Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL › Chapter 31 - RULES FOR OPERATION OF POTATO MARKETING IMPROVEMENT FUND › Section 001-31-B-1 - Grant Programs

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Irrigation
				Grant Fund
(a)
Purposes and
				Limitations
The Commissioner may make grants from money received by the
				  fund from sources other than State bonds and interest earned on the loan
				  program cash balance or loans, to individuals, firms, corporations, or other
				  organizations for the purpose of water source development and irrigation,
				  including well drilling and pond construction, alteration of existing ponds or
				  wells, irrigation pipe and pipe burial, water pumps, new irrigation equipment
				  and updating of existing irrigation equipment, and other irrigation uses or
				  projects as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner. Grants under this section
				  are limited to $100,000 per project per applicant. In no event shall any grants
				  under the Grant Fund exceed 75% of the cost of any project eligible to receive
				  a grant.
(b)
Criteria
				for Eligibility
An applicant is eligible to receive a grant under Section 1,
				  upon a clear demonstration of the following:
1) The applicant's production consists
				primarily of potatoes;
2) The
				applicant's existing or proposed water source meets all requirements of the
				Maine DEP Low Flow Rule (Chapter 587).
3) The applicant has a current water
				management plan for use of the water source to be developed.
4) The applicant can prove the ability to
				provide their share of the funds for completion of the
				project.
(c)
Application Requirements
For the purpose of demonstrating a completed application the
				  applicant shall submit a written application to the Commissioner including
				  information or statements showing:
1)
				The applicant's crop production consists primarily of potatoes;
2) The applicant has a current water
				management plan for the water source to be used for irrigation;
3) Documentation that the existing water
				source complies with the Maine DEP Low Flow Rule or a proposed new water source
				will meet the Maine DEP Low Flow Rule;
4) Any required permits have been obtained or
				applied for. Copies of any permits required for the project shall be submitted
				with the application. If any required permits are not approved by the date of
				grant application, the applicant shall submit letter(s) from the permitting
				agency(s) explaining the status of the permits;
5) Documentation that all matching funds have
				been secured.
(d)
Eligible Uses for Grant
If the project involves the construction or alteration of an
				  irrigation water source, purchase and / or installation of pump(s), purchase
				  and / or burial of pipe, irrigation system improvements, or purchase and
				  installation of a new irrigation system, then grant proceeds may be used for
				  any one or more of the following:
1)
				Payment for materials and services in new water source construction, or
				alteration of an existing water source;
2) Payment for materials and services in
				installing a pump(s) and burial of pipe to supply water to the irrigation
				system;
3) Payment for materials
				and services in installing an irrigation system.
(e)
Application Approval Process
Grant funds availability will be made on an annual basis
				  with a formal legal announcement. Grants will be awarded on a first come first
				  served basis. Determination of grant submittal date will be based on the date a
				  completed application is received and time stamped in at the PMIF office in
				  Presque Isle. The Irrigation Grant Review Committee will review the grant
				  application for eligibility and make recommendations to the Commissioner.
				  Grants will continue to be made so long as grant funds are available. Grant
				  awards will be limited to one per farming unit per funding cycle.
(f)
Procedure for Payment of
				Grant Proceeds
Upon presentation of a written estimate or quote as to the
				  cost of a project, the Commissioner will commit to either, a) 75% of that
				  estimate or quote, or, b) $100,000, whichever is less. Upon presentation of a
				  certificate of completion and lien waivers signed by the applicant and by any
				  contractors who provided materials or services to the project, the Commissioner
				  shall issue a check in the amount determined above. Eligible grants will be
				  awarded on a first come first served basis.