March 31 is the Deadline to Apply for Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program Grants

From GOV. ANDREW CUOMO’S OFFICE
 
A total of $14 million in grants was announced Jan. 27 to address qater quality challenges on farms in critical watersheds.
 
The grants, funded through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, are available to protect soil and water resources on farms across New York state. New York has dedicated $79 million to the program since 2011.
 
The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program is funded in the 2016-17 budget through the state Environmental Protection Fund, which the governor proposes to continue in this year’s budget at $300 million – the highest level in the program’s history.
 
The program complements the proposed $2 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, which would provide additional funding for source water quality protection initiatives, including projects to ensure proper management and storage of manure on farms across the state.
 
“Our farmers do all they can to be good stewards of their land and remain committed to the environment,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball. “This funding will help prevent water pollution, reduce erosion and limit harmful sediments and other nutrients in New York’s waterways, while supporting the growth of the agricultural community.”
 
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply for Round 23 of the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control grant program on behalf of farmers through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets website at http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html this link.
 
Grants will be awarded to the districts to help farms with environmental planning; including the implementation of management systems, planting vegetation along streams to intercept runoff, and planting cover crops after the annual harvest to protect the soil.
 
To apply, all appropriate materials must be submitted through the state Soil and Water Conservation Committee SharePoint website by March 31.
 
For additional details about this program and other natural resource protection programs, contact the local County Soil and Water Conservation District.