05/23/06 CREP funding, part two

258 million dollars. That's how much money has approved for the Idaho Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program which is designed to lessen the drain on the eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. State Farm Service Agency director Wayne Hammon says producers can begin to signup for CREP on May 30th. HAMMON "Because they have to have been in and seen us before they're notified that the water is going to be turned off. So any of these guys who've got a well and they're irrigating their cropland and their afraid they'll be part of a water curtailment they have to come in and see us." In June and July FSA will start to notify those who signed up. Hammon says those selected for CREP agree to take land out of production in return for guaranteed payments through a government contract. HAMMON "They'll get between 110 and 160 dollars an acre every year for the next 15 years." Tomorrow night at Central Elementary in Jerome is the first of four information meetings. The other sessions are Thursday at West Minico Junior Hi in Paul, May 31st at Snake River High and June first at the Mustang Events Center in Roberts. All the meetings begin at 7 pm. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott