KFGO file photo
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring today voted with the State Water Commission to activate a water supply assistance program for livestock producers as the governor declared a drought disaster for extremely dry conditions across North Dakota.
“This July ranked as one of the hottest and driest on record in North Dakota, putting enormous strain on livestock producers who are just trying to keep their herds watered and fed and their operations afloat,” Armstrong said. “Today’s action supports producers who want to invest in water projects that will help them through the current drought and make their operations more resilient against future droughts. Our agencies will continue to explore every option for relief as drought conditions persist.”
“The drought has dried up livestock dams that producers usually depend on for grazing, and water quality has been a serious concern,” Goehring said. “The actions taken today will provide more permanent solutions and mitigate drought impacts for livestock producers in the future.”
The State Water Commission voted unanimously to activate and make $2 million available for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program. The program provides cost-share assistance on items including new water wells, rural water system connections, pipeline extensions, pasture taps and associated works, as well as labor, materials and equipment rentals for work completed on new water supply projects. Each producer is eligible for cost-share on up to three projects and may be reimbursed up to 65%, but no more than $10,000, of the eligible cost of each project.
The program is funded by oil extraction tax revenue, authorized by the State Water Commission and administered by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Livestock producers in counties impacted by drought rated D2 (severe) or higher, and adjacent counties and tribal nations, will be eligible for the program, which was established in 2017 and last activated in 2021.
Producers seeking more information about the program may call (701) 328-4959 or email dwrlivestock@nd.gov. Program details, eligibility requirements and application information are available at dwr.nd.gov.
North Dakota Department of Agriculture
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