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Federal funding needed for Kagman project
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Posted on Dec 23 2004
The House of Representatives has backed efforts of the Pacific Basin Association of Conservation Districts and the Saipan and Northern Islands Soil and Water Conservation District to secure federal funding to complete the Kagman watershed project.
In separate resolutions passed Friday, the lower chamber also called on the Commonwealth Development Authority to coordinate with the Pacific Basin Office and the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service for the introduction of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to farmers and ranchers throughout the CNMI.
House Resolution 14-100 in particular said that additional federal funding would go a long way in completing the Kagman project.
The funding will be used for the installation of flood control measures and irrigation water distribution systems. The project aims to secure agricultural productivity and wildlife habitat protection, reduce pressure on the aquifer and ensure a healthier marine environment.
This project also intends to be a model for other Pacific Basin territories and island nations for collaborative and community-based planning.
In H.R. 14-101, it asked CDA to work with acting director of the Pacific Basin Office Ronald L. Hilliard and district conservationist J. Scott Crocket of the USDA in introducing local farmers to EQIP, a voluntary USDA conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. It provides financial and technical support to farmers and ranchers to implement structural and management conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.
It also aims to create environmental awareness by introducing and reminding local farmers and ranchers of conservation practices, management measures needed to address land-use related problems. (Marconi Calindas)
