The USDA is working to address western water supply challenges for producers through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.
A new framework called WaterSMART Initiative will provide 25 million dollars for three new priority areas including California, Hawaii, and Washington, as well as 37 existing areas.
It aims to help farmers and ranchers conserve water, address climate change, and build drought resilience out west.
The NRCS Chief is praising the investment saying, “Record breaking drought and exhausted water supplies are hurting agricultural operations and entire communities. WaterSMART investments are being directed where they can have the most impact... and the new Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Actions lays the foundation for helping producers and communities address pressing climate challenges and build resiliency for the future.”
