$60M for GoM hypoxia program

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Assistant Administrator for Water, Radhika Fox, joined Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in announcing $60M over five years to fund nutrient reduction efforts through the Gulf Hypoxia Program. Hypoxia means low oxygen levels in water and can be caused by excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Hypoxia can impact ecosystems, killing fish and other wildlife, creating aquatic dead zones in severe areas. The funding will continue the agency’s collaboration with states and agricultural partners by supporting actions of the 12-member states of the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force (Hypoxia Task Force). The funding will expand capacity of the states to improve water quality in the Gulf and throughout the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin. The announcement includes a memorandum providing guidance for states under the new program and provides information on how EPA will award and administer the GHP funds. EPA expects states will scale up implementation of nutrient reduction strategies and engage local communities in planning nutrient reduction projects. This is the latest in a series of announcements emphasizing EPA’s commitment to rural communities. (Source: EPA 06/10/22) EPA Announces $60 Million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Nutrient Pollution Reduction in the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed | US EPA