The Environmental Protection Agency today announced the availability of $60 million over 5 years through the infrastructure law to fund nutrient reduction efforts by the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force member states through the Gulf Hypoxia Program. EPA Asst. Admin. for Water Radhika Fox was joined by Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig in making the announcement. EPA also said it would expand existing collaborative efforts with the agriculture community, look for new partnerships, and identify and amplify examples of producer innovation.
Fox called the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico watershed “an iconic ecosystem” and said that “it is essential that we reduce nutrient pollution that harms water quality.” Naig added that the funding will “help improve water quality and meet the unique needs of each state as outlined in their Nutrient Reduction Strategies.”
As part of the announcement, EPA published a Memorandum that in part provides guidance to states on how EPA will award and administer the funds and highlights nutrient reduction priorities.
