize BMPs near water sources and complete plans before applying