CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ ANNOUNCES USDA FUNDS TO REPAIR FENCE DAMAGE ALONG SOUTHERN BORDER 

Washington, DC – On Thursday, February 17, 2022, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer financial assistance to farmers and ranchers along the southern border who are currently impacted by damage to fields and farming infrastructure.

"Damage to agricultural infrastructure hurts our local and national economy. Last year, I introduced bipartisan legislation to address this very issue to support our farmers and ranchers" stated Congressman Gonzalez. "I applaud the USDA for taking this crucial step in ensuring South Texas farmers and ranchers have access to funding to help recover from damage to fields and farming infrastructure. I continue to call on state and local leaders to come together to address the root causes of migration and prevent these incidents."

Funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), which provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address immigration concerns and deliver environmental benefits.

NRCS accepts applications year-round, however, producers and landowners are encouraged to apply by July 5, 2022, to be considered for funding this year. Applications for this enrollment period will be selected for funding by August 5, 2022, and NRCS is allowing early start waivers and a shorter enrollment period.

Eligible counties in Texas include: Brewster, Brooks, Cameron, Crockett, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Frio, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala.

Qualified producers can use these funds to implement eligible practices including fencing, watering facility, range planting, livestock pipeline, and more. To apply for EQIP assistance, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.

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