PREBLE, NY (607NewsNow) – Several farms in Cortland County are receiving support from the state.

On September 29, officials announced a $1.82 million grant to the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District to help three farms address infrastructure that will protect local water quality in the Otisco Lake Watershed, the Tioughnioga River Watershed, and the Lower East Branch of the Tioughnioga River Watershed.

“Conservation and water quality improvement practices are important for farm viability and environmental health,” said Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District Manager Amanda Barber.

It’s part of $25 million heading to 50 similar projects across New York in this round of funding from the State’s Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program, which is provided through the Environmental Protection Fund and the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball made the announcement at a special event at Van Patten Farms in Preble. The money will help Van Patten Farms build a 1.4-million-gallon nutrient storage and transfer system, which will “advance nutrient recycling practices for crop production and water quality.”

“Investments in environmental stewardship are important for the future of our farm,” said Van Patten Farms Co-Owner Steve Van Patten. “The Ag Nonpoint Source grant will help us improve our manure management and better utilize manure nutrients on the farm. We feel fortunate to have Soil and Water Conservation Districts supporting our efforts to improve our farm while protecting water quality for our community.”

For a full list of awarded projects, click here.