During Climate Week, Governor Hochul Announces Over $13.8 Million to Protect Clean Water and Support New York Farmers in the Fight Against Climate Change

During Climate Week, Governor Hochul Announces Over $13.8 ...  ny.gov

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Sep 20, 2023 - 14:30
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During Climate Week, Governor Hochul Announces Over $13.8 Million to Protect Clean Water and Support New York Farmers in the Fight Against Climate Change

Governor Hochul Announces $13.8 Million in Funding for Agricultural Water Quality Conservation Projects

Introduction

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that over $13.8 million has been awarded to 33 projects across the state through the State’s Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program. The funding will support agricultural water quality conservation projects, benefiting 80 farms, enhancing water quality in priority watersheds, and protecting the environment. This announcement aligns with Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting the state’s natural resources and environment through New York State’s leading climate agenda.

Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

The projects awarded through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

  1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  2. SDG 13: Climate Action
  3. SDG 15: Life on Land

Project Details

The 33 projects awarded to 22 county Soil and Water Conservation Districts will support on-farm environmental planning and the implementation of best management practice (BMP) systems. These systems aim to prevent nutrients and other potential pollutants from entering waterways, promote soil health, and enhance farm resilience to climate change-driven extreme precipitation. The BMPs include measures such as installing vegetative buffers along streams, planting cover crops, enhancing nutrient management through manure storage, and implementing other conservation measures.

Grant Distribution

The grants for the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program were distributed as follows:

  • Western New York: $764,876 for six farms
  • Finger Lakes: $2,869,595 for 28 farms
  • Central New York: $5,548,936 for 23 farms
  • Southern Tier: $2,381,037 for seven farms
  • Mohawk Valley: $1,166,366 for three farms
  • North Country: $844,882 for nine farms
  • Mid Hudson: $248,211 for four farms

For a complete list of projects awarded, please visit the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website.

Environmental Impact

The projects supported by the program have had a significant environmental impact over the past 29 years. Some key achievements include:

  • Creation of over 800 acres of riparian buffers to filter nutrients and sediment, protect surface water, stabilize streambanks, improve aquatic habitat, and reduce flooding impacts
  • Implementation of reduced tillage practices on over 12,000 acres to prevent erosion, improve soil health, and increase organic matter
  • Planting of over 145,000 acres of cover crops to prevent erosion, improve soil health, increase organic matter, and sequester carbon

Statements from Officials

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball expressed his appreciation for the funding, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability. He thanked Governor Hochul, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the farmers who applied for the funds.

New York State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos emphasized the need to invest in efforts that enhance resilience and protect natural resources in the face of climate change. He commended the grant awards as a significant investment in safeguarding water resources and soil quality.

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chairman Dale Stein congratulated the awardees and recognized their contribution to improving and enhancing the environment on their land. He praised New York for leading the country in environmental work done by farmers to preserve, protect, and enhance the environment for future generations.

Senator Michelle Hinchey, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, acknowledged the vital role of New York farmers as stewards of natural resources. She emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between the agricultural community and the state in advancing environmental progress.

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair, commended the Soil and Water Conservation Districts for their work in protecting New York’s natural resources. She thanked the Governor, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and her legislative colleagues for supporting water contaminant prevention through the Environmental Protection Fund.

Conclusion

The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program plays a crucial role in protecting water quality and preserving farmland in New York State. The program aligns with the state’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and its comprehensive climate and clean energy agenda. Through continued funding and support, New York State aims to ensure a sustainable future for its agricultural sector while safeguarding the environment.

Sources:

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
  • SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
  • SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Indicator for SDG 6.3: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
  • Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have communicated the integration of climate change into their policies, strategies, and planning.
  • Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
SDG 13: Climate Action 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. Number of countries that have communicated the integration of climate change into their policies, strategies, and planning.
SDG 15: Life on Land 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: governor.ny.gov

 

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