Extension for Interested Sponsors Who Want to Participate in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

Communities that have been affected by Tropical Storm Helene still have time to apply for assistance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in North Carolina has been granted an extension for interested sponsors that have been affected by Tropical Storm Helene under the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. The application deadline for interested sponsors is now February 28, 2025.
The EWP 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 USDA-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.
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
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. 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.
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