By Susan Tebben
Ohio Capital Journal
Farmers in some northwest Ohio counties can get funding to help reduce agricultural runoff and keep algal blooms out of Lake Erie, according to an announcement made Wednesday.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the governor’s office said $30 million would be available next month through the governor’s “H2Ohio” program meant to address water quality in the Buckeye State.
The funding will only be available to farmers in 14 counties for now. Residents of Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams and Wood counties can apply for funds starting Feb. 1.
H2Ohio is set to fund 10 “scientifically proven interventions to reduce nutrient runoff from agriculture, which is the primary cause for algal blooms in Lake Erie and elsewhere,” according to a release about the program.
Informational meetings are scheduled in February to explain the process. (The Wood County meeting is set for Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at Owens Community College’s Veterans Hall 33035 Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.)
Applications should be submitted to local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
