02.08.02

Yakima Basin Water Conservation Program to Help Farmers Affected by Drought

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today announced that the US Department of Agriculture has established the Yakima Basin Water Conservation Program to distribute the $2 million that Cantwell secured for producers affected by the drought in the Yakima Basin.

"The Yakima Basin has suffered economic damage as the result of severe drought," Cantwell said. "This money will help struggling farmers to upgrade irrigation systems."

Cantwell secured $2 million in the Department of Defense Supplemental Appropriations bill that was signed into law on July 24, 2001 (Public Law No: 107-20). The money can be used for on-farm irrigation improvements.

For more information about the Yakima Basin Water Conservation Program, contact the Farm Service Agency office in your local USDA Service Center.