Governor releases money for wells

Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order last week authorizing a program that will provide $7 million of unallocated state Soil and Water District Commission funds to help farmers who have wells that are failing or to drill new ones. But the money doesn't go very far.

The order comes as many farmers are having trouble providing water for their livestock due to the drought.

Gov. Nixon announced the emergency program that will pay 90 percent of the cost to drill or deepen a farmer's well.

Applications for the emergency well program need to be turned in by Aug. 6 to the local Soil and Water District Commission office, or applications can be made online at http://dnr.mo.gov/drought-relief.htm  The applications will be processed within 72 hours to see if farmers meet the qualifications.

A spokesperson at the Ozark County Soil and Water Conservation office said they have a waiting list of more than 150 farmers who have applied. So far, Delores James said, Ozark County has only received about $100,000 for the entire county.

James said the rules to qualify are very stringent. So far, she said, only 14 have qualified, and the money will only cover 9 of them. "We don't have enough money to cover even all those who have qualified, let alone all the others who we've not gotten to yet," James said. We've asked for more money, but who knows?" she said.

Other counties also reported similar shortcomings in money to cover the massive demand.

Record heat and a choking drought have hit farmers hard this summer, with many selling off their herds.

For more information, contact the OCSWCD at 679-4876.