RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Effective cost-share rates and the distribution of social costs in the Rock Creek, Idaho, Rural Clean Water Project JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation FD Soil and Water Conservation Society SP 477 OP 479 VO 45 IS 4 A1 Walker, David J. A1 Noble, Dan T. A1 Magleby, Richard S. YR 1990 UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/45/4/477.abstract AB The effective federal cost-share rate for conservation practices often differs markedly from the nominal rate. The effective cost-share rate affects practice adoption, economic efficiency of the subsidy, and the distribution of water quality costs between public and private sectors. Using a linear programming model, this study estimates the effective federal cost-share rate and thus the distribution of water quality improvement costs for the Rock Creek Rural Clean Water Program watershed in Idaho. The federal government paid 62% of farmer cost through subsidies. The public share of total project costs is 84%, and the private share is only 16%. This effective federal cost-share rate of 84% compares to a nominal rate of 56%. The effective federal cost-share rate is likely higher than that required for economic efficiency. Government subsidies are instrumental under voluntary programs for encouraging farmer adoption of water quality practices.