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Cost Share Program
Top-Costshare

Overview:

Our Cost-Share Program assists landowners and managers install conservation practices on their property within New Castle County in both urban and agricultural settings. Depending on the type of practice and project specifics, cost-share rates range from 30-75%. See below for more information on different eligible practices. 

Application Process:

1) Contact our office at (302)365-8970 to learn about fund availability and schedule a site visit by one of our planners. 

AFTER A VISIT WITH ONE OF OUR PLANNERS:

2) Complete a cost-share application (provided by NCCD Staff) and send to: 

ATTN: Elizabeth Hook

New Castle Conservation District

2430 Old County Rd

Newark, DE 19702

3) Submitted applications go before the NCCD Board of Supervisors for deliberation during monthly board meetings.

 

4) Applicant is notified of NCCD Board's decision or, if required, is sent a request for more information.

 

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Culvert pipe over farm ditch

Lombardy ES garden - stone for drainage.

Lombardy Elementary- stone added to improved drainage around school garden beds

Agriculture and Urban 
The following practices are eligible for cost-share in both urban and agricultural areas.
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Erosion Control - up to 50% Urban/75% Ag

The purpose of this category is to reduce soil erosion and in doing so, protect and improve soil and water quality.  This category includes the following practices:

 

  • Critical Area Treatment

  • Grassed Waterways

  • Terraces

  • Grade Control Structures

  • Water and Sediment Control Basins

  • Streambank Protection

Underdrain and riprap swale to CB.JPG

Water Management - up to 30%

The purpose of this category is to control water elevations to enhance soils for intended use, protect structures, and to improve water quality.  This category includes the following practices:

  • Ditches

  • Tile Drains

  • Underground Outlets

  • Water Control Structures

Agriculture
The following practices are eligible for cost-share only in agricultural areas.
large manure structure on Cook farm.JPG

Water Quality - up to 75%

The purpose of this category is to reduce pollution of ground and/or surface water by excess nutrients, sediment, and organics.  This category includes the following practices:

  • Manure Storage Ponds

  • Manure Storage Structures

  • Composters

  • Winter Cover Crops

  • Riparian Forest Buffer

  • Filter Strips

  • Roof Water Management (where livestock is involved)

  • Fencing (where livestock is involved)

  • Wetland Creation

Cover Crop
Cover crop off Gumbush Road.JPG

Cover Crop

Cover crop is an emphasized practice under the "Water Quality" cost-share category due to cover crop's ability to absorb unused crop nutrients, improve soil health, and reduce soil erosion. To be eligible for this program:

  • Producers and landowners must be actively engaged in farming.

  • A minimum of 5 acres is required per farm. 

  • Eligible land must be following an annual crop (row crops or vegetables).  Acreages following perennial crops, hay, or pasture are not eligible.

2024-2025 Cover Crop Program

 

This is for those drilling or broadcasting cover crops incorporating rye/wheat/barley. 

If you have  questions about the program,  please contact Caleb Hopkins  by calling (302) 832- 3100 ext. 8977 or emailing  Caleb.Hopkins@delaware.gov. 

2024-2025 Cover Crop Program Forms: 

2024-2025 Program Guide 

2024-2025 Program Certification Form

2024-2025 Application Form

Urban Agriculture
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Urban Farmer and Gardener

Mini-Grant

This program is unique to New Castle County and is designed to help urban growers improve and/or increase the access to local, healthy foods in urban areas. This includes many different types of practices at a wide variety of scales. Past projects have included:

  • Rain barrels

  • Fencing

  • Garden start ups

  • Acquiring soil and tools

  • many more!

 

Unlike our other cost-share categories, this funding is only open for applications at the beginning of each year and has an award limit of $3000.  For more information, go to our Urban Agriculture page or contact Madison Walter