§ 702.16 - Maximum amount of cost-share payments.

(a) Maximum payments for on-farm SRP's.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the maximum amount of cost-share payments that a COC may approve for the establishment of on-farm SRP's on all land owned or controlled by a participant for the life of the program provided for by this part shall not exceed $100,000.

(2) The Deputy Administrator may approve cost-share payments to a participant for the establishment of on-farm SRP's in excess of $100,000.

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, the maximum program cost-share payment that a COC may approve for implementing required SRP's for installing and improving canals and laterals on all land owned and controlled by a participant for the life of the program shall not exceed $200,000.

(1) Upon the request of the COC, the STC may authorize the COC to approve cost-share payments to a participant for the establishment of canal and lateral improvements in an amount that exceeds, $200,000 but not greater than $400,000.

(2) Upon the request of the COC, the Deputy Administrator may authorize the COC to approve cost-share payments to a participant for the establishment of canal and laterals improvements in amounts exceeding $400,000.

(c) Cost-sharing payments in excess of $100,000 shall be considered only when such payment will result in greater total offsite benefits, because the offsite benefits for the participants SCP, are greater than those of other participants under consideration at the same time and one or more of the following conditions exist:

(1) The cost of establishing required SRP's on the participant's land is high relative to the cost of installing practices on other similar land because of barriers or limitations imposed by nature or by man through past irrigation system practices;

(2) The extent of SRP's that must be established on a participant's land; and

(3) Increases in the cost of conservation materials and services that are beyond the participant's control.