Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Hearing Draft
Rule Subject: Producer Led Watershed Protection Grant Program
Adm. Code Reference: ATCP 52
Rules Clearinghouse #: Not yet assigned
DATCP Docket #: 15-R-10
Rule Summary
This rule interprets the Producer Led Watershed Protection Grant Program administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (“Department”). Among other things, this rule does all of the following:
General
• Defines "legal entity" for the purposes of the grant program
• Specifies the application process for a grant
• Specifies activities that may be conducted using a grant
Small Business Affected
This rule will have no adverse effect on small business. The producer led watershed protection grants program is voluntary and thus imposes no cost on businesses. By providing grant funding to agricultural producers, the producer led watershed protection grants program will benefit agricultural producers, other agricultural businesses and communities that participate in the grant program. Grant recipients will benefit directly, while others will benefit indirectly from the creation of a stronger agricultural industry and improved water quality.
Reporting, Bookkeeping and other Procedures
The proposed rule contains reporting requirements for grant recipients, some of which may be small businesses, to demonstrate progress towards project goals and overall success of their proposed projects. Beyond that, the proposed rule does not create any new reporting, bookkeeping or other procedures for small businesses.
Professional Skills Required
The proposed rule does not require any new professional skills by small businesses.
Accommodation for Small Business
Many of the businesses affected by this rule are small businesses, however this is a voluntary grant program and the Department plans to use proposal procedures that will make the cost of applying insignificant. No additional accommodations are necessary.
Conclusion
This rule will benefit affected businesses, including small businesses. This rule will have no negative impact on businesses since it only applies to those businesses that voluntarily seek and are awarded grant funds. This rule will enable the Department to provide grants to producer-led groups that wish to assist agricultural producers in a watershed to voluntarily conduct nonpoint source water abatement activities. Grant funds should positively impact businesses that provide goods and services used in abatement activities under this rule. To minimize adverse impacts on businesses, the Department plans to use proposal procedures that will make the cost of applying insignificant.
