Lee and Chambers counties have been funded for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for FY 2004. Chambers and Lee counties were allocated $160,000 and $78,000 respectively.

The resource concerns that will be considered this year are: Grazing Lands, Erosion, Water Quality, Water Conservation and At-Risk Species.

Cost-share rates are set at 50% & 60% unless incentive payments are allowed for a practice. Funding will be determined after applications are ranked according to the environmental quality points. The application with the highest points will be funded first. Contracts will be at least two years but will last at least one year past the date of the last cost-share practice application.

EQIP applications will be available at 600 S. 7th Street, Opelika in the Farm Services Agency (FSA) or the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Applications received by the close of business on May 30,2003 will be considered for funding. Applications received after May 30, 2003 will be considered for future funding. For additional information call FSA at 334-745-4791 or NRCS at 334-745-2511.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status, (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA' S TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.