Grand Prairie Questions and Answers

• When will the cost share money be available?
  
  On February 29, 2000, the district received enough votes to form a district. After the district forms, all of the land in the district needs to be assessed by the tax assessors. Then the money can be released.
  
  
• Will alligators be added to the canals?
  
  No.
  
  
• Will the money that the farmer receives for cost share be tax free?
  
  We are working on a way that it won't be, but right now we don't know.
  
  
• If the farmer gets cost share money, will he still be able to receive a tax credit?
  
  Yes, the farmer can receive a tax credit on the 35% that he paid.
  
  
• Will the project flood the bottom land hardwoods?
  
  No, the only flooding that will occur is one field that currently is in agricultural production.
  
  
• Will the farmer have 100% control of any pit reservoir or above ground reservoir on his farm if he accept money from the NRCS for construction?
  
  He will own and operate any on-farm conservation practice installed as a part of this project, including pit reservoirs and/or above ground reservoirs.
  
  
• If the farmer builds a pit reservoir in his ditch, will his neighbor across the road or above him cut off water coming in his pit reservoir in the future?
  
  The farmers surface water rights will not be affected by the project. Current water law allows people to capture his share of the surface water. Neighbors will most likely develop tailwater recovery systems to capture runoff from their property, with or without the project.
  
  
• Will I have to buy water from the District if they help me with reservoir costs?
  
  Purchase of water is not a requirement to receive cost share.
  
  
• How long will I have to sign a contract to buy water and can the cost be raised from year to year in the future?
  
  Water contracts will be signed for ten years and water prices will be included in the contracts.
  
  
• How will board members be chosen in the future and will we be allowed to vote for them?
  
  Board members are elected in the general elections and serve 6 year terms.
  
  
• When do the current board members leave office?
  
  Current board members leave office as their terms expire. Terms are staggered in two year increments.

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