Application deadline to share in agricultural cost-share funds is March 14

The Silver Springs Springshed Cost-Share Program funds projects that help conserve water and reduce nutrient runoff.

PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2022 ― The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through March 14 from farmers, growers and ranchers interested in participating in the Silver Springs Springshed Cost-share Program for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and reduce nutrient runoff within the region.

The cost-share program provides up to 75 percent, not to exceed $500,000 annually, toward the engineering, design, construction and implementation of technologies and strategies to improve water efficiencies and protect natural systems.

Eligible projects include irrigation system retrofits, soil moisture and climate sensor technology, microirrigation, sub-irrigation drain tile, tailwater recovery and reuse, expanded waste storage, and precision agriculture equipment.

Approved projects will help assure the sustainability of agriculture within the region while addressing the Silver Springs Basin Management Action Plan and Minimum Flow Prevention Strategy. For full information, the application and program overview for the 2022 cost-share program, as well as criteria related to projects subject to Outstanding Florida Springs minimum flows and levels, can be found online at www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/agricultural-cost-share.

District staff will evaluate each project based on criteria approved by the District’s Governing Board and prepare a recommended list for board approval.

For more information, visit the District’s website or contact Technical Program Manager Suzanne Archer at sarcher@sjrwmd.com.