Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced the availability of $12 million in grant funding to be administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Hawley said the new funding could have a large impact in his district, where well contamination issues have been a recent problem.

“The availability of this new grant funding will be especially important to residents of my district,” Hawley said. “There are many farms within the three counties I represent, and water quality and availability continue to be lingering issues for homeowners and businesses. Farming is a cornerstone of the local economy not only in Western New York but in New York State as a whole. These grants are aimed primarily at the agricultural industry and will help farmers achieve their business production goals and protect our natural resources.”

Hawley’s comments come after the grant funds became available as part of the Agriculture Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, which is funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. Grants will be awarded to County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. More information may be found through the state’s new Grants Gateway program.