North Dakota Secures $2 Million for Livestock Water

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota is increasing financial support for livestock producers facing water shortages caused by ongoing drought. The State Water Commission has approved an additional $2 million for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, bringing total available funding to $4 million.

The program helps livestock producers improve water supplies through projects such as new wells, rural water system connections, pipeline extensions, and pasture taps. The increased funding comes after strong demand from producers across the state.

More than 220 applications are received during the program’s first week. Without additional funding, the original $2 million allocation would have been used quickly. The program is now available to livestock producers in all North Dakota counties, following an amended drought disaster order.

“The intense demand for this water supply program demonstrates just how serious the drought situation is in North Dakota for our livestock producers,” Armstrong said. “This program will not only help more producers through the current drought but also make their operations more resilient against future droughts.”

Dry conditions remain widespread across North Dakota. Recent drought monitoring shows large areas of the state experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought, while much of the remaining area is classified as abnormally dry.

“There is a great need for water supply projects due to shortages caused by the ongoing drought,” Goehring said. “The additional funding will provide livestock producers with the assistance necessary to continue their operations after they were impacted at no fault of their own.”

Each producer can receive cost-share assistance for up to three projects. Eligible producers may receive reimbursement of up to 65% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $10,000 per project.

“North Dakota producers have made it clear that there is a significant need for assistance with livestock water supplies,” DWR Director Reice Haase said. “Expanding the program statewide and increasing the available funding will allow us to help more producers address the challenges they are facing today while also making investments that strengthen their resilience for future droughts.”

The program is funded through oil extraction tax revenue and administered by the Department of Water Resources. Producers can contact the department for eligibility, application details, and program information.

Photo Credit: field-istock-dorin-s