Emergency Watershed Program

Overview

The Emergency Watershed Program (EWP) was set up by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters. These emergencies must result in life and property threatening impacts in order to qualify for assistance under the program. It is not necessary for a national emergency to be declared to be eligible. All projects undertaken require sponsorship by a political subdivision of the State such as a city, town, county or conservation district.

Type of Work Authorized

The life and property threats address by EWP are termed watershed impairments and include but are not limited to:
· Debris clogged stream channels
· Undermined and unstable streambanks
· Jeopardized water control structures and public infrastructures
· Wind-borne debris removal
· Damaged upland sites stripped of protective vegetation by fire or drought
EWP work is not limited to one set of prescribed measures. An NRCS team completes a Damage Survey Report (DSR) which provides a case-by-case evaluation of the work required to protect or repair a site.

Eligibility and Sponsorship

Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance but must be represented by a project sponsor. Sponsors are required to perform the following functions:
· Provide the legal authority to obtain land and water rights.
· Secure necessary permits
· Furnish the local cost share
· Perform any required operation and maintenance

How to get Assistance

If your land has suffered severe damage that may qualify for the EWP program, you should contact your local authorities and request assistance. City and county governments and soil and water conservation districts are the most common sponsors of EWP projects. The sponsor’s application should be in the form of a letter signed by an official of the sponsoring organization. The applications for assistance should be sent to the Rhode Island NRCS State Office. NRCS may fund up to 75 percent of the construction costs of the emergency measures.

For More Information

If you need more information about EWP, please contact:

Michael Moorman  - michael.moorman@ri.usda.gov

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