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USDA Reminds Florida Sponsors to Request Emergency Watershed Protection Assistance by January 27

Sign-up deadline extended for communities impacted by Hurricane Ian
Publish Date
Bay County Florida debris in Creek following hurricane Michael in 2018

Communities that experienced damage after Hurricane Ian can still seek assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP), offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). Sponsors should apply by Jan. 27.

GAINESVILLE, Florida - January 5, 2023 – Communities that experienced damage after Hurricane Ian can still seek assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP), offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). Community sponsors are reminded that requests for EWP assistance related to Hurricane Ian are due to NRCS by January 27, 2023.

“EWP provides immediate assistance to communities to mitigate potential hazards to life and property resulting from disasters – particularly the severe erosion and flooding that can occur following hurricanes,” said Juan C. Hernandez, 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.”

Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, or any federally recognized Native American Tribe or Tribal organization. A sample letter of request for EWP assistance is available for sponsors on the NRCS Florida website.

Through EWP, the NRCS provides assistance to local government sponsors, for the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards such as debris removal and streambank stabilization. Sponsors typically must submit a formal request to the NRCS state conservationist by postal mail or email within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites become available. However, because of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ian, a waiver was granted by USDA to extend sponsors’ time to request EWP assistance to 120 days. For more information, contact a local NRCS office.


Contact:

Jason Strenth, P.E., State Conservation Engineer, Jason.strenth@usda.gov
Cynthia Portalatin, Public Affairs Specialist, cynthia.portalatin@usda.gov