Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring today joined the State Water Commission in announcing an additional $2 million for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, as demand for the program has outstripped the initial $2 million approved last week.
The program provides cost-share assistance on projects including new water wells, rural water system connections, pipeline extensions and pasture taps.
The Department of Water Resources received more than 220 applications in just the first week of the program, and funding would have run out today without the Commission’s action, with Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden chairing the meeting, to double the available cost-share assistance to $4 million. Armstrong also issued an amended executive order today making the program available to livestock producers in all North Dakota counties, rather than only those counties impacted by drought rated D2 (severe) or higher and adjacent counties and tribal nations.
The program is funded by oil extraction tax revenue, authorized by the State Water Commission and administered by DWR. 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.
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.
Additional information on drought resources and current burn ban restrictions and fire danger levels is available at www.ndresponse.gov.
Source: ND Department of Agriculture, Governor’s Office
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