Gov. Jay Nixon says Missouri officials have approved more than 3,700 applications totaling $18.7 million to help drought-stricken farmers and ranchers get more water.
The emergency program provides for the state to pay 90 percent of the cost of drilling or deepening a well or expanding an irrigation system. The state's match is capped at $20,000 per project.
Nixon announced the program in late June. Monday was the deadline for farmers and livestock producers to apply.
The state Soil and Water Commission initially approved $2 million for the effort. Nixon quickly added another $5 million because of intense demand.
The governor's office says it is using its authority to respond to emergencies to provide additional funding for the program.
