Mo. farmers eligible for help to expand wells

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri farmers can get some additional state help to drill or deepen wells for thirsty crops and livestock.

Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday the emergency program will cover 90 percent of a well project's cost, with a maximum cost-sharing award of $20,000. Typical state soil and water cost-share programs cover 75 percent of the cost. The state Soil and Water Districts Commission approved the expanded program this week.

Water well projects must help crops or livestock and cannot harm the public water supply.

Applications for the additional assistance must be submitted by Aug. 6 to a soil or water district or through state government's website at www.mo.gov .

Nixon also created a task force of workers from the state Agriculture and Natural Resources departments to process the applications.