funding for farm water systems included in federal legislation

A bill currently before the U.S. House Agricultural Committee will help to support the construction and maintenance of water drainage systems on American farms.

The massive $800 billion 2018 Farm Bill, which has won the praise of the American Water Works Association, will fund, in particular, incentives for farmers implementing practices that benefit downstream water quality.

The measure will additionally provide funding for what is regarded as a more collaborative focus to protecting water resources through community water systems.

Such efforts are typically overseen through the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is slated to receive up to $874 million in the bill.

Among the other features of this year’s Farm Bill, which is expected to be voted on by the full Senate next month, is continued funding for food business entrepreneurs, organic farm operations, and the planning and development of renewable energy production.

By Garry Boulard