Disaster Assistance Available to New Jersey Communities Impacted by the July 15 Storm

HAMILTON SQUARE, N.J., July 21, 2023 – USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is now accepting applications for natural disaster recovery efforts aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by the July 15 storm in Warren County through the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. Applications will be accepted through September 13, 2023. 

"We are determined to do all we can to help local municipalities and communities quickly address the damage caused by this storm," said Acting New Jersey State Conservationist Evan Madlinger. "The technical and financial assistance offered through the EWP program will allow Warren County residents to start down the path to rebuilding and recovery."

EWP assists with the implementation of critical emergency measures needed to address public safety and restoration efforts.

Typical streambank restoration projects funded under EWP include removing debris from waterways, protecting eroded stream banks, reseeding damaged areas, and in some cases, purchasing floodplain easements on eligible land. Maintenance and repair of existing structures, such as bridges and culverts, as well as damage to homes and businesses are not eligible for assistance.

Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance but must be represented by a project sponsor. Sponsors include legal subdivisions of the State, such as a city, county, general improvement district or a conservation district, and are responsible for providing land rights to implement repair work, securing all necessary permits, performing any necessary operation, maintenance and furnishing the local cost share. NRCS provides up to 75 percent of the construction funds, and the community, local, or state sponsor must pay the remaining costs, which can be provided by cash and/or in-kind services.

Contact your local USDA Service Center for more information.