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Show Applications accepted to repair watershed Utah farmers and ranchers may soon be eligible for over $2.4 million in state loan monies for soil and water conservation projects to repair agriculture land damages during flooding. Loan applications are now being accepted ac-cepted by the Soil and Water Conservation Conser-vation districts so that planning can begin on the conservation projects when the funds are expected to be available, said Amos Merkley, chairman chair-man of the Uintah Basin Soil Conservation Conser-vation District in Uintah and Duchesne counties. The 1983 session of the state legislature appropriated the funds to the Department of Agriculture and ex-'panded ex-'panded the scope of the agriculture resource development loan program to include cropland conservation, watershed improvement, and on-farm energy conservation. These new areas are in addition to the current rangeland development program. These funds were to be available July Ju-ly 1, 1983, but Gov. Scott Matheson placed a temporary freeze on the newly new-ly appropriated funds due to flooding problems around the state. It is hoped that the freeze will be lifted making the loan funds available to assist with repairing flood damage to agriculture. "The local Soil Conservation Districts throughout the state will be responsible for distributing and reviewing all applications," Merkley said. Loans will be approved based on-financial on-financial status and the conservation needs of the farmer making application. applica-tion. Farmers and ranchers may pick up applications by contacting their local SCD supervisor. "We are encouraging farmers and ranchers to submit application for these loans now so that work can begin immediately the funds become available," Merkley said. |