Neighborhoods and Farms Receive Agriculture Program Assistance

The Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District has received its annual allocation from the North Carolina Agriculture Cost–Share Program for non–point source pollution control. These cost–share funds are available to assist farmers in installing conservation practices which help decrease the amount of sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, chemical and other pollutants in the surface and ground water of North Carolina. The District requested approximately $86,000 for program year 2010, which began July 1, 2009.

Landowners and operators may apply for cost–share assistance to install conservation practices such as livestock exclusion from waterways, animal waste management systems, livestock watering systems, cropland conversion to trees and grass, long–term no–till, and many more.

The District also expects to receive its Community Conservation Assistance Program allocation from the state for nonpoint source pollution control from residential, suburban and urban activities. These particular funds are available to assist landowners with the installation of conservation practices. The District requested approximately $26,000 for program year 2010 which began July 1, 2009.

These cost–share funds are available to improve storm–water runoff associated with residential, suburban and urban areas. The Community Conservation Assistance Program is open to homeowners, business owners, churches, schools, county and municipals governments, and other community organizations. These funds are available to assist landowners with installation of conservation practices to decrease the amount of sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, chemicals and other pollutants in the surface and ground water. Reimbursement for most conservation practices is 75 percent of the established average costs.

To learn more about the program or to apply for funds, call the Conservation District office at 704-920-3300.