The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) program is providing financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and landowners in Willacy, Cameron and Hidalgo counties to improve their irrigation systems and implement other conservation programs.
A jump in population in the Valley and greater pressure on the limited water supplies has forced the need for improved irrigation efficiency in the area.
“Along with the limited supplies, degraded water quality necessitates improved conservation as well. Although addressing water quantity is the primary concern, the importance of water quality and quantity are inseparable and intricately linked in the Valley,” said Dr. Kevin Wagner, deputy director of the Texas Water Resources Institute.
To be eligible for this year’s funds, applications must be submitted by March 18. Funds will be available for each of the next four years for Valley farmers, ranchers and landowners.
According to AgriLife Today, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Improvement Initiative—a five-year, $3 million partnership effort led by the Texas Water Resources Institute—is funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Wagner said examples of conservation practices eligible for funding include: land leveling; installation of drip, sprinkler or microspray irrigation systems; soil testing; implementation of surge valves; use of narrow border flood irrigation on citrus; and other practices to conserve soil and water resources.
For more information on how to apply for RCPP funding and the best management practices they are eligible for, interested applicants should contact their local NRCS or Soil and Water Conservation District offices or call the San Benito Service Center at 956-399-2522.
Contact Wagner at 979-845-2649 or klwagner@ag.tamu.edu for more information on the partnership and its activities.