Dateline: November 22, 2007

FSA seeks comments on program

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is still offering members of the public an opportunity to voice opinions about the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and suggest ideas about improving ECP for the future. 

Interested individuals have until the close of business on December 24, 2007, to submit comments for consideration.

ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.  Funding for ECP is appropriated by Congress.

“FSA is inviting public comment on ECP to ensure that the full range of issues and program alternatives are addressed,” said Bruce Ferguson, Executive Director for the Donley County FSA.

According to Ferguson, ECP currently offers qualified applicants assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices as determined by FSA county committees. 

Conservation practices include but are not limited to debris removal, fence and conservation structure restoration, and livestock watering measures during drought.

Written comments on and requests for copies of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement should be directed to ECP SEIS, Geo-Marine Incorporated, 2713 Magruder Blvd., Suite D, Hampton, VA 23666-1572. 

ECP details can also be obtained by contacting Matthew Ponish via e-mail at Mathew.ponish@wdc.usda.gov.