Emergency Watershed Protection Assistance Available to Florida Communities Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
NRCS has set up an e-mail inbox; so that potential sponsors may submit requests for EWP assistance. For efficiency, NRCS encourages sponsors to submit by email to: SM.FPAC.NRCS.FLEWP@USDA.GOV.
GAINESVILLE, Florida – September 12, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) encourages local and state governments to serve as sponsors and request Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance to relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by Hurricane Idalia. The deadline for sponsors to request EWP assistance is October 29, 2023.
“EWP provides immediate assistance to communities to mitigate potential hazards to life and property resulting from disasters and particularly the severe erosion and flooding that can occur following hurricanes,” said Walter Albarran, Acting State Conservationist for NRCS in Florida. “We can work with a local sponsor to help a damaged watershed so that lives and property are protected while preventing further devastation in the community.”
NRCS has set up an e-mail inbox; so that potential sponsors may submit requests for EWP assistance. For efficiency, NRCS encourages sponsors to submit by email to: SM.FPAC.NRCS.FLEWP@USDA.GOV. A sample letter of request for EWP assistance is available for sponsors on the NRCS Florida EWP webpage.
Through EWP, NRCS provides assistance to local and state governments, for the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards such as debris removal and streambank stabilization. Eligible sponsors include state governments, cities, counties, towns, or any federally recognized Native American Tribe or Tribal organization.
Sponsors typically must submit a formal request (via mail or email) to the state conservationist for assistance within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites become available. For more information, sponsors may also contact their local NRCS office.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Contact:
Jason Strenth, P.E., State Conservation Engineer
Jason.strenth@usda.gov
Cynthia Portalatin, Public Affairs Specialist
cynthia.portalatin@usda.gov