§ 2-2 — Payments to the landowner

The Director shall, subject to available funds and appropriations, make the following payments to the landowner: (1) establishment of the perennial cover or other improvements required by the agreement, up to 60% of the cost, but not to exceed $75 per acre, for easements of limited duration; (2) the cost of planting trees required by the agreement, up to 80% of the cost, but not to exceed $75 per acre, for easements of limited duration; (3) a permanent easement, not to exceed 70% of the fair market value at the time the easement is conveyed, and payment of 100% of the cost, but not to exceed $75 per acre, to establish the perennial cover, other improvements or to plant trees required by the agreement; and (4) an easement of limited duration, not to exceed 90% of the present value of the average of the acceptable bids for the federal Conservation Reserve Program, as contained in Public Law Number 99-198, in the relevant geographic area and on bids made immediately prior to when the easement is conveyed. If federal bid figures have not been determined for the area, or the federal program has been discontinued, the rate paid shall be determined by the Director. The Director may not pay more than $50,000 annually to a landowner for the landowner's conservation easements and agreements. Any cost-share payments shall be in addition to this $50,000 limit. The Director may supplement cost-share payments made under other local, State or federal programs, not to exceed $75 an acre, to the extent of available appropriations. The supplemental cost-share payments must be used to establish perennial cover on land enrolled in programs approved by the Director.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)