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Eddy Lincoln and Otero Counties Eligible for USDA Emergency Assistance
(Albuquerque, NM), September 28, 2011 –USDA New Mexico Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Salomon Ramirez, announced that more than $1 million in Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funding is available for restoration projects on agricultural lands damaged by natural disasters in Eddy, Lincoln and Otero Counties. "Eddy, Lincoln and Otero Counties are approved to use ECP funds to recover from damages left behind by floods and/or wildfires depending on the qualifying disaster event for each county," said Ramirez.
Eddy County has received ECP funding for damages caused by floods in 2010 and wildfires in 2011. Lincoln and Otero counties are approved for ECP funding for damages resulting from 2011 wildfires.
According to Ramirez, It is normal procedure for producers to submit their requests for ECP assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work. Completing reconstructive work before submitting an ECP request would typically result in forfeiture of program eligibility.
“However, I realize that there are extenuating circumstances that must be addressed for public and livestock safety and health reasons, subsequently, FSA has the authority to waive the start date for beginning reconstructive work on a case-by-case basis," said Ramirez. "Approval to waive the start date allows producers to begin repairs and remove debris before ECP funds are secured without jeopardizing program eligibility," he said.
Producers can use ECP funds to remove debris on agricultural lands, restore fences, grade and shape land and repair existing conservation structures damaged by the qualifying natural disaster.
Conservation problems that existed before the qualifying disaster event are not eligible for ECP assistance. ECP program participants can receive financial assistance for up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices.
Please contact your local FSA office to determine eligibility, submit an ECP application or to request a start date waiver.
Eddy County has received ECP funding for damages caused by floods in 2010 and wildfires in 2011. Lincoln and Otero counties are approved for ECP funding for damages resulting from 2011 wildfires.
According to Ramirez, It is normal procedure for producers to submit their requests for ECP assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work. Completing reconstructive work before submitting an ECP request would typically result in forfeiture of program eligibility.
“However, I realize that there are extenuating circumstances that must be addressed for public and livestock safety and health reasons, subsequently, FSA has the authority to waive the start date for beginning reconstructive work on a case-by-case basis," said Ramirez. "Approval to waive the start date allows producers to begin repairs and remove debris before ECP funds are secured without jeopardizing program eligibility," he said.
Producers can use ECP funds to remove debris on agricultural lands, restore fences, grade and shape land and repair existing conservation structures damaged by the qualifying natural disaster.
Conservation problems that existed before the qualifying disaster event are not eligible for ECP assistance. ECP program participants can receive financial assistance for up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices.
Please contact your local FSA office to determine eligibility, submit an ECP application or to request a start date waiver.
