See Exhibit 13. The cumulative impacts of CRP on water quality, wildlife, and air quality may be significantly greater in CPA's because of the higher importance of the resources within the area, the synergistic affects of multiple contracts with the designated project area, or both. All State-designated CPA's must be approved by DAFP before the beginning of signup in order to be eligible to receive 25 points. National and State CPA's cannot overlap. The cost factor provides weight to assist in maximizing environmental benefits per dollar of CRP rental payments.
Greater weight is provided to offers with lower costs.
The number of points will be determined after signup ends and will be based on actual offer data. Offers with lower per acre rental rates may increase the probability that the offer will be acceptable. All offers that include cost-share assistance shall receive 0 points for subfactor N7b. The offer would receive 0 points for subfactor N7b. The offer is awarded 10 points for subfactor N7c.