NRCS New York Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

Updated 08/23/2011

Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. Visit RECOVERY.Gov for additional information.

Waste storage structure

Whole farm plan

Small farm compost structure

Stream fencing

Manhattan Country School Farm with composter

Front left-right: Dennis DeWeese, Ivy Allen, Edward Henry. Back left-right: Brandon Dennis, Leon Brooks, Oscar Velez-Juarbe, Lenny Prezorski, Astor Boozer

Recovery Act Funds Contribute to Conservation in the New York City Watershed

On June 3, the Watershed Agriculture Council (WAC) hosted a tour of three farms that received American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding within the New York City watershed. About 45 people gathered up to ride on a bus across 100 or so miles of southeastern New York and see conservation practices and projects that emphasize reducing waterborne pathogens, nutrients, and sediments.

NRCS entered into an agreement with the WAC to provide technical and financial assistance for 327 landowners implementing conservation practices. Putting conservation on the ground within this watershed ensures a quality source of drinking water that delivers more than one billion gallons of clean water for nine million New York residents each day.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection funds and implements a comprehensive watershed protection program to protect this high quality source of drinking water. The Watershed Agricultural Council’s mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry operations in the New York City watershed region. The WAC collaborates with NRCS and the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District to accomplish its mission by offering landowners a voluntary option to participate in conservation programs that protect water quality and other natural resources.

Through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, USDA-NRCS administered $1 million dollars to improve water quality within the New York City watershed. The watershed extends 125 miles, contains 19 reservoirs, and 3 lakes. Approximately 95% of the city’s water supply is delivered by gravity. This surface water supply system is one of the largest in the world and the conservation practices being implemented support clean water and a healthy environment. Conservation practices featured on the 3-farm bus tour were whole farm plans, waste storage facilities, stream fencing, animal crossings, and a small farm compost structure.

Fact Sheets for Recovery Act Projects in New York State

Please visit our Fact Sheets Web page to download "Recovery Act Projects in New York State - Investing in the New York City Watershed."

The USDA Recovery Geo Map allows you see where and how projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are putting Americans back to work and rejuvenating the nation's ailing economy.

NRCS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

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Contact Information

Ivy Allen, Public Affairs Specialist
Syracuse, New York
Telephone: 315-477-6524
E-mail: Ivy Allen

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