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Extension Announced for Floodplain Easement Assistance

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

"This funding is important to helping revitalize our economy and at the same time recover land damaged or threatened by flooding,” said NRCS State Conservationist Kalven L. Trice. The purpose of the funding is to restore frequently flooded land to its natural state and create jobs.

The funding is available through President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and includes both technical and financial assistance.

Floodplains generate many public benefits, such as increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality, and a reduced need for future public disaster assistance.  Other benefits include reduced energy consumption when certain agricultural activities and practices are eliminated and increased carbon sequestration as permanent native vegetative cover is re-established.

For more information on the program, visit http://www.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp.html. All eligible landowners in Arkansas are encouraged to sign-up for the funding by visiting their local NRCS office.  The sign-up, originally announced March 7, will close April 10, 2009.

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