The Soil and Water Conservation Commission (Commission) has the statutory responsibility to create, implement, and supervise three voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. The Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP), the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP), and the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) are governed by 02 NCAC 59D.
An additional grant funded program, The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) annual report is included. StRAP is authorized by the General Assembly via S.L. 2021-180 (2021 Appropriations Act).
This information consolidates the annual reporting for all four programs for fiscal year 2025 (FY2025).
- Section I: Overview: provides an overview of the conservation entities that interact to successfully implement the cost share programs presented here.
- Section II provides details from ACSP, AgWRAP, CCAP, and the annual spot check report.
- StRAP's annual report is summarized separately in Section III.
Section I: Overview
North Carolina Conservation Partnership
There are three main entities responsible for implementing Commission Soil and Water Conservation Programs (Programs) across North Carolina:
- The North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission (Commission),
- The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Soil and Water Conservation (Division),
- Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts Board of Supervisors and staff (Districts).
The Commission consists of seven members who provide statutory authority to the Division to create, implement, and supervise the Programs that are implemented at the District level.
The Division receives guidance from the Commission regarding Program funding allocations and policy updates. The Division also provides administrative and technical support to Districts via Program contracting assistance, environmental and soil evaluations, engineering design services, and BMP trainings to achieve Job Approval Authority.
There are 96 Districts across North Carolina. The Districts consist of 492 elected and appointed district board supervisors and local district staff. With the guidance of the Commission and the assistance of the Division, Districts implement the cost share programs locally, providing cooperators educational, technical, and financial assistance through installation of best management practices (BMPs) to address pollution concerns.
Outside of these three main entities that work directly to implement cost share programs, there are additional partners that play a role in North Carolina’s conservation success. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical assistance and federal funding to the agricultural community, and the North Carolina State Extension performs research that helps the agricultural community implement new technologies and farming techniques across the state. Through these partnerships, additional technical assistance is available to fully assist North Carolina’s farmers and producers.
Cost Share Programs Overview
Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP) ACSP offers both financial and technical assistance for the installation of BMPs to reduce nonpoint source pollution (i.e. pesticides or animal waste runoff) from contaminating the waters of North Carolina on Bonafide farms as defined in General Statute 160D-903. Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) CCAP reduces the delivery of nonpoint source pollution (i.e. pet waste runoff from the local park or sediment runoff from residences or construction sites) into the waters of North Carolina by installing BMPs on developed, non-agricultural lands. Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) AgWRAP offers both financial and technical assistance for the installation of BMPs to improve water use efficiency, availability, and storage on Bonafide farms as defined in General Statute 160D-903. Grant Program: Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) Following the Programs’ Annual Report is the annual report for StRAP, a grant program created by the General Assembly in 2021. StRAP protects and restores drainage infrastructure by removing blockages caused by debris or sediment, stabilizing and restoring streams and streambanks, and rehabilitating small watershed structures constructed pursuant to the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 (PL-566).
Photo: ACSP Rooftop Runoff Management System
Section II: Commission Cost Share Programs Data
State Appropriations and Funding Capabilities
Cost share programs operate on a budget approved by the state legislature for each fiscal year. Each program receives recurring funds annually, and CCAP received an additional, non-recurring appropriation of $500,000 in FY2025. The charts below show the disparity between the amount of funding requested and the amount appropriated for each Program over the past five years. The demand for Program funding is consistently 3-5 times higher than the amount appropriated. Additional funding will continue to improve water resources and support agriculture across North Carolina. Data consistently shows that these Programs are a benefit to the agriculture community statewide and an increase in recurring appropriations is needed.
FY2025 Approved and Completed Contracts
The following maps show the contracts that were approved and contracts that were completed in FY2025 for ACSP, AgWRAP, and CCAP.
- Approved contracts include any contract from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 that was submitted and reviewed by a cost share contract specialist. Approved contracts include all contracts with a status of submitted, pended, revised, or approved.
- Completed contracts include all contracts that were 100% implemented and paid within FY2025. Contracts typically expire after three years, so completed data includes contracts that were approved from FY2022-2025.
Agriculture Cost Share Program
The North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP) was authorized by the General Assembly in 1983 to improve water quality associated with agriculture in three nutrient sensitive watersheds covering 16 counties. In 1990, the program was expanded to include 96 soil and water conservation districts covering all 100 counties across the state. In FY2025, there were 66 approved BMPs in the ACSP that cover both short-term and long-term practices.
While the program was established to improve water quality associated with agriculture, ACSP also benefits the general public. The implementation of the program ensures water quality improvements to local bodies of water, improves soil health and reduces erosion, creates local jobs, and improves the sustainability and resiliency of agribusiness in North Carolina.
Photo: ACSP Livestock Exclusion Fence
N.C.G.S 106-850.74(e) requires that each project’s benefits to water quality be estimated before funding is awarded. To meet this requirement, the Commission chose three indicators of water quality benefits (not all benefits are required for each type of contract - required benefits are determined by a workgroup of technical experts):
- Tons of soil saved,
- Pounds of nitrogen saved or managed,
- Pounds of phosphorous saved or managed.
Tons of soil saved estimates have been required on ASCP contracts since the start of the program. Estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus savings were required by 1997. These estimates have allowed the Division to track progress made by agriculture relative to the nutrient reduction requirements in the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Jordan Lake, and Falls Lake Nutrient Sensitive Water Strategies for agriculture. ACSP plays a key role in helping farmers achieve and maintain the nutrient reductions required within these impaired watersheds. The BMPs implemented within the 694 original contracts completed in FY2025 prevented approximately 126,214 tons of soil, 142,307 pounds of phosphorus, and 444,585 pounds of nitrogen from leaving 51,486 acres of agricultural land. Since the inception of the program in 1984, completed ACSP contracts have saved over 8.2 million tons of soil, 21.8 million pounds of phosphorous, and 8.7 million pounds of nitrogen from entering state watersheds.
Photo: ACSP Livestock Feeding Area
ACSP offers 66 BMPs that are separated into five categories based on the resource concerns. A short description and FY2025 data for each category is provided below.
Agrichemical Pollution Prevention Measures offer seven BMPs that install systems to prevent chemical spills or overspray from threatening surface waters. Mixing facilities, backflow devices, and GPS guidance systems are examples of BMPs in this category. Goals are to increase water quality by increasing chemical application precision and putting spill prevention measures in place. In FY2025, Districts completed three contracts in this category, totaling $18,088. 216 Ag Pollution Prevention contracts have been completed since ACSP began.
Erosion and Nutrient Management Measures offers 16 BMPs to address soil erosion and nutrient runoff from cropland to improve both soil and water quality. Examples of BMPs include cover crops, critical area plantings, cropland conversion to grass or trees, pasture renovation, and residue and tillage management. In FY2025, 1,461 acres of cropland were converted to trees, grass, or wildlife habitat, creating a total of 224,283 acres of cropland converted since ACSP began. Districts paid cooperators $2.43million in erosion and nutrient management BMPs in FY2025, 39% of the total funding paid to completed contracts.
Photo: ACSP Abandoned Tree Removal and Cropland Conversion to Wildlife Habitat
Sediment and Nutrient Management Measures includes 19 BMPs that focus on preventing sediment and excess nutrients from flowing directly into surface waters. Rock-lined outlets, field borders, riparian buffers, water control structures, and pond repairs are a few examples. In FY2025, Districts completed 80 contracts in this category, paying out $523,765 to cooperators across the state and making up 8.4% of the total funds paid to completed contracts. Stream Protection Management Measures includes 9 BMPs that focus on water quality concerns from livestock operations. Exclusion fencing to remove livestock from surface waters, wells to provide an alternate water source, and tanks or troughs reduce soil erosion, pathogen contamination, and sedimentation in surface waters is this category’s main focus. In FY2025, Districts completed 186 stream exclusion projects, making up 16% of the total funds paid to completed contracts at just over $1million.
Photo: ACSP Stream Crossing and Livestock Exclusion Fence
Waste Management Measures includes 17 BMPs that ensure the proper storage of animal waste on livestock operations. Feeding/waste storage structures, livestock mortality management systems, and waste impoundment closures are examples of some of the BMPs available. In FY2025, districts completed 50 contracts, adding to a total of 4,431 waste management contracts since ACSP began. Over $2.2million was paid to cooperators, 36% of the total funds paid in FY2025 to completed contracts.
In total, ACSP allocated $6,242,349 to Districts in FY2025. Districts obligated $4,681,052 to 547 Approved contracts and paid $5,822,510 to 694 Completed contracts. Over the past 5 years, appropriated ACSP funds met 24% of the amount requested—averaging a 76% shortfall annually.
Photo: ACSP Feeding/Waste Storage Structure
Community Conservation Assistance Program
Session Law 2006-78 established the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) with the same goal of reducing the amount of nonpoint source pollution deposited into state waters as ACSP. CCAP differs from ACSP because it is only available to homeowners, businesses, schools, parks, and publicly owned lands that are not directly involved in agriculture production.
CCAP offers 17 BMPs that increase land aesthetic, contribute to green spaces in urban environments and result in positive impacts to water quality at both the local community and at the watershed levels. In addition, CCAP projects are often completed with volunteers and include educational components, strengthening the community’s bond and increasing its appreciation for the natural environment in an urban setting.
Photo: CCAP Backyard Rain Garden
CCAP BMPs range from stream restoration projects inland to marsh sills and shoreline protection projects at the coast. Converting impervious surfaces like asphalt, concrete, or brick to permeable surfaces reduces runoff velocity, volume, and sedimentation concerns. Cisterns are available for water storage for community or school gardens, pet waste receptacles can reduce pathogen contamination in public parks, and diversions, grassed swales, or backyard wetlands are available to decrease runoff velocity and erosion concerns on properties where nearby development may be impacting the watershed.
CCAP allocates funds regionally (eastern, central, western) via one application deadline typically held in early October. In FY2025, CCAP received its recurring funds of $136,378, plus an additional $500,000 in non-recurring funds. The influx of one-time, non-recurring funds allowed CCAP to allocate $636,000 to 14 new contracts this year.
Photo: CCAP Cisterns
Since CCAP began in 2006, nearly 43,000 linear feet of streams have been restored, 27,000 linear feet of shoreline protected, and over 17,000 linear feet of marsh sills installed. Since 2006, completed contracts prevented approximately 10,400 tons of soil, 1,170 pounds of nitrogen, and 488 pounds of phosphorous from entering North Carolina waters.
Having a cost share program available outside of the agriculture community increases the general public’s knowledge and awareness of water quality concerns. As North Carolina’s population increases and farmland is developed, funding non-agriculture projects that help address erosion and runoff concerns will be paramount to meeting the nutrient sensitive water management strategies for watersheds across the state.
Photo: CCAP Streambank and Shoreline Protection
With an average of $4.2million requested by Districts and allocations averaging $600,000 annually since 2021, at its current funding amount, CCAP can only provide 14% of the funds requested. On average, there’s an 86% funding shortfall for CCAP every single year.
Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program
The North Carolina Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) was authorized through Session Law 2011-145, and became effective on July 1, 2011. AgWRAP offers eight BMPs to qualifying agriculture producers that address water shortages, water storage, and water use efficiency. Through BMPs like water supply wells, conservation irrigation conversions, ag water storage, and new ag ponds or pond repairs, AgWRAP achieves the following:
- Reduces competition for water resources by public users,
- Improves the efficient use of water while enabling the ag industry to produce food, fiber, and other agricultural products,
- Prepares the agricultural industry to weather future droughts,
- Generates and protects local jobs in agriculture and agritourism.
Photo: AgWRAP Agricultural Water Supply/Reuse Pond
AgWRAP consists of two funding pools: 1. A local allocation that works similarly to ACSP by providing a small amount of funds to individual Districts for less expensive projects like pond sediment removal or water supply wells, and 2. A regional allocation that works similarly to CCAP where more expensive projects involving ponds or irrigation upgrades compete regionally for funding.
In FY2025, AgWRAP allocated $1,008,241 to Districts through both funding pools, approving 61 and completing 74 contracts.
The BMPs implemented created storage for over 2,808,262 gallons of water in FY2025. In addition, these BMPs provided irrigation water to 525 acres of cropland.
Since AgWRAP began, water storage totals over 1.64 billion gallons and provides irrigation water for over 18,400 acres of cropland.
Photo: AgWRAP Conservation Irrigation Conversion, Center Pivot
In FY2025, 59 well contracts were approved and 69 well contracts where completed. Since 2011, Districts have completed 877 wells, providing irrigation water, livestock drinking water, and water for on-farm processing across the state. As the costs to install all BMPs increases, fewer contracts are funded at the local level, and cooperators often spend more than the planned 25% out-of-pocket. Division staff work close with Districts to see if water storage tanks or irrigation upgrades are options on sites where water is available, but it’s in short supply.
Photo: AgWRAP Water Supply Well
Districts requests average $5.4million annually for AgWRAP BMPs. With AgWRAP’s recurring allocation of $967,500, only 18% of demand can be met. This results in an 82% funding shortfall every year.
FY2025 Spot Check Report
Every implemented BMP has a maintenance period. Most AgWRAP and ACSP BMPs have ten year maintenance periods, some vegetated practices have one to three years, and BMPs using disaster funds typically have five year maintenance periods. CCAP BMPs occurring on single-family residences have a five year maintenance period and a ten year maintenance period for BMPs implemented on public or business properties. To ensure compliance throughout the maintenance period of implemented BMPs, Districts randomly select 5% of active contracts from each cost share program every year for spot checks. Completed contracts become Active contracts once they are paid and their maintenance period begins.
Photo: AgWRAP Agricultural Pond Repair/Retrofit
Spot checks for FY2025 showed excellent compliance with maintenance requirements by cooperators. 935 Active contracts across ACSP, AgWRAP, and CCAP were reviewed state-wide and BMPs are categorized as “in compliance”, “in compliance but needs maintenance”, or “out of compliance”. When BMPs need maintenance, the District assists the cooperator to restore the practice to its intended function so it remains in compliance. Maintenance items can include putting down additional gravel around a livestock waterer, removing saplings from a pond dam, or repairing a damaged livestock exclusion fence. 45 contracts (4.7%) required maintenance to remain in compliance in FY2025.
Photo: AgWRAP Agricultural Pond Repair/Retrofit
If a BMP is out of compliance, Districts follow the Commission’s Non-Compliance with Maintenance Requirements for Cost Share Contracts Policy. The policy requires cooperators to repair, re-implement, or repay a prorated amount of funds for the BMP if it is not functioning as planned or not being operated for its intended use as specified in 02 NCAC 59D .0109. 14 contracts (1.5%) were found out of compliance in FY2025.
Of the 935 spot checks completed across the state, 93.8% were in compliance. FY2025’s data is on trend with prior years as shown in the chart below:
Photo: ACSP Cropland Conversion
FY2025 Program Report Summary
FY2025 had its fair share of challenges with Hurricane Helene in the west and tropical storm Debby in the east. The catastrophic damage of Helene flooded District offices, trapped District and Division staff behind flood waters, and required numerous District and Division staff to put conservation work on hold to help with recovery efforts. Despite these devastating impacts, the data reported here shows that these Programs remain successful and are vital to North Carolina’s agricultural economy. Though FY2025 was difficult due to natural disasters, there are additional hurdles that the agriculture community faces. North Carolina’s population increased 9.5% from ~10.44 million in 2020 to over 11 million people in 2024. Population growth increases strain on the state’s natural resources and it requires additional infrastructure. North Carolina lost a total of 3.4% (286,620acres) in farmland from 2012-2022 due to the expanding population. Along with the loss of farmland, there has been an increase in farm production expenses of 33% from 2017 to 2022 (OSBM 2012-2022 Ag Data).
To keep up with consumer demand, an increase in the cost of running a farm, and a decrease in the land available to do so, the agricultural community in North Carolina relies on Commission Cost Share Programs to protect the water supply and increase farming efficiency. Every gallon of water saved through a more efficient irrigation system is one less gallon sending sediment and nutrients into state waters. A decrease in soil erosion by implementing cover crops and residue and tillage management means fewer expenses for soil amendments and increases in crop yields per acre. Every streambank that’s stabilized, backyard wetland created, and animal fenced out of surface waters has a positive impact on water quality. This increases property values, reduces the cost for municipalities to process drinking water, and increases the intrinsic value of the surrounding ecosystems.
Data shows the importance of these Programs to producers, water quality, and North Carolina's natural resources. Increases in recurring Program funding would allow Districts to have an even greater impact on their local agricultural community as it continues to face the ramifications of population growth, natural disasters, and a loss of farmland head on.
Section III
Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program
The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) was authorized by the General Assembly to reduce flood risk and restore drainage infrastructure across North Carolina. S.L. 2021-180 (2021 Appropriations Act) allocated $38 million in non-recurring funds for the program.
Organizations eligible to apply for StRAP grants include:
- Soil & Water Conservation Districts,
- Local governments,
- Drainage districts,
- Water or sewer authorities, and
- Nonprofit organizations.
Eligible projects under StRAP:
- Stream debris removal
- Streambank stabilization
- Stream restoration
- Instream sediment removal
- Repair of P.L. 566 Small Watershed Structures (such as repairs to spillways and dams, replacement of tide gates, and removal of sediment from impoundments).
In the initial round of funding in FY2022, the Commission funded stream debris removal projects and PL-566 watershed structure repairs. In FY2024, the Commission expanded the scope to all eligible projects listed above. In FY2025, the Commission approved StRAP funding for stream repairs in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Since its beginning, StRAP has achieved the following:
- Awarded a total of $62,887,053 to contracts involving 149 different organizations across 87 counties,
- Reimbursed grantees a total of $37,961,350.68 for completed work, 60% of the funds awarded,
- 4,906,556 linear feet of stream debris removal, streambank stabilization, and sediment removal was completed,
- Rehabilitated over 939 miles of North Carolina's streams, and
- 95 out of 218 total StRAP contracts are complete and closed out (44%).
Remaining 2022 StRAP contracts have a deadline of December 31, 2025, unless granted an extension. StRAP contracts issued in 2024 will remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
In FY2025, the Commission approved StRAP funding for stream repairs in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. StRAP cannot fund any activities that are covered or are likely to be covered by federal funds. Due to this limitation, allocations for Hurricane Helene-impacted counties in FY2025 are on hold while the sites covered by federal funds continues to change.
Once projects qualifying for federal funding are better defined, StRAP will have $38million available for allocation ($25million from Disaster Recovery Bill SL2024-57 and $15million from Disaster Recover Act of 2025-Part II). Districts impacted by Hurricane Helene state that debris removal, streambank stabilization, and sediment removal are key projects that StRAP funds will address. The amount of funding requested ranges from $400,000 to $6million per county.
Updated application and ranking processes are underway and will be submitted to the Commission for approval later this fiscal year. Funds for repair of Helene-associated stream damage will be contracted in FY26.
Since the creation of the program, StRAP has funded stream repair and rehabilitation projects across North Carolina, helping communities reduce flooding, restore streams, and protect the integrity of drainage infrastructure across North Carolina’s waterways. Recurring funding would allow StRAP to continue helping grantees address both damages from specific storms and long-needed waterway maintenance projects across North Carolina.