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Aerial view on the flooding on the Mississipi River, on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from the MS side. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.

Water Resources

Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO)  

This program provides for cooperation between the Federal government, the states, and their political subdivisions to work together to prevent erosion; floodwater and sediment damage; to further the conservation development, use and disposal of water; and to further the conservation and proper use of land in authorized watersheds. The WFPO Program helps units of federal, state, local and tribal of government (project sponsors) protect and restore watersheds up to 250,000 acres. 

Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has assisted public sponsors with construction of nearly 900 dams for the primary purposes of flood reduction and grade stabilization. Nebraska has had over 60 approved WFPO plans providing over $150 million in average annual benefits.  

Local Watershed Solutions 

USDA’s NRCS offers financial and technical assistance through this program for the following purposes: 

  • Flood Prevention (Flood Damage Reduction)
  • Watershed Protection
  • Public Recreation
  • Public Fish and Wildlife
  • Agricultural Water Management
  • Municipal and Industrial Water Supply
  • Water Quality Management 

Information for Potential Sponsors

Current WFPO Projects in Nebraska 

As of September 2023, Nebraska had approximately 30 active projects across the state. 

Active WFPO Projects- FY2024

Projects Ready for Public Comment and Review  

Recently Authorized Watershed Projects

National NRCS Programs

Emergency Watershed Protection
Watershed and Flood Prevention (WFPO) Program
Watershed Rehabilitation

Contact Information 

To learn more about NRCS’s Watershed Program, please contact: 

Nebraska NRCS State Conservation Engineer: Allen Gehring, 402-437-4037 
Nebraska NRCS Assistant State Conservationist-Water Resources and Easements: Melissa Baier, 402-437-4065