I just bought a farm that’s been in agriculture production for more than 3 years, but I’m new to the area. Can I participate in the cost-share program?

Yes, the criteria is based on the property, not the landowner.

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My property in Prince William County is zoned A-1. I’ve lived on my property for several years and want to start a small farm. Do I qualify for the cost-share program?

No. Cost-share requirements are based on the property, not the landowner. The property has to be in agriculture production for the past 3 consecutive years in order to qualify.

I don't understand how the lifespan of a practice works. Can you explain it?
The lifespan for most practices begins on Jan. 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year of certification of completion. For example, if a practice was completed in March 2020 and has a 5 year lifespan, the lifespan of the practice would start on January 1 2021 and end on December 31, 2025.
 

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My practice has a 10 year lifespan. What happens if I move within the lifespan?

As you are the one who received the cost-share payment, you are responsible for the practice throughout its lifespan, even if you no longer own the property. HOWEVER, we have a form available to transfer the responsibility from you to the new landowners. Please notify the District prior to moving for further assistance.

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My practice has multiple components. Can I get reimbursed as I complete each component?

No. The entire practice must be completed and verified before payment is submitted

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How do I choose a contractor?
Though we cannot recommend a contractor, we do have a list of contractors in the area with their contact information. Contact us and we can give you a copy of the list.

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I started construction for my practice before it went through the approval process. Will that affect my application?

Yes. You may not get reimbursed for anything installed prior to approval. Starting a practice before it’s approved could void your application.

What if I sign-up for the cost-share program, my practice gets approved by the board, but I later change my mind and don’t want to participate?

No problem! You can drop out at any time. The only time you are in a contract is when you receive and cash your cost-share check. If you change your mind and want to participate after you canceled, you’ll have to go through the approval process again. Any work done prior to canceling your practice cannot be reimbursed through the cost-share program.

I have animals in the creek, but I don’t want to participate in the cost-share program because even with the reimbursement, the up-front costs are too high for us. Will I get in trouble?

First of all, we are non-regulatory. That means if we see an environmental concern, we want to work with you at resolving it.

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As for the funding, DEQ has a Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan available at 0% interest. To learn more about the loan program or for an application, please visit: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/clean-water-financing-and-assistance/virginia-clean-water-revolving-loan-fund-vcwrlf/agricultural-bmp.

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I hired a contractor and I want to make sure the practice is installed correctly. What do I do?

Prior to construction, it is a good idea that you and your contractor have a written agreement that the practice will be installed according to our specifications. We also request a meeting with the contractor before construction begins to go over these specifications and make sure everyone is on the same page.
 

I want to go above and beyond the specifications. Is that ok?

Of course it’s ok! Just keep in mind that you will only be reimbursed for the minimum amount to make your practice succeed. For example, if one water trough can cover multiple fields, but you want to install a water trough in each field, you will only receive cost-share for the one water trough.

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I went through all of my receipts and it came to less than what you estimated. Yay! Does that mean I'll get more money?

For practices where you get a percentage back based on your expenses, you will either get what we estimated or whatever you actually spent, whichever is lower. For example, let's say you participated in a practice where you get 75% cost-share based on your expenses. We estimated the practice would cost you $20,000 to install. However, you only spent $14,000. The cost-share you would receive would be based on the $14,000 (which would come out to $10,500). We do our best to fairly estimate costs ahead of time that incorporate the most cost-effective solutions in solving your water quality concerns. We will work with you every step of the way.

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What if a component of my practice is not installed to specs. when you do a final inspection?

Either you or your contractor will need to fix it before we can certify the practice as complete.

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I want to participate in one of the SL-6 practices. I understand that SL-6N is for buffers that are less than 35’ and SL-6W is for buffers that are greater than 35’. If I have a buffer that has some areas that are 25’ and the rest is over 35’, would I sign up for SL-6N or SL-6W?

SL-6N. All buffers have to be greater than 35’ in order to participate in SL-6W.

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What happens if there is a violation cited during a spot-check?

We will let you know and work with you on correcting the violation. We want to see the practice succeed, so the last thing we want to do is ask for funding back. If the violation will not be corrected, or if the practice is destroyed, funding will need to be returned on a pro-rata basis.

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Is cost-share considered taxable income?

Yes. That is one of the main reasons why we need a W-9 when you sign up.

I have questions on how to do my taxes with cost-share. Can the District assist me?

No. The District cannot provide any tax advice. Please consult with your tax adviser.