Aug. 28 deadline for Central Valley dairy water quality program

Aug. 21, 2009  - - The deadline for applications is August 28 for the Central Valley Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), according to Western United Dairymen and the California Natural Resources Conservation Service. The cost-share program is open to all Central Valley dairy producers. It is tailored to help in achieving compliance with the Dairy Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) and to enhance ground and surface water quality and water conservation. The program has been tremendously successful so far, with NRCS offices in Stanislaus and Tulare counties reporting over 100 signups to date in each county.
The program is generally similar to the previously announced $1.2 million Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) program. Funding priorities are comparable to the CCPI program, with Waste Management Plan assistance as the highest priority. The funding awarded is intended first, to complete assistance for preparing Waste Management Plans for those producers unable to acquire CCPI funding and, second, to be available for infrastructure improvements. Producers should be aware of these points: 1) Producers who have applied for CCPI funding should check with their local NRCS office to verify whether their application has been funded or not; 2) Unsuccessful applicants for CCPI are encouraged to re-apply for AWEP; and 3) All producers including those successful in obtaining CCPI funds are eligible to apply for AWEP for other on-farm projects not previously covered.
Currently $5.8 million has been allocated for 2009. Funding will be distributed through the NRCS-EQIP process. Do not let this opportunity for assistance pass you by, as the deadline for applications is rapidly approaching. The application period will end at the close of business on August 28, 2009. To file an application, contact your local NRCS office. Appointments are advised. For questions about the program, contact the local NRCS office, or contact WUD staff: Paul Martin at (707) 763-8874, Paul Sousa at (209) 527-6453, or the WUD field representative for your area.