Emergency Drought Commission approves additional $12 Million in emergency funding
The Emergency Drought Commission has directed $12 million in additional funding to the existing Emergency Drought Cost-Share Program. In addition to the increase in funding, the Commission directed local conservation districts to accept applications for all approved practices.
The Emergency Drought Commission has directed $12 million in additional funding to the existing Emergency Drought Cost-Share Program. In addition to the increase in funding, the Commission directed local conservation districts to accept applications for all approved practices.
Approved practices include:
• water well drilling
• pumping facilities
• pipeline
• pasture tap
• watering facilities
• heavy use protection
• cover crop planting (for erosion control)
• forage and biomass planting (excluding Bermuda grass)
• pond clean out The Commission clarified cover crops planted for the purpose of erosion control are eligible for the program.
All practices included in the Emergency Drought Cost-Share Program may be funded retroactively to June 11, 2022, pending appropriate documentation is provided by the applicant. Appropriate documentation will be determined by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
A statewide application period is now open across all conservation districts and is set to close on Nov. 28, 2022.
Applications submitted prior to Nov. 9, 2022, that have not received funding will be considered for the updated program. Applicants who have been approved for funding are not eligible to submit a new application.
All actions of the Commission are pending approval by Governor Kevin Stitt. The Commission will continue to meet in order to distribute the remaining funds appropriated by the State Legislature and approved by the Governor.
