Rim Fire Funds For Ranchers

Sonora, CA — Ranchers impacted by the Rim Fire will be able to apply for funds to pay for damages. The funding is available through the Stanislaus-Tuolumne Farm Service Agency County Committee’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).

County Executive Director Jonna Spaletta says, “It allows us to help replace fences that have been destroyed. Helps us remove debris from farmland or ranch land. It also allows for us to cost-share on pipe lines that are permanently installed.”

Farmers must apply for the assistance by February 7, 2014. The funds will pay for up to 75% of the cost to repair damages with a cap of $200,000 per person. However, there are different approval levels based on the amount requested.

Spaletta says, “Anything under $50,000 can be approved by our county committee level. Anything above that must go through our state or national office.”

The U.S. Congress funds the program and there is no cap. For more application information, contact the Stanislaus-Tuolumne County Office at (209) 491-9320 extension 2.