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For Immediate Release
June 17, 2008
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Senate Committee Acts to Help Farmers Clean Up Pennsylvania
Waterways
Bill would address nutrient, sediment reduction
HARRISBURG – Legislation approved by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Committee today would assist farmers in being part of the solution to cleaning
up Pennsylvania water, Committee Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) said.
Senate Bill 1449, introduced by state Senator Roger Madigan (R-Williamsport)
establishes the Fair Share Nutrient Reduction for Farmers Act, offering grants
and tax credits for agricultural nutrient and sediment reduction projects. The
legislation would provide millions of dollars to the Conservation District Fund,
the State Conservation Commission, the Resource Enhancement And Protection
(REAP) tax credit program, and the Nutrient Management Fund through the
Department of Agriculture.
"Almost 70 percent of Pennsylvanians obtain their drinking water from surface
water sources, and we have a vested interest in helping farmers, businesses and
wastewater facilities meet water quality standards all across the state,"
Brubaker said.
Senate Bill 1449 is part of a larger legislative effort, the Fair Share for
Clean Water Plan, to assist wastewater treatment plants with the cost of
upgrades and farmers with establishing, implementing or improving best
management practices.
Recently, the Senate approved Senate Bill 2, which addresses the
Commonwealth's critical water infrastructure needs, including drinking water and
wastewater facilities, high hazard dams, and flood protection and mitigation
projects.
"These investments are a significant step to getting Pennsylvania on track
for cleaner water, benefitting everyone in the state," Brubaker said.
Contact:
Kristin
Crawford, Executive Director
Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
717-787-4420 | 
