House Farm Bill Includes Regional Water Enhancement Program

The Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (H.R.2419), which passed the House last month, would create a program under the Department of Agriculture for regional water enhancement grants (partnership agreements). Eligible activities would include modeling, planning, evaluation, cost-share, incentives, easements, irrigation improvements, water banking, groundwater recharge and related activities that would lead to improved water quality and quantity on agricultural lands. The grants would be available to agricultural producers, producer groups, state and local governments and Indian tribes.