State Expands Drought Relief to Help Livestock Producers Improve Water Supplies
North Dakota is expanding drought assistance for livestock producers facing water shortages across the state.
The State Water Commission approves an additional $2 million for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, increasing total available funding to $4 million.
The program supports projects that improve water access for livestock operations. Eligible projects include new wells, connections to rural water systems, pipeline extensions, and pasture taps.
The additional funding responds to strong interest from livestock producers who need reliable water supplies during the drought.
More than 220 applications are received during the program’s first week. The original $2 million allocation would have been used quickly without additional funding.
The program is also expanded to livestock producers in all North Dakota counties after the state amends its drought disaster order.
“The intense demand for this water supply program demonstrates just how serious the drought situation is in North Dakota for our livestock producers,” Armstrong said. “This program will not only help more producers through the current drought but also make their operations more resilient against future droughts.”
Dry conditions remain widespread across North Dakota. Drought monitoring shows areas of the state experiencing moderate, severe or extreme drought, while much of the remaining area is listed as abnormally dry.
“There is a great need for water supply projects due to shortages caused by the ongoing drought,” Goehring said. “The additional funding will provide livestock producers with the assistance necessary to continue their operations after they were impacted at no fault of their own.”
Each producer can receive cost-share assistance for up to three projects. Eligible producers can receive reimbursement of up to 65% of eligible project costs, with a maximum payment of $10,000 per project.
“North Dakota producers have made it clear that there is a significant need for assistance with livestock water supplies,” DWR Director Reice Haase said. “Expanding the program statewide and increasing the available funding will allow us to help more producers address the challenges they are facing today while also making investments that strengthen their resilience for future droughts.”
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