In a teleconference on Friday morning, local time, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the approval of $84.8 million in stimulus funds for 55 watershed projects in 20 states and the CNMI.
This funding, Vilsack said, will assist local economies nationwide as it will help modernize the nation’s infrastructure.
The watershed projects, Vilsack said, will help address issues on soil erosion, water quality and reliable water source.
“This is a very good news for the U.S. economy,” he said.
The Kagman watershed project was stopped in 2007 due to lack of funding.
The project is key to flood control during the rainy season.
It will also minimize erosion and prevent runoff waters from harming marine resources particularly the coral reef, local officials said.
The project will also benefit local farmers as it also involves the construction of a 70 million gallon water reservoir for their irrigation system.
Citing President Obama’s words, Vilsack said “the very clear” purpose of the stimulus package is to put Americans back to work.
For his part, Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan said Saipan farmers have been waiting for the continuation of the watershed project and he is happy to hear that it is now funded.
Sablan said the funding may not be enough so his office will try to secure more federal assistance.
