(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray
(D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the announcement made by Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack that Washington state farmers would receive nearly $2
million for projects to improve water quality and quantity through the
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). Senators Murray and Cantwell
worked to establish AWEP in the 2008 Farm Bill and to make the Puget Sound
region a priority of the program.
“Washington state’s farmers and ranchers are critical
to our state’s economy and I’m glad to see this investment in improving the
water they use,” Senator Murray said. “These investments will
help farmers increase production and continue creating jobs in rural
communities across the state.
“I am pleased to see the nearly two million dollars in
funding be made available today to assist Washington farmers and ranchers in improving
water quality and quantity,” Senator Cantwell said. “Senator
Patty Murray and I worked to establish this program in the 2008 Farm Bill, and
to ensure that the Puget Sound region was given consideration as a priority
area. These Agricultural Water Enhancement Program grants will improve water
quality, ensure more reliable water through conservation and infrastructure
improvements, and improve farm production while protecting salmon and other
wildlife.”
The program is administered by United States Department
of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and
funds will be directed to producers to perform conservation efforts designed to
improve water quantity and quality. See the list of Washington state projects
below:
North Yakima Conservation District – $1,320,402
The North Yakima Conservation District will receive
$1,320,402 for the Purdin Ditch Piping – Water Conservation and Water Quality
Project. This project seeks to address high priority water conservation, water
quality, and fish and wildlife resource concerns.
Washington Water Project of Trout Unlimited –
$250,000
The Washington Water Project of Trout Unlimited will
receive $250,000 for the Upper Columbia Methow Tributary Enhancement Project. This
project will help fund irrigation efficiency improvements for irrigators who
wish to upgrade their handline systems to pivots.
Department of Ecology – $221,500
The Washington State Department of Ecology will receive
$221,500 for the Hangman Creek Collaboration: A Comprehensive Watershed
Restoration Initiative. This project proposes to offer participants approved
conservation practices that will deliver the water quality protections needed
to restore the Hangman Creek Watershed.
Kittitas County Conservation District – $148,500
The Kittitas County Conservation District will receive
$148,500 for Manastash Creek: Restoration for Water Quantity, Streamflow and
Fish Passage. This project will install conservation practices that will
increase efficiency of irrigation delivery and on-farm irrigation.
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