USDA Announces Extension for Floodplain Easement Assistance
 

Bangor, ME, March 26, 2009 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) extended the sign-up period until April 10, 2009 for funding available to eligible landowners through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program.

“This funding is important to help revitalize our economy and at the same time recover land damaged or threatened by flooding,” said Terrell Erickson, NRCS Acting State Conservationist.

The purpose of the funding, of which $145 million is available nationwide, is to restore frequently-flooded land to its natural state and create jobs, mostly in engineering, biology and construction fields. The funding is available through President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and includes both technical and financial assistance.

Erickson said that these funds will allow NRCS to purchase easements on lands damaged by flooding. The restored floodplain can benefit the public through increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality, reduced energy consumption and increased carbon sequestration.

Eligible landowners can contact their local USDA Service Center to sign-up. For more information, please visit http://www.me.nrcs.usda.gov.

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