NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide up to $145 million to eligible landowners nationwide through the floodplain easement component of its Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
The funds will be used to restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state and create jobs.
The deadline for applications is March 27
"We will be working with landowners who voluntarily agree to restore the floodplains to their natural condition by placing their land into easements," said Gary Smith, Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant State Conservationist. "Eligible landowners throughout Pennsylvania can sign up for these easements now through March 27 at their local NRCS field office."
Eligible lands are those in all watersheds that meet the following criteria:
-- Lands must have been damaged by flooding at least twice in the previous ten years, or at least once in the last 12 months, or lands that would be inundated or adversely impacted as a result of a dam breach.
-- Lands must be privately owned, or owned by state or local units of government. Federally owned lands are not eligible for enrollment.
Landowners who are interested in having mill dams removed, or who are in the emergency action plan area for land and buildings downstream of any dam, may be eligible to apply. Land does not have to have buildings or structures on it to be eligible.
For more information contact your local NRCS Service Center.