The SCALE Act of 2026 creates a new federal grant program to help states and Indian tribes implement soil health and wildlife habitat improvement projects on agricultural land. The program will provide up to $10 million per year in grants to eligible states and tribes for a five-year period, with the option to renew, supporting activities like technical assistance, financial aid, research, and education focused on practices consistent with federal soil health principles. States and tribes must match federal funding dollar-for-dollar with their own resources, though states unable to meet full matching requirements can receive proportional federal funding. The bill allocates $50 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with the Department of Agriculture required to award grants within 180 days of enactment and limited to using only 3 percent of funds for administrative costs. Grants come with minimal federal restrictions, allowing states and tribes significant flexibility in designing their own programs while requiring performance tracking and compliance audits.
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