SYRACUSE, August 4, 2009 — U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Astor F. Boozer today announced that $500,000 will be available in 2009 for water quality improvements on livestock farms located in parts of Delaware, Sullivan, Schoharie, Green, and Ulster Counties that are within the drainage areas of the New York City water supply reservoirs. The project was one of 63 projects in 21 states approved through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program.
The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) was established by the 2008 Farm Bill and funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program for USDA. AWEP promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers implement agricultural water enhancement activities.
“This program will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers to implement conservation practices that will protect and preserve the quality of the New York City water supply system" said Boozer.
NRCS is partnering with the Watershed Agricultural Council to deliver the project. The Watershed Agricultural Council will provide technical and financial resources which will leverage the federal investment in protecting water quality. “By working together with NRCS, we can help farmers accelerate the implementation of conservation practices which will ensure the quality of over one billion gallons of drinking water provided daily to over
nine million people in and around New York City” said Watershed Agricultural Council Interim Executive Director, Dan Palm. The Council plans to match the NRCS funding with monies provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
Livestock farmers within the project area must sign up for the program by August 14. For more information, or to submit an application, visit your
local USDA Service Center or contact the Watershed Agricultural Council at (607) 865-7090, ext. 233.
Information about AWEP is available by visiting the Programs section of the
NRCS Web site.
Media Contact
Angela Wishoff
Syracuse, New York
Telephone: 315 477-6504
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