ENVIRO-NEWS: USDA ANNOUNCES WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT ASSISTANCE

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Makuch, Joseph" <Joseph.Makuch@ars.usda.gov>
Date: Apr 5, 2010 2:34 PM
Subject: [ENVIRO-NEWS] USDA ANNOUNCES WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT ASSISTANCE
To: <Enviro-News@nal.usda.gov>

USDA
Release No. 0164.10

Contact: Terry Bish (202) 720-5974

USDA ANNOUNCES WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT ASSISTANCE

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2010-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Chief Dave White today announced the availability of $61.2 million in
financial assistance funding for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
(AWEP) projects. This funding will help producers conserve surface and
ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land.

"By working with our partners, we will see more water conservation on
working lands and more opportunities to improve water quality," said
White.

AWEP projects are implemented by NRCS entering into partnership
agreements with eligible entities. NRCS works with these partners to
help landowners plan and implement conservation practices in project
areas established through the agreements.

Of the $61.2 million, approximately $40.4 million will be made available
to AWEP partners whose projects were approved during last fiscal year
and approximately $20.7 million will be available for new project
proposals.

The following partnership entities are eligible to submit proposals for
funding: federally recognized Indian Tribes, States, units of local
government, agricultural associations, and other groups of
producers--such as irrigation associations, agricultural land trusts, or
other nongovernmental organization--that have experience working with
agricultural producers. When an AWEP project area has been approved and
announced, individual producers may apply for program benefits through
their local NRCS office.

Types of water enhancement activities intended with this request for
proposal are:

*       Water quality or water conservation plan development;
*
*       Water conservation restoration or enhancement projects;
*
*       Water quality or quantity restoration or enhancement projects;
*
*       Irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency
enhancements;
*
*       Activities designed to mitigate the effects of drought; and
*
*       Related activities determined to help achieve water quality or
water conservation benefits on agricultural land.
*
Deadline for partner organizations to submit a proposal is 3:00 May 17,
2010. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill)
established AWEP. To view the full request for proposal, for additional
AWEP information, or to apply visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/AWEP/.

For additional information about NRCS and conservation programs that may
be available for you, visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov, or visit the nearest
USDA Service Center in your area. 2010 represents the 75th year of NRCS
helping people help the land. Since its inception in 1935, the NRCS
conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with
state and local governments and private landowners delivering
conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while
accommodating state and national interests.

#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a
complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call
(800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
#

#
[USDA news releases are available in the "Newsroom" section at
http://www.usda.gov/ .]



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