Conservation Excellence Grant Program (CEG)

Created by Act 39 of 2019, the Conservation Excellence Grant provides financial and technical assistance for implementing agricultural best management practices (BMPs) in high-priority (Chesapeake Bay) watersheds, through grants, loans, and tax credits or a combination of all three. Administered by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission and delivered as a reimbursement grant through county conservation districts.

Agricultural operations in priority locations under the Chesapeake Bay plan — Tier 1 (Lancaster, York), Tier 2 (Bedford, Centre, Cumberland, Franklin, Lebanon), Tier 3 (sixteen counties), then all others. The application must verify that an Agricultural Erosion & Sedimentation Plan or Conservation Plan, a Manure Management Plan, or a Nutrient Management Plan has been developed and is available.

A single grant awarded to an eligible applicant may not exceed $250,000; small grants for projects under $25,000 are also available. Operates as a reimbursement grant. Lancaster and York award cost share up to 75% of construction cost plus up to an additional 10% for engineering/planning. Costs not covered with CEG grant funds or other public funds may be eligible for REAP tax credits (50-75%). Approved projects must be completed within 2 years of the agreement, and BMPs must be maintained for the practice lifespan or a prorated portion of the grant returned. Money may be provided through grants, loans, tax credits, or a combination.

Complete a CEG Application and submit it to your local County Conservation District Office. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis in the order received, and applicants are notified within 60 days. Find your county conservation district at pacd.org.