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Posted: Monday, November 8th, 2004 3:25 PM HST

Maui, Kauai selected for federal watershed conservation program

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) _ Federal agriculture officials say the Maui and Kauai watersheds are eligible for the federal Conservation Security Program. More than 200 watersheds across the nation have been selected for the program, which provides payments to eligible farmers for maintaining and enhancing natural resources. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman says that helps to improve water, air and soil quality. The program this year also includes a renewable energy component. Eligible farmers will be compensated for converting to renewable energy fuels such as soy bio-diesel and ethanol and for recycling 100 percent of on-farm lubricants. They'll also receive payments for implementing energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal, and methane production. Congressman Ed Case notes that Maui and Kauai are the first islands to benefit from the program. (Copyright 2004 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)