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Emergency Watershed Protection Program Deadline for Sponsors Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

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EWP-Flooding

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program is designed to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters like Tropical Storm Helene. 

RALEIGH, N.C., – In late September Tropical Storm Helene hit the western part of North Carolina, in its wake, the storm destroyed countless miles of property and infrastructure. Understandably many are left wondering what’s next and are looking for assistance. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) administers the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, which responds to emergencies created by natural disasters. It is not necessary for a national emergency to be declared for an area to be eligible for assistance.

The program is available to eligible sponsors; a legal subdivision of the state, such as a state agency, county, city, town, soil and water conservation district, or an Indian Tribe or a Tribal organization. The program’s objectives are to relieve imminent hazards to life and structures/infrastructure caused by floods, fires, wind­storms, and other natural occurrences. EWP is an emergency recovery program. The NRCS does not provide EWP assistance directly to private property owners with the exception of floodplain easements. All projects undertaken which include public and private properties must have a project sponsor. Sponsors cannot be reimbursed for work done prior to entering into a formal agreement with NRCS.

Potential sponsors should reach out to their local NRCS office for additional program information including templates for preparing requests for assistance to NRCS. Currently, the NRCS state conservationist is accepting requests for assistance through Jan. 31, 2025. 

Sponsor responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Reviewing NRCS-led site assessments and prioritizing eligible sites
  • Entering a locally-led grant agreement with NRCS and administering, procuring, and managing services required per agreement conditions
  • Obtaining right-of-entry & hold-harmless agreements as applicable
  • securing the neces­sary designs and permits
  • accomplishing the installation of work
  • be responsible for all ineligible project expenses

For Tropical Storm Helene, USDA-NRCS may provide up to 100 percent of the construction costs for eligible emergency measures. Sponsor are prohibited from utilizing other federal funds for EWP projects. Funding is subject to Congressional approval.

EWP is designed for installation of emergency measures to protect lives, structures and infrastructure. Typical activities include providing financial and technical assistance to:

  • remove hazardous debris from stream channels, road culverts, and bridges
  • Stabilize erosion threatening structures and infrastructure

EWP work is not limited to any one set of prescribed measures. A case-by-case investigation of the work is made by NRCS.

USDA-NRCS may assist with acquiring floodplain easements when a sponsor has identified potential areas that can be bought out and restored. Due to potential complexities, interested sponsors will need to meet with NRCS specialists when exploring this option.

To get answers to your questions about EWP in North Carolina, contact your local NRCS office or the NRCS State Office at (919) 873-2100.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. To get started, please visit your local USDA Service Center. To find the nearest center visit USDA Service Center Locator.

 

 

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