USDA Awards $9.2M to Three Idaho Projects
TL/DR –
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $1 billion in the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which will fund 81 conservation projects on agricultural land across the country. Three projects in Idaho will receive a total of $9.2 million. These projects are the 2023 Burnett Irrigation Ditch, the 2023 Blaine County Canal Company Pipeline, and a project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Idaho dairy farms.
A $1 Billion Investment Boosts Conservation Efforts on Agricultural Lands, Benefits Three Idaho Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently unveiled enhancements to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), allocating $1 billion in funding to “promote partner-directed solutions for conservation on agricultural lands.” This supports 81 initiatives nationwide, including three major projects in Idaho.
These Idaho projects, financed by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Farm Bill, are set to receive an overall $9.2 million. Projects include the 2023 Burnett Irrigation Ditch, the 2023 Blaine County Canal Company Pipeline, and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Idaho Dairy Farms.
Acting State Conservationist in Idaho for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bruce Sandoval, stated, “The overwhelming demand for the RCPP shows how much producers and partners value voluntary conservation.”
USDA is optimizing the program for the benefit of producers and partners through historic investments.
In Idaho, the Burnett Irrigation Ditch initiative will utilize a $3.65 million grant to enhance irrigation effectiveness, safeguard surface and groundwater sources, and improve aquatic habitats. The project is headed by the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Blaine County pipeline project also led by Butte Soil and Water Conservation District, has been allotted $2.43 million to transform 61,000 feet of open canal into a closed pipeline. This move aims to support aquatic organisms, maintain aquatic habitat integrity, and enhance water quality.
Lastly, Newtrient, LLC, has been granted $3.12 million for their project aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The focus is on implementing Natural Resources Conservation Service practices centered on manure and feed management to reduce methane emissions.
—
Read More US Economic News