Grant available for ag water projects

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Dine Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Up to $58.4 million in financial assistance is available to agricultural producers and entities through a new federal conservation program known as the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program, established in the 2008 Farm Bill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking project proposals from potential partners through this program which offers financial and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers carry out water enhancement activities that conserve ground and surface water and improve water quality on agricultural lands such as cropland, pasture, grassland and rangeland.

A request for proposals was published Jan. 14 in the Federal Register. Proposals must be submitted by March 2.

Agricultural water enhancement activities include: water quality or water conservation plan development; water conservation restoration or enhancement projects, including conversion to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dry land farming; irrigation system improvement; and activities designed to reduce drought impacts, among others.

Under the new program, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service can contract directly with agricultural producers who are included in approved partner proposals. Eligible partners include federally recognized tribes, states, units of local government, or agricultural or silvicultural associations.

Information: Kevin Stein, (602) 280-8800 or www.az.nrcs.usda.gov.