Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently applauded the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District for securing $290,402 in funding to help local farms protect water quality. The competitive grants, awarded through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), will help 209 farms in 27 counties protect New York’s lakes, streams and rivers from potential agricultural runoff.

“Our local farms go to great and expensive lengths to protect nearby waterways from any unintentional pollution, and this funding will help farmers afford the necessary measures to protect our environment,” said Hawley. “This is an example of state government putting its resources to good use. These grants will not only benefit our landscape, but our job-creating farmers as well, and I applaud the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District for making sure our local farmers are included in this program.”

Eligible projects include those that develop comprehensive nutrient management plans or implement best management practice systems to protect water quality while maintaining the economic viability of New York’s diverse agricultural community. Examples of projects include grazing systems to prevent soil erosion, vegetative buffers along streams to filter runoff, and nutrient management systems for watershed protection.