Nearly $19 Million Approved in State's Cost-Share Drought Program

CARTHAGE, Mo. -- The state's farmers have lined up for help keeping their water wells going.

On Wednesday, Governor Jay Nixon's office reported the state has approved 3,712 applications for assistance, totaling $18.7 million.

The soil and water districts are picking up 90 percent of the cost of digging new wells, or digging existing wells deeper. They're also helping out with new pumps or fixing existing ones. The maximum state match for any project is $20,000.

The cases are being handled on a case-by-case basis by local districts with the worst problems being handled first.

"If you're a cattle farmer and you don't have feed, you can buy it," Nixon said in late July, explaining the program's purpose. "If you don't have water, you have to sell."

Applications were due by 5 p.m. Monday, August 6.  Officials from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are supporting local soil and water districts in reviewing the applications to determine eligibility for funding.

Funding for this emergency program comes from unallocated reserve funds provided by the State Soil & Water Districts Commission and state resources made available by Gov. Nixon through House Bill 8, which provides the Governor the authority to direct funds for "responding during a declared emergency at the direction of the Governor, provided the services furnish immediate aid and relief."