Vilsack Announces Nearly $42.3 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Watershed Projects

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will provide nearly $42.3 million in additional funding to 14 states to improve water quality, increase water supply, decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat while creating jobs in rural communities. Oklahoma received funding for seventeen projects.

Vilsack Also Announces Floodplain Easement Selections Today

Also today, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack selected 289 applications for the first national sign-up for floodplain easements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The easements will cover more the 36,000 acres of land in 36 states. Four projects totaling $2,810,520, covering 1,766 acres, were approved in Oklahoma.

State Conservationist Hilliard Announces Funding For New Organics Initiative

State Conservationist Ron Hilliard, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oklahoma, announced $1.1 million of funding for Oklahoma to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Applications received from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming will be accepted under this initiative between May 11 and June 12, 2009.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $84.8 Million for Vital Watershed Projects

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the USDA will be sending $84.8 million to state and local governments to improve water quality, increase water supply, decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat in rural communities as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.