Two projects that will benefit Connecticut are among 84 conservation initiatives that will receive grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for efforts to improve water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability, the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Connecticut office announced Friday.   

The 84 grants, totaling $720 million, were part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program created by the 2014 Farm Bill.

One of the projects that will benefit the state is called the Path to Reduce Pathogens in Connecticut Agricultural Runoff.”

The conservation service said it will receive $669,000 to combat high bacteria levels in the state’s rivers and shellfish beds that are caused in part by farm runoff.

The University of Connecticut is a partner in the project.

The second initiatives, called the Young Forest Initiative for At-Risk Species, will direct $5.2 million in a multistate effort to help private forest owners to increase the quality and quantity of forest habitats.

Young forest habitat is needed to support several at-risk species, the conservation service said.

New Hampshire will be the lead state in the project.

“We put out a call for innovative and results-focused projects that will deliver the most conservation impact,” Thomas Morgart, state conservationist in Connecticut, said in a news release. “Our partners answered with creative, locally led approaches to help producers support their ongoing business operations and address natural resource challenges in their communities, here in Connecticut, and across the nation.”