For Immediate Release

April 9, 2008

Contact: Michael Marsh, CEO (209) 527-6453

Water quality improvement grants awarded to 20 dairies

(Modesto, CA) - - Cost-share grants that will assist 20 dairies in implementing water quality improvement projects have been announced by Western United Resource Development. The WURD technical advisory committee reviewed and scored applications before selecting the 20 dairies and awarding over $798,000 in grants. Funds were provided through the Proposition 50 Agricultural Water Quality Grant Program and the state Water Resources Control Board.
“The funds will assist dairies in becoming certified by the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, as well as help to implement projects that improve water quality,” explained Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist who oversees the program. “The advisory committee has tended to rank projects higher that help dairies apply manure nutrients at agronomic rates.” Funded projects include those that use pipelines to distribute liquid manure to fields currently receiving only solid manure; flow meters and valves to measure and control liquid manure applications; tailwater return systems; and backflow prevention.

 “There was tremendous interest in these projects,” said Sousa, noting that the applications totaled over $3.1 million, while only approximately $800,000 was available. “It was disappointing that more funding was not available to meet the needs of these projects,” said Sousa. “We will continue to search for funding opportunities for dairy producers who are interested in improving water quality.” Final paperwork on the grants is being completed and it is anticipated the projects will get underway in the near future.

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