Producers urged to apply soon. In 2017, AIM cost-share funds were claimed by eligible producers in less than two weeks.
High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) in Lubbock has received $150,000 in funding to continue operation of its Assistance in Irrigation Management (AIM) program in 2018.
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in Austin provides these funds through its Agricultural Water Conservation Grants program.
“AIM is a voluntary program to assist producers with the purchase price of telemetry-based irrigation monitoring systems used with either a center pivot system or subsurface drip irrigation system,” said HPWD Manager Jason Coleman.
Qualifying equipment purchased after the May 3, 2018 contract execution date is eligible for AIM program funding.
The online application form and procedures are available at aimapp.hpwd.org. This website also includes program terms & conditions -- plus essential information to be included with the application.
“This is the preferred method to submit applications for this round of funding. Use of the website and online form will help guarantee a person’s place in line during the application process,” said Coleman.
HPWD processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to provide proper information on the application may result in relinquishment of position in line for funding.
Last year, HPWD received $225,000 from the TWDB to fund the program. All cost-share funds were claimed by eligible producers in less than two weeks.
“Interested producers are encouraged to submit their online applications as quickly as possible. We anticipate this second round of funding to be claimed very soon,” said Coleman.
Additional information about the AIM Program is available by contacting the HPWD office at (806) 762-0181 or by emailing aim@hpwd.org.
Created in 1951 by local residents and the State Legislature, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District is charged with the responsibility of conserving, preserving, protecting, and preventing waste of groundwater in aquifers within its 16-county service area. HPWD is the first groundwater conservation district created in Texas.