The North Dakota Water Commission today voted to set April 8, 2021, as the start date for eligible labor and material expenses that can be reimbursed through the state’s Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Program (DDLWSP). In addition, the U.S. Drought Monitor released today shows the expansion of D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions into Richland County, making livestock producers in that county eligible for the DDLWSP. As of today, all North Dakota counties are now eligible for assistance under the 2021 DDLWSP.
In total, $6.1 million has been authorized through multiple Water Commission approvals since the DDLWSP was reactivated on April 8, 2021. The program provides 50% cost-share assistance of up to $4,500 per project, with a maximum of three projects per applicant. Eligible project items include: new water wells; rural water system connections; pipeline extensions; pasture taps and associated works; and labor, materials, and equipment rentals for work completed by the producer to develop new water supply projects. To be eligible, a livestock producer must receive at least 50% of their annual gross income from farming or ranching.
“The Department of Water Resources strives to be as responsive as possible during these very challenging times,” said Andrea Travnicek, director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR). “By setting a single date of eligibility for reimbursement of labor and material costs, the Water Commission has provided a more simplified approach in support of our state’s livestock producers who continue to battle drought conditions across the state.”
Since the program’s reactivation, over $4.1 million in funding has been approved for 939 projects by 735 producers. Application forms and additional information are available on the DWR website at www.dwr.nd.gov. For further details regarding the program, please contact the DWR Planning and Education Division at (701) 328-4989 or dwrlivestock@nd.gov.
The 10-member Water Commission consists of Gov. Doug Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and eight members appointed by the governor to serve six-year terms.