The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide $5.3m in funding to five water districts and associated growers to save water and improve water management.
A cooperative pilot program was launched by the Bureau of Reclamation and the NRCS to fund water conservation and water use efficiency projects last year.
USDA deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan said, "By working in partnership, USDA and Interior better ensure that water management efforts enhance water supplies and sustain our natural resources."
USBR, in support with NRCS, selected five projects for funding, totaling $2.3m under its Agricultural Conservation and Efficiency Grants program, and the projects will increase district-level efficiencies and facilitate farm water conservation and water use efficiency.
NRCS will provide about an additional $3m in funding, and technical assistance to growers in the selected districts, for eligible on-farm conservation practices.
The five recipients of the funding are the Henry Miller Reclamation District 2131, Firebaugh Canal Water District, Tulare Irrigation District, Rancho California Water District and Central California Irrigation District.
