Natural Resources Conservation Service Offers Emergency Funding to Restore Flood-Prone Lands

HURON, South Dakota, Oct. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service South Dakota office issued the following news release:

In response to the recent flooding impacting many parts of the country, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the availability of $217.5 million to 11 states, including South Dakota. The emergency funding is specifically dedicated to conservation easements on certain lands damaged by flooding and other natural disasters.

On June 6, 2019, President Trump signed an emergency supplemental appropriations bill providing relief and support to America's farmers and ranchers. This bill provides $4.5 billion to USDA for agricultural-related losses, emergency timber restoration, farmland repair, and watershed recovery work to help America's farmers and ranchers.

Funds are made available through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP-FPE). "Landowners across the United States have faced--and continue to face--significant challenges from flooding and natural disasters," said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr. "To provide relief and assist agricultural landowners during this difficult time, this easement program offers an option that alleviates the stress of operating in a floodplain while still retaining ownership of their property."

The EWPP-FPE program is a voluntary program through which eligible applicants agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the United States through the NRCS. "This program is an option for those who have been inundated by high water," said NRCS Easements Program Manger Brandon Kottke.

Compensation is based on the value of the easement as determined by an appraisal or market analysis. These easements may occur on public or private agricultural land or residential properties damaged by flooding and natural disasters. The NRCS will work to restore the easement area to its natural floodplain condition.

For more information about the EWPP-FPE please contact: State Easement Program Manager, Brandon Kottke, Huron, at (605) 352-1200, or visit your local NRCS office.

To view the fact https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf