EPHRATA — Grant County farmers can expect more services from the Grant County Public Utility District.

The Grant County PUD is expanding the Irrigation Water Management Program. An additional 150,000 acres of irrigated farm ground was obtained.

Farmers will see a three-year moisture scheduling and monitoring program to assist in saving money on pumping and fertilizer costs.

"Farmers who have participated in this program since it was first offered realized maximum crop yields and improvement in the quality of their project," PUD Energy Services Specialist Frank Majer said. "Energy savings are expected from the additional 150,000 acres participating in this program, which is enough to heat 700 average Grant County homes for an entire winter season."

For more information on the expansion program, contact Roxanne Neilan at 509-754-2463, ext. 5. To participate in the energy saving programs, contact Majer at 509-766-2512.

The Bonneville Power Administration provided financing for the project.