Board approves $2.9 million in Agricultural Cost-Share projects
MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 10, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board this week approved the rankings of projects that will share $2.9 million in agricultural cost-share funds to assist farmers, growers and ranchers in water conservation and reduction of nutrient run-off.
“The approval of these projects is a true collaboration between the district and our agricultural partners,” said District Executive Director Ann Shortelle. “There is no doubt that the benefits of each project are far-reaching. We’re excited to help facilitate projects that contribute to improving the overall health of our water supply and natural systems.”
Forty applications were submitted to the districtwide Agricultural Cost-Share Program and Tri-County Agricultural Area Water Management Partnership. A total of $1.9 million in funding was approved for 15 agricultural projects as part of the districtwide Agricultural Cost-Share and $1 million for six projects as part of the Tri-County Agricultural Area Water Management Partnership.
Projects span 10 counties and represent the North Florida, North Central Florida and Central Florida Water Initiatives, Springs Protection Initiative as well as the Lake Apopka and Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, Upper St. Johns River Basin, and Lower St. Johns River Water Quality Improvement Initiatives. The approved projects include irrigation retrofits, rainwater harvesting, soil mapping and variable rate fertilizer spreaders.
Types of operations requesting funding include citrus, vegetable row crops, sod and greenhouse ornamentals.
The districtwide Agricultural Cost-Share Program provides a targeted funding option for farmers, growers and ranchers within the 18-county district service area to enhance water conservation and reduce nutrient discharge. Funds may be leveraged with other agricultural cost-share sources to achieve greater water resource improvements.