Gov. Nixon Expands State Aid for Struggling Farmers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon announced Thursday that his administration is putting more money into a program to help farmers secure their water source during the drought.

During a news conference at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Nixon announced an additional $5 million for a program to help farmers get the money they need to drill new water wells or deepen existing wells.

"It is immediate help that will affect this year's livestock, this year's crops, and this year's bottom line in Missouri," Nixon said. "We're focused on trying to find the most significant of those needs and get those dollars where they can be helpful."

Nixon said farmers can get up to 90 percent of their costs covered by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts if they meet certain criteria. The program is designed to move quickly - the state is offering a three day turnaround on the funds if farmers offer plans to complete the project within 60 days.

Earlier this week, Nixon set aside $2 million for the program, but due to a strong response from nearly 600 farmers, he announced the plan would be expanded.

"We're trying to work directly with the locals who have their feet on the ground, their ears to the ground, and they literally are out assessing their needs at the local level," he aid.

Nixon also announced his administration is moving an additional $1.5 million into the state's emergency assistance program that pays electric bills for low income Missourians.

See Also:
State Announces Rural Fire Department Grants to Battle Wildfires
Gov. Nixon Unveils Cost-Share Program to Help Suffering Farmers
Missouri Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to Drought