The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – signed by President Biden in November 2021 – is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.
NRCS watershed programs help communities bounce back from natural disasters and prepare for future ones. This includes communities that we’ve historically underserved.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $918 million for watershed programs administered by NRCS, such as:
- Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program: Helps to address watershed resource concerns;
- Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program: Brings high-hazard potential dams to comply with current design safety and performance criteria; and
- Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP): Funds fire recovery, flood assistance and the purchase of floodplain easements in underserved communities.
So far, NRCS has invested $803 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds into watershed programs. This includes:
- $589.5 million in 240 projects in 39 states for WFPO and REHAB.
- $213.7 million for 26 EWP projects.
Map of Projects
Learn more about watershed projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
As part of implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NRCS has prioritized underserved communities, while providing ongoing relief to communities impacted by severe weather events such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
These investments complement America the Beautiful efforts and implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Learn more about USDA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.