North Country Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, has announced New York State has allotted $50 million in grant funding for water quality projects on farms.

The funding could be a boon for St. Lawrence County where agriculture is one of the largest industries.

The funding is part of the $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act Assemblwoman Jenne supported in this year’s state budget as part of her continued efforts to ensure safe drinking water and necessary environmental protections for all New Yorkers.

“It takes an incredible amount of hard work for farmers to make necessary infrastructure improvements in their operations in these challenging times for our ag industry, and this funding will help them implement important water quality projects,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

There are over 1,000 farms with more than 200 cows and calves across New York State. The funding will help those farms invest in proper management and storage of nutrients, such as manure. If not stored properly, manure can be washed away with runoff, possibly contaminating both drinking and groundwater.

The funding will also assist farmers in complying with the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) new environmental requirements.

The first application period, with $20 million available, is currently open and closes on Nov. 20.

County soil and water conservation districts can apply for the program on behalf of eligible farmers. Each proposal has a maximum award of $385,000, which includes funding for engineering and construction expenses.

Grant awards will be announced by mid-December. An additional $15 million will be available in both 2018 and 2019. Further information and online applications can be found by visiting agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html.

"Agriculture and our rivers and lakes are critical economic drivers in the North Country. This program will benefit our farmers and our environment," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.