Caldwell and Lyon counties have been selected to receive funding through the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission to support farm projects.
Governor Andy Beshear announced on Tuesday that the Kentucky Soil Water Conservation Commission had allocated over $4.2 million in tobacco settlement funds to 345 agricultural projects in the state.
Caldwell County saw the approval of 11 applications for the Fiscal Year 2023, resulting in a total of approximately $76,460, while Lyon County saw the approval of three applications totaling approximately $25,768.
A news release indicates the funds will be used to help farmers implement practices that protect water quality and prevent soil erosion, such as alternative water sources for livestock, grassed waterways, rotational grazing, and cover crops.
Tobacco Master Settlement funds are appropriated each year by the General Assembly to support the program. Funds are distributed with the assistance of the 121 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state which will work with local farmers to verify and submit proposed projects for consideration. Award recipients have two years to complete the project.
In the past 30 years, the Conservation Commission has allocated more than $180 million in state cost share funds, leading to the completion of 456 projects in the fiscal year 2022. These projects included the installation of 50 miles of fence, 1553 acres of cover crop, and the construction of nearly 20 miles of pipeline to supply 184 waterers.
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