JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – 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.

Under the emergency program, the state pays 90 percent of the cost of drilling or deepening a well or expanding an irrigation system. The match is capped at $20,000 per project. State soil and water cost-sharing programs typically cover 75 percent of project costs.

Nixon announced the program in July. 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.

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