DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged eligible groups to apply for $5 million in grant funding available to support projects that will improve water quality in the state.

“These funds present a great opportunity for local communities to make needed changes either in town or on the farm that can improve water quality,” Northey said.  “A wide variety of projects are eligible and I encourage qualified groups to look at the needs of their watershed and consider applying.”

The $5 million in grant funds are available to local watershed improvement committees, soil and water conservation districts, public water supply utilities, county conservation boards and cities.  Individual projects can request up to $500,000.

All applications are due on Friday, August 1, 2008 and will be reviewed by the Watershed Improvement Review Board.  The Board is comprised of representatives from agriculture, drinking water and wastewater utilities, environmental organizations, agribusiness, the conservation community along with two state senators and two state representatives.

A funding announcement is expected by October 1, 2008 so projects can begin around the beginning of 2009.

Application materials can be downloaded from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov/IWIRB.asp. To receive more information or ask questions, contact Jerry Neppel at 515-281-3599.

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