This action approves an award in the amount of $1,494,998 to gulf of mexico alliance to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of mexico using novel conservation…

This Cooperative Agreement award in the amount of $1,494,998 was made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 under the Geographic Programs - Gulf of Mexico Program (CFDA 66.475). The funding will support the Gulf of Mexico Alliance's (GOMA) efforts to improve water quality in the Gulf of Mexico using novel conservation practices on prioritized agricultural land. Key project activities include developing site-specific conservation plans, monitoring to document nonpoint source pollution reduction, and conducting outreach and education for farmers. The anticipated project outcomes include a 20% reduction in nutrients and 30-40% reduction in sediment, impacting approximately 18,000 acres. GOMA will work with a subrecipient, the Morehouse Soil & Water Conservation District, on certain project activities. The award period is from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026.

This action approves an award in the amount of $1,494,998 to gulf of mexico alliance to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of mexico using novel conservation practices on prioritized agricultural land. Project activities include site-specific conservation plan development, monitoring to document nonpoint source pollution reduction, and outreach and educational efforts targeting farmers within and outside of the project area. Anticipated deliverables include water quality monitoring at six sites, for one full year after conservation practices have been utilized. Expected outcomes include a 20% reduction in nutrients based on sampling results and 30-40% reduction in sediment will be achieved while impacting approximately 18,000 acres. Direct beneficiaries include louisiana farmers and residents living downstream from the project area and within gulf of mexico communities.activities:.subrecipient:subaward activities include working with local agriculture participants, managing the practices demonstration, and organizing the local outreach events.outcomes:.