; and (2) publish the initial request for applications for grants under the program. (d) Consultation An entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) may consult with clusters established by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Environmental Technology Innovation Clusters program to develop, improve, and implement water technology innovation. (e) Authorization of appropriations For purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. . 1227. Efficient irrigation technical assistance grant program Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1240S. Efficient irrigation technical assistance grant program (a) Grants for technical assistance The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall carry out an efficient irrigation technical assistance program to provide grants to States, State agencies, local governments, tribal organizations, or water districts for technical assistance programs that provide— (1) technical assistance workshops and education programs on water and energy efficient irrigation systems for agricultural producers; (2) technical assistance to producers to develop irrigation water management plans to improve irrigation efficiency; (3) ongoing assistance to agricultural producers in implementing and maintaining water and energy efficient irrigation systems that are protective of wildlife, including systems that use water meter and soil sensor data, soil management practices that improve soil health, pump efficiency standards, system audits, routine maintenance, irrigation scheduling, and information control automation