The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to pass along information about the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. After a natural disaster like Hurricane Ian, through EWP NRCS offers help to alleviate hazards to life and property.
Florida NRCS State Conservationist, Juan C. Hernandez, explains who this program is designed for.
Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance, but must be represented by a project sponsor, such as a city, county, conservation district or tribal government.
The sponsor begins the process by sending a letter of request within 60 days of the event to the Florida NRCS state conservationist that includes the nature, location and scope of the problem. Upon receiving the letter of request, NRCS and the sponsor conduct a site visit to determine eligibility. At the site visit, NRCS field staff will complete a Damage Survey Report that documents the site conditions, proposed solutions, environmental impacts and economic analysis. This report is used to determine eligibility and priority for funding. If the site is deemed eligible and Congress appropriates funds, the sponsor enters into a cooperative agreement to complete the work.
Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, or any federally recognized Native American Tribe or Tribal organization. Sponsors must submit a formal request (via mail or email) to the state conservationist for assistance within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites become available.
For more information, contact your local NRCS office.