Ohio Rolls Out $20 Million Farm Plan to Battle Lake Erie Algae

Ohio, in its battle to reduce Lake Erie pollution, is opening its checkbook to the tune of $20 million to help farmers reduce runoff contributing to annual algal blooms that threaten drinking water for more than 3 million people.

The cash is divvied up three ways: $8 million for voluntary nutrient management planning on farms, $7.5 million for farmers to create buffer acres that filter water, and $4.5 million to reimburse farmers for equipment and processes that minimize the loss of chemicals into groundwater.

The funding marks a renewed focus in Ohio drinking water quality, Ohio ...