Agricultural cost-share project applications to be accepted through Sept. 9
PALATKA, Fla., July 26, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through Sept. 9 from farmers interested in participating in cost-share funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in area waterways.
“District cost-share dollars assist the agricultural community in producing crops that feed America and grow our economy while also protecting our water resources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “By working together, we can assure the sustainability of agriculture within the district and at the same time enhance water conservation and reduce nutrient runoff. It’s a win-win.”
The district’s Agricultural Cost-Share Program assists farmers, ranchers and growers by providing up to 75 percent of cooperative funding toward implementing water-saving technologies to improve efficiencies and protect natural systems.
Eligible projects may include irrigation retrofits, tailwater recovery and reuse, rainwater harvesting, soil mapping with variable rate fertilizer application, soil moisture and climate sensor telemetry, and sub-irrigation drain tile. A list of eligible projects and equipment can be found online www.sjrwmd.com/agriculture/costshare.html, along with details about the application, review and selection process.
Applications will be evaluated based on location, water conservation benefits, water quality benefits, cost/benefit effectiveness and timeline.
District staff will evaluate each project based on the evaluation criteria approved by the district’s Governing Board and prepare a recommended list for board approval in November 2016.