Disaster Assistance Available for Rhode Island Communities through the USDA-NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program

Examples of common EWP projects include repairing damaged streambanks or channels that threaten infrastructure (roads, pipelines, etc.) and removing debris that is blocking bridges and culverts.

EWP is a protection program not a replacement program – infrastructure such as culverts, pipelines, paving, etc. are not eligible for funding. While NRCS may fund projects on private and public land through the EWP Program, a public sponsor (usually the town or city) is required to cover 25% of the eligible construction costs and the operation and maintenance of the site post-installation (see EWP Sponsor Resources webpage).

Sponsors must submit a formal request for assistance within 60 days of the disaster occurrence, or 60 days from the date when access to the sites becomes available. Work completed prior to an agreement between NRCS and the Project Sponsor is not eligible for reimbursement. See the factsheet below for more detailed information. 

As you transition from emergency response to recovery efforts, please contact us if you have project sites you believe may be eligible for assistance through EWP. For more information on the Emergency Watershed Protection Program or to speak to someone about potential projects in your area, please contact Darrell Moore, Rhode Island NRCS State Conservation Engineer.