$14.7 million awarded to support water quality protection projects on NYS livestock farms

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $14.7 million has been awarded to implement water quality protection projects on 43 farms across the state. The funding was provided through the second round of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Waste Storage and Transfer System Program. It supports projects that will allow large livestock farms to better manage and store nutrients, such as manure, to protect ground water and nearby waterways.  

Through the program, 50 waste storage and transfer systems will be installed on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permitted farms in 22 counties across the state. Grants will help offset the cost of construction, site preparation and associated best management practices. Funded projects will also help farmers meet the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's environmental requirements first announced in January of 2017. A list of funding being provided to the Districts is here.  

The funding is being provided to County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York regions. The districts applied for this funding on behalf of eligible farmers in the region. New York State has more than 500 CAFO farms, most of which are dairy farms with 300 or more cows. CAFOs can also include associated livestock operations such as beef, poultry and equine farms. Grant funding for the CAFO Waste Storage and Transfer System Program is available over three consecutive application rounds.