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REAP APPLICATION REQUESTS EXCEED AVAILABLE FUNDING!
First Application Round Closes
The amazing response from PA farmers means improved water quality for our streams.
In just the first TEN days, Pennsylvania farmers had requested $10 million in tax credits from the new Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP).
The State Conservation Commission (SCC) began accepting applications on January 2, 2008. Over 260 applications were received, requesting $11.3 million in projects - maxing out the first-year allocation of $10 million. This amazing response prompted the closing of the first application period.
“The tremendous response to REAP demonstrates that farmers are willing to implement best management practices on their farms,” said Matthew Ehrhart, Executive Director of CBF’s Pennsylvania office.
“We’re glad to see such a positive response in such a short timeframe,” said Mary Bender, REAP Director for the State Conservation Commission.
“We’d like to thank our legislators and the Governor for enacting REAP,” said Ehrhart. “The State Department of Agriculture and the SCC should also be commended for their ability to pull the program together so quickly.”
Agriculture contributes a significant amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to the Susquehanna River, and ultimately to the Chesapeake Bay. With increasing pressure on Pennsylvania to meet water quality regulations, farmers need new options to help them decrease pollution and soil erosion. REAP is designed to fulfill that need but clearly additional funds are necessary in order to meet the demand.
“REAP will make significant improvements to our statewide water quality and to local economies” said Ehrhart. "We hope the Governor and our legislators will recognize the demand for the program and increase next years budget to the originally proposed $50 million.”
For more information call the REAP Information Hotline at
866-599-REAP or email us at REAP@cbf.org.
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