The grant money will be used to upgrade field laboratories, to provide additional testing equipment, and to measure flows of irrigation water in canals. Grants from TWDB will cover up to 75 percent of the cost of equipment used to monitor irrigation efficiency. These workers will advise irrigators on ways to reduce runoff, will help plan irrigation systems and strategies, and will give site-specific advice on water harvesting and soil and water conservation. Although 20 of these districts are in the High Plains, assistance will be statewide. Research will be the emphasis of TAES programs, accelerating specific aspects of ongoing programs in irrigation water management and water conservation.
Time is one of the main constraints to the agricultural programs.
TWDB has to submit an initial report on the pilot loan and grant program to the legislature by the end of 1986 and a follow-up review at the end of 1988. Widespread participation in the program, both by farmers and irrigation districts, will be an essential element in judging its success.