On July 8, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority announced it recently finalized a low-interest loan funding offer for $800,000 to Murmac Farms, LLC, a large-scale dairy and agricultural operation based in Centre County, Pennsylvania.

The funding will be utilized to implement several agricultural best management practices (BMPs) that will improve the efficiency of the farm operation and dramatically increase water quality in the area and throughout the watershed.

With the funding provided by PennVEST, Murmac Farms, LLC will construct a comprehensive manure solids separation system and install 1,330 linear feet of piping.

The new system will efficiently accommodate the waste from more than 1,800 dairy cows and markedly bolster protection of the Nittany Creek and Bald Eagle Creek watersheds.

Additionally, because of the low-interest structure of the funding, Murmac Farms, LLC has the potential to save more than $160,000 over the use of conventional financing.

“Agricultural improvements like the ones made by Murmac Farms have been shown to have exponential benefit to the environment,” said Brion Johnson, executive director of PennVEST.

“This financing will allow for continued, successful large-scale agricultural operation while improving water quality throughout central Pennsylvania.”

“Farming operations on any scale can be difficult to maintain successfully,” said Brian Craig of Murmac Farms. “The agricultural industry is incredibly competitive, so this PennVEST funding is enormously beneficial to the success of the farm and the continued environmental improvements we make.”

Since its inception in 1988, PennVEST has funded nearly 50 clean water projects throughout Centre County, providing over $113 million in grant and low-interest loan funding.

For more information on clean water funding opportunities, visit the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority website.

Related Articles - Water:

-- Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan Team Virtual Meeting July 20

-- Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership Wins U.S. Dairy Innovation Award

-- PA Assn. For Sustainable Agriculture 30th Annual Conference Going Virtual In 2021

-- Op-Ed: We Need To Focus On Regenerative Organic Agriculture To Improve Human Health

-- Top Prizes Awarded To Students In PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest

-- PA Clean Water Academy: Learn More About Streamside Buffers

-- Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center Stormwater Webinars In July, August, Sept

-- Brodhead Watershed Assn. July 25 Webinar: The Big Deal About Rain Barrels; Monroe County

-- Partnership For Delaware Estuary Hosts What Lies Beneath? Webinar Series Starting July 28

-- Businesses, Community Members Launch The Pledge To Defend Our Pocono Waters -- Campaign

-- DEP Invites Information For Stream Redesignation Evaluations In The Allegheny River Watershed

-- DEP Invites Comments On Proposed TMDL Plan For Watershed In Adams County

[Posted: July 9, 2020]

7/13/2020