Expand the cost share programs to include wetlands restoration. Increase cost share funds to problem areas. Under this initiative, the Agriculture Cost Share Program would expand and a new Water Quality Cost Share Program, modeled after the one for agriculture, would be created. Cost-sharing would give farmers, marina owners, forestry operations and individual land owners greater incentive to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
Funding is necessary for technical assistance and installation of best management practices.
A list of best management practices eligible for the Agriculture Cost Share Program and a description of practices as outlined in a detailed implementation plan for nonpoint source pollution control is presented in Appendix E. DSWC would pursue avenues to target the increased funding and technical assistance to priority areas identified through the basinwide nonpoint source control plans. The General Assembly would be asked to authorize and appropriate funding for a new Water Quality Cost Share Program in the 1995 session. Funding is necessary for technical assistance, administration, public outreach, and installation of best management practices. Technical assistance staff would be located in offices throughout the APES region. The Department will include effective best management practices that will protect wetlands.