New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently revealed that a sum of nearly $14 million will be awarded to protect clean water across New York state. Benefitting a total of ninety-one farms specifically, the funding for these agricultural water quality conservation projects is provided by the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control program.
"New York continues to take decisive action to protect access to clean water across the state," Hochul remarked. "This money will go towards fulfilling both those goals by encouraging the implementation of cost-effective waterway protection and reducing our carbon footprint."
Approximately twenty-five county soil and water conservation districts have been awarded the money on behalf of the farms involved. The districts will be directly providing on-farm support through the implementation of best management practice (BPM) systems like cover crops, nutrient management, and other conversation measures.
"Our farmers, working with our Soil and Water Districts, are proud of the work they do to leave the land better,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball of the funding. “The Ag Non-Point program provides them the resources they need to do this important work by protecting our water bodies, which in turn is helping the State to reach its climate goals and protect our natural resources, now and for future generations."
In total, Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program Round 27 grants were granted to the following regions: Western New York Region - $1,219,312 for four farms, Finger Lakes Region - $2,644,294 for thirty farms, Southern Tier Region - $1,323,984 for six farms, Central New York Region - $ 3,867,030 for thirty-one farms, North Country Region - $ 1,935,559 for five farms, Mohawk Valley Region - $1,611,603 for three farms, Capital District Region - $524,687 for two farms, Mid-Hudson Region - $411,100 for nine farms, and Long Island Region - $154,275 for one farm.
"Clean water is critical to the health and safety of our communities, environment, and economic prosperity,” Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos noted. “Few groups understand the importance of clean water better than New York's farmers, who are among our state's strongest environmental stewards. These grants will help provide Soil and Water Conservation Districts and agricultural communities with the tools and resources they need to implement projects and land management strategies that safeguard water resources and soil quality in order to sustain agricultural operations across the state."
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