NCGA Commends Congress for Flood Aid Totaling Nearly a Half-Billion Dollars (6-30-08)

The National Corn Growers Association applauds Congress and President Bush for taking steps to aid flood recovery efforts in the Midwest.  Congress passed a supplemental spending bill late last week that includes $479 million for emergency conservation flood efforts, and President Bush signed it Monday morning.

“As an Iowa farmer, I have seen the damage caused by the Midwest floods,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer.  “The emergency conservation flood aid will go a long way in helping farmers get back on track.”

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) was able to secure the funding in a supplemental appropriations bill. It includes $89 million for the Emergency Conservation Program, to provide emergency assistance to producers in response to conservation damage such as debris or damage to conservation structures. Farmers can apply for assistance by contacting the Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Conservation Program.  Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The bill also includes $390 million for the Emergency Watershed Program, which provides assistance on a matching-fund basis to state and local governmental entities.  The Natural Resource Conservation Service estimates that about $500 million in total will be needed for the recovery efforts.  

Click here for more information on FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program.