USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Emergency cost-sharing is limited to new conservation problems in Secretarially or Presidentially declared disaster areas created by natural disasters which: if not treated will impair or endanger the land; materially affect the productive capacity of the land; represent damage which is unusual in character and, except for wind erosion, is not the type which, would recur frequently in the same area; and will be so costly to rehabilitate that Federal assistance is or will be required to return the land to productive agricultural use. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any person who as owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm or ranch, including associated groups, bears a part of the cost of an approved conservation practice in a Secretarially or Presidentially declared disaster area is eligible to apply for cost-share conservation assistance. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: Proof of contribution to the cost of performing the conservation practice. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: Eligible persons make application on Form ASCS-245, for cost sharing at any time during the year, at the ASCS county office for the county in which the land is located. Award Procedure: The Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation (ASC) county committee must approve applications in whole or in part within the county allocation of Federal funds for that purpose. Deadlines: Application for payment must be filed with the ASC county committee by a prescribed date. The conservation practice for which cost shares have been approved must be completed during the program year, within the time specified by the ASC county committee and such performance reported to the county office within a specified time. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Two to three weeks. Appeals: Participant may appeal to ASC county committee or of fice, State committee, or Deputy Administrator, on any determination. Renewals: Certain approvals may be extended by the ASC county committee or renewals may be made under a future program year. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Cost-share payment or advance of conservation materials or services in lieu of payments is required. The agricultural producer usually pays about 20 percent of the conservation practice. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Practice cost-share approvals are given on a program year basis. The approvals specify the time in which the practice must be carried out. Payment is by sight draft following completion of the measure. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Not applicable. Audits: Random selections and questioned cases by the Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-60-3316-0-1-302. Obligations: (Grants) FY 74 $10,743,274; FY 75 est $18,000,000; and FY 76 est $21,687,589. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $200 to $2,200; $400. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As a result of natural disasters in fiscal year 1974, 2,000,000 acres were served. It is estimated that 1,300,000 acres will be served in fiscal year 1975. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 C.F.R. 701.94. Program is announced through the news media and in letters to eligible participants in the county area designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a disaster arca. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Farmers are advised to contact their local county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office after a natural disaster has occurred to determine whether the county has been designated eligible for emergency cost-share assistance. Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS county office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.404, Emergency Loans. 10.055 FEED GRAIN PRODUCTION STABILIZATION (Feed Grain Direct Payments) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: Food and Agriculture Act of 1965, as amended; Public Law 89-321; Public Law 90-559. Agricultural Act of 1970; Public Law 91-524, Title V; 7 U.S.C. 1421, 1441-1442. Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; Public Law 93-86. OBJECTIVES: To attract the production needed to meet domestic and foreign demand, to protect income for farmers, and to assure adequate supplies at fair and reasonable prices. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Deficiency payments are used to provide producers with a guaranteed price on the portion of the crop produced on the allotment in the event average prices drop below the established or "target" price. A feed grain producer who participates can also qualify for disaster payments when prevented by natural disaster from planting any portion of his allotment, or when he is prevented from harvesting two-thirds of the normal production of his allotment. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper on a APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Farm operator visits ASCS office prior to a prescribed final date to certify planted acreage and signs application Form ASCS-580 giving intent to participate and share in planted acres. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: Specific producer certification and signup deadlines are announced. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approval of payments depends upon farmer certification of acreage and other eligibility, and is fairly routine and prompt when it is determined that a payment is required. Appeals: If producer questions allotments, yields, or other determinations, he may appeal to the ASCS county office within 15 days after being notified. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Payment by sight draft, based on sign-up for participation, is made after it is determined a payment is required. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Applicant reports any disaster which would affect crop yield. Audits: Spot checks at county or State level by Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture, and the General Accounting Office. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-66-4336-0-3-351. Obligations: (Direct payments) FY 74 $1,141,899,000; FY 75 est $351,000,000; and FY 76 est $104,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $3 to $20,000; $610. (Feed grain wheat and cotton payments, in total, may not exceed $20,000 to any one person for the particular crop year.) PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1974, there were 1,870,963 participating farms and they received total payments of $1,141,899,000. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Program regulations published in Federal Register. Announcements issued to news media and letters to producers. “ASCS Production Adjustment Programs", BI-5 USDA, no cost; Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS county office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.052, Cotton Production Stabilization; 10.058, Wheat Production Stabilization. 10.056 STORAGE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT LOANS (Farm Storage and Drying Equipment Loans) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: Agriculture Act of 1949, as amended; 12 U.S.C. 1134c. Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, as amended; 15 U.S.C. 714-714p. Agricultural Act of 1970; Public Law 91524. OBJECTIVES: To complement the commodity loan program by providing adequate financing for needed on-farm storage facilities and drying equipment, thereby affording farmers the opportunity for orderly marketing of their crops. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The loans are used to finance the purchase of storage structures and drying equipment needed. To qualify for loans the farmers must meet the need eligibility requirements for storing or conditioning of one or more of the following commodities: barley, corn, grain sorghum, oats, rye, wheat, soybeans, sunflower seed, rice, dry edible beans, flaxseed, and peanuts. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any person who as owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper produces one or more of the 12 eligible commodi ties. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: Record of farming operation must be on file in the ASCS county office. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: The producer must file an application, Form CCC-185, in the ASCS county office showing production, name of vendor from whom facility will be purchased, and cost of proposed installation. Paid receipts for equipment or purchases must also be furnished the ASCS county office. Award Procedure: Approval of loans is made by ASC county committee. Deadlines: The producer must file an application not later than 30 days after delivery of the structure or equipment to the farm. Loans must be disbursed within 4 months after approval unless extended. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 2 to 4 weeks. Appeals: Applications may be reviewed by county, State, or national offices. Renewals: Loans may be extended one year past maturity after approval by the State committee and under emergency conditions. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Payment is by sight draft 24 months after approval of assistance. Disbursements may be by lump sum or separately to vendors. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Audits: Spot check at county office, State office, and field office level by Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture, and the General Accounting Office. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-66-4336-0-3-351. Obligations: (Loans) FY 74 $92,067,346; FY 75 est $25,000,000; and FY 76 est $35,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $200 to $25,000; $3,742. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: There were 24,602 new loans made in fiscal year 1974 totaling $92,067,346. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Program regu lations published in Federal Register. Announcements issued to news media and letters to producers. "The Price Support Program," BI-4-USDA, no cost; Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS county office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.051, Commodity Loans and Purchases. 10.058 WHEAT PRODUCTION STABILIZATION (Wheat Direct Payments) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: Food and Agriculture Act of 1965, as amended; Public Law 89-321. Public Law 90-559. Agricultural Act of 1970; Public Law 91-524, Title IV; 7 U.S.C. 1331-1340, 1379. Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; Public Law 93-86. OBJECTIVES: To attract the production that is needed to meet domestic and foreign demand for food, to protect income for farmers, and to reduce public cost. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Deficiency payments are used to provide producers with a guaranteed return on the portion of the crop produced on the allotment in the event average prices drop below the established, or "target" price. A wheat producer who participates can also qualify for disaster payments when prevented by natural disaster from planting any portion of his allotment, or when prevented from harvesting twothirds of the normal production of his allotment. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Owner, landlord, tenant or sharecropper on a farm that has history of producing the commodities, and meets program requirements as announced by the Secretary. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: Record of farming operation must be on file in the ASCS county office. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: Farm operator visits ASCS office prior to a prescribed final date to certify planted acreage and signs application Form ASCS-580 giving intent to participate and share in planted acres. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: Specific producer certification and signup deadlines are announced. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approval of payments depends upon farmer certification of acreage and other eligibility, and is fairly routine and prompt when it is determined that a payment is required. Appeals: If producer questions allotments, yields, or other determinations, he may appeal to the ASCS county office within 15 days of being notified. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Payment by sight draft, based on sign-up for participation, is made after it is determined a payment is required. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Applicant reports any disaster which would affect crop yield. Audits: Spot checks at county or State level by Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture, and the General Accounting Office. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-66-4336-0-3-351. Obligations: (Direct payments) FY 74 $490,877,075; FY 75 est $102,000,000; and FY 76 est $75,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $3 to $20,000; $817. (Wheat, feed grains, and cotton payments, in total, may not exceed $20,000 to any one person for the particular crop year.) PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1974, there were 1,053,360 participating wheat farms and they received total payments of $490,877,075. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Program regulations published in Federal Register. Announcements issued to news media and letters to producers. "ASCS Production Adjustment Programs,” BI-5 USDA, no cost; Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS county office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.052, Cotton Production Stabilization, 10.052, Feed Grain Production Stabilization. 10.059 NATIONAL WOOL ACT PAYMENTS (Wool and Mohair Payments) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: National Wool Act of 1954, as amended; Public Law 89-321; Public Law 90-559 (Food and Agricultural Act of 1965, as amended); Public Law 91-524, Title III (Agricultural Act of 1970); 7 U.S.C. 1781- 1787. Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; Public Law 93-86. OBJECTIVES: To encourage increased domestic production of wool at prices fair to both producers and consumers in a way that has the least adverse effects on foreign trade and to encourage producers to improve the quality and marketing of their wool and mohair. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Payments when required are made to growers to supplement farm income. No restrictions are placed on the use of these funds. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any person who owns sheep or lambs for 30 days or more and sells shorn wool or unshorn lambs during the marketing year. Any person who owns angora goats for 30 days or more and sells mohair produced therefrom. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: Application for payment supported by appropriate sales document. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: Producer files application for payment (National Wool Act - Form CCC-1155) at local ASCS county office. The wool and mohair producers turn in bill of sale to ASCS county office with the application form. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: January 31 following the end of the marketing year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approval of applications for payment are fairly routine and prompt. Appeals: Applicants may appeal to the county ASCS office within 15 days after being notified. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Payments are by sight draft on April 1, following the marketing year. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Not applicable. Audits: Spot checks at county or State level by Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture, and the General Accounting Office. Records: Applicants are required to keep records of production, purchases, and sales for 3 years after the end of marketing year. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-66-4336-0-3-351. Obligations: (Direct payments) FY 74 $100,604; FY 75 est $11,397,000; and FY 76 est $19,136,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1974 $100,604 was paid producers for prior year's programs. No payments were made to wool or mohair producers on the 1973 crop since prices were above support. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Program regulations published in Federal Register. Announcements issued to news media and letters to producers. “ASCS Wool and Mohair Fact Sheets," no cost, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS County Office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. 10.060 BEEKEEPER INDEMNITY PAYMENTS FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Act of 1970, Public Law 91-524, Title II and VIII; 7 U.S.C. 135 b note. Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; Public Law 93-86. OBJECTIVES: To indemnify beekeepers who through no fault of their own have suffered losses of honey bees as a result of utilization of economic poisons near or adjacent to the property on which the bee hives were located. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The beekeeper is paid for his loss resulting from the damage done to his bees as a result of the use of pesticides. No payment may be made to any beekeeper whose bees were killed as result of economic poisons which had not been registered and approved for use by the Federal Government. Loss had to occur after January 1, 1967. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: The beekeeper must establish that he suffered a loss of bees; that the loss of bees was the result of the use of pesticides near or adjacent to his apiary and occurred without his fault; that if he used pesticides, his use of pesticides in no way contributed to the loss of his bees; that if he had advance notice that pesticides were going to be used near his apiary, he took reasonable steps to protect his bees. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: A beekeeper shall submit evidence proving his loss of honey bees; proving the use of registered and approved pesticides; proving the loss occurred through no fault of his own and proving that he took reasonable steps to care for his honey bees. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: An application for payments (either Form ASCS 448 or ASCS 449) accompanied by appropriate documentation shall be filed with the local county ASCS office. Award Procedure: Initial approval is made by ASCS county committee; final approval is made by Program Operations Division in Washington. Deadlines: Not later than April 1 following the year in which the loss occurred. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 30 to 60 days. and Conservation Committee and to Deputy Administrator, Programs, ASCS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Payment is by Treasury check after claim approval. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Audits: On a spot basis by Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture. Also subject to GAO post audit. Records: The beekeeper must keep any records used in applying for a payment for 3 years following the year during which the application for payment was filed. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-60-3314-0-1-351. Obligations: (Direct payments) FY 74 $3,015,351; FY 75 est $1,767,656; and FY 76 est $3,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Range: Variable. Average: $5,383. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As of December 31, 1974, 4,326 claims in the amount of $14,500,000 had been approved for payment to beekeepers under this program. This covers the period January 1, 1967 to December 31, 1974. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Program is announced through news media, circulars and regulations issued by ASCS, and Program Handbook 4-LD issued by ASCS. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS county office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. 10.061 EMERGENCY LIVESTOCK FEED PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Act of 1949, Sections 407, 421, and clauses 1 and 2 of section 407, as amended; Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, as amended; Executive Order 11336; Public Law 86-299; 7 U.S.C. 1427. OBJECTIVES: To provide assistance to eligible livestock owners or needy Indian tribes through either sale or donations of Commodity Credit Corporation owned feed grains. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Sale, exchange, or donation of Property and Goods. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Commodity Credit Corporation stocks of feed grains are available at reduced prices to livestock owners or donated to needy Indian tribes in areas designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. Donations to needy Indian tribes are carried out under supervision and direction of the Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation, and administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior. Feed is distributed only to eligible Indians, according to general standards jointly determined by the Departments of Agriculture and Interi or. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Livestock owners who (1) do not have sufficient feed; (2) have suffered serious loss of feed; (3) require feed purchases larger than usual because of emergency; and (4) would suffer undue financial hardship in obtaining sufficient feed through normal channels. Members of designated Indian tribes who are without sufficient means to purchase feed after allowances for necessary living expenses. Eligibility is determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Need is usually brought about by severe drought, flood, hurricane, blizzard, or other uncontrollable catastrophes. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: Applicant must satisfy the County Committee that he meets requirements, or have the tribal governing official determine his eligibility. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Program is announced through news media or normal tribal procedures in the county or area designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as an emergency area. Application Procedure: Application made on Form DF-6 at the ASCS county office. Indians make formal application for assistance to authorized personnel at designated offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Award Procedures: County office approves application for sales and the authorized official approves donations. Deadlines: Grain approved must be delivered and fed by the end of the program period. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approval is fairly prompt and routine. Appeals: Appeals may be made to County or State ASCS committees. There is no formal appeal under the donation program. Renewals: Livestock owners may file applications for additional assistance prior to the program termination date by contacting the ASCS county office. Members of needy Indian tribes may file applications for additional assistance by contacting designated offices. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Assistance remains available for the duration of the emergency situation. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Not applicable. Audits: Audits are performed by the Office of Audit, Department of Agriculture, and spot checks are performed by county and State ASCS personnel. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-66-4336-0-3-351. Obligations: (Sale, exchange, or donation of property and goods) FY 74 $213,000; FY 75 est $600,000; and FY 76 est $300,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: During fiscal year 1974, 47 counties in 6 States participated. Feed grain was donated to 4 InIdian tribes in 2 States. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Livestock Feed Regional or Local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.054, Emergency Conservation Measures; 10.404, Emergency Loans; 15.119, Indian Lands Management. 10.062 WATER BANK PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: Range AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: Water Bank Act, Public Law 91-559. OBJECTIVES: To conserve surface waters; preserve and improve migratory waterfowl habitat and wildlife resources; and secure other environmental benefits and agricultural production limitations. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants; Advisory Services and Counseling. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Agreements are for 10 years with eligible landowners to help preserve important breeding and nesting areas of migratory waterfowl. During the agreement, the participants agree in return for annual payments not to drain, burn, fill, or otherwise destroy the wetland character of such areas and not to use areas for agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary. The Secretary carries out the program in harmony with wetlands programs administered by the Secretary of the Interior and utilizes technical and related services of appropriate State, Federal, and private conservation agencies to assure proper coordination. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Landowners and operators of specified types of wetlands in designated important migratory waterfowl nesting and breeding areas. Beneficiary Eligibility: Same as applicant eligibility. Credentials/Documentation: Identification as an owner and/or operator of eligible land; a conservation plan developed in cooperation with the local soil and water conservation district; and proof of required compliance. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Program is announced through news media and letters to persons eligible to participate in areas designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. Application Procedure: Make application any time prior to announced closing date at ASCS county office for the county in which the land is located. Applicant must develop an approved conservation farm plan with local soil and water conservation dis trict. Award Procedure: ASC county committee must approve applications within the county allocation of Federal funds for that purpose. Deadlines: As announced by ACS county committee. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: The period officially specified for the program year. Appeals: Any matter affecting the right of a person in a designated area to participate and the amount of payments due, as provided in ASCS appeals procedure. Renewals: Subject to mutual agreement between the Secretary and the participant, within program provisions specified by the Secretary, for additional 10-year periods. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Annual payments may be made within the announced rate structures, for the eligible acreage. Participant must undertake needed land and water manage ment measures. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Annual payments will be made for 10 years, and may be continued for additional periods of 10 years if mutually agreed to at the rates offered by the Secretary. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Performance reports, if any annual payments are made in advance of performance. (Statistical reports are made by administering offices.) Audits: On a spot basis by Office of Audit, Department of Agricul ture. Records: None. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 05-60-3320-0-1-302. Obligations: (Grants) FY 74 $3,772,680; FY 75 est $19,027,242; and FY 76 est Not presently available. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: From $4.00 to $20.00 per acre. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: About 80,000 acres were placed under agreement for the 1972 program; about 86,000 acres were placed under agreement for the 1974 program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 752. Program is announced through the news media and in letters to eligible participants in the county area designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a participating county. Also, Program Handbook 1-WBP issued by ASCS. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult the local telephone directory for location of the ASCS county office. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate ASCS State office listed in appendix. Headquarters Office: Environmental Quality and Land Use Division, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.900, Great Plains Conservation; 10.901, Resource Conservation and Development; 10.902, Soil and Water Conservation; 15.400, Outdoor Recreation-Acquisition, Development and Planning; 15.611, Wildlife Restoration; 65.001, Water Resources Planning. 10.063 AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM (ACP) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL TURE AUTHORIZATION: The Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, approved February 29, 1936, Sections 7 to 15, 16(a), and 17, as amended; Public Law 74-46; 16 U.S.C. 590d, 590g-590o, 590p(a), and 590q. OBJECTIVES: To stimulate and help farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners (primarily through cost-sharing) to carry out approved annual soil, water, woodland, and wildlife conservation practices, and long-term agreements from 3 to 10 years to assure wise use and adequate protection of the Nation's agricultural lands, help achieve additional conservation on land now in agricultural production, and improve man's total environment, with direct benefits to the public. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The conservation practices are to be used on agricultural land and must be performed satisfactorily |