For more information, contact:

Claudia Dalbey, Secretary

Phone: 515-382-2217

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CONSERVATION LOANS

Two types of loans are available for conservation practices and structures.

No-interest loans:

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is offering no-interest loans to landowners who implement permanent conservation practices on their land. Landowners may borrow up to $10,000 for a 10 year period for things such as grade stabilization structures, waterways, pasture or hayland planting, terraces and sediment control basins.

Since 1983, the program has provided loans to over nine-hundred Iowa producers. The program offers an alternative to traditional state and federal grant programs. Unlike grant programs, the loan program is self sustaining. By design, the funds revolve -- meaning as producers make payments on their loans, these funds become available to make new loans.

No-interest loan applications are reviewed and approved by the Story Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). To apply, contact the Story SWCD at 515 382-2217. Applications are accepted year round.

 

Low-interest loans:

The Story Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a new program to area landowners. A product of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), the Local Water Protection Program (LWPP) will offer three percent loans for water quality projects in an effort to reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides negatively impacting local streams and lakes.

Landowners can use the low interest loan to cover 100 percent of the costs - up to $50,000 - associated with water quality protection projects such as terraces, waste storage structures, water and sediment control basins, pasture and hay land planting, and grade stabilization structures.

The LWPP is a revolving loan fund that can provide $6 million in loans each year. A linked deposit loan structure enables landowners to work with their personal lenders. Lenders participating with the program agree to provide loans at no more than 3% with terms up to ten years. A list of participating lenders is available at www.ifaprograms.com.

Applications are now being accepted year round by the Story SWCD. For further program details you can contact the Story SWCD or Tony Toigo with the Division of Soil Conservation at tony.toigo@idals.state.ia.us or by phone at 515 281-6148.