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VILSACK ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF USDA ECONOMIC STIMULUS FUNDING

Highlights efforts to stimulate economy, create jobs and assist rural communities

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA will be delivering its first actions implementing the $28 billion provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

"President Obama responded extraordinarily to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression and his efforts and that of the USDA will have a significant impact not only in rural communities but in communities across the country struggling with today's tough economic times," said Vilsack. "Implementation of programs in the act will help stimulate local economies, create jobs as well as protect and restore the environment."

  • Funding provided to the Natural Resources Conservation Service will help rebuild and revitalize rural communities as well as help stimulate local economies and create jobs throughout the country. Specifically;

  • The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will release up to $145 million provided in the Recovery Act to restore frequently flooded land to its natural state; create jobs in rural communities nationwide when landowners establish these floodplain easements; as well as restore and protect an estimated 60,000 acres of flood-prone lands nationwide through the floodplain easement component of its Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Signups for the easements will be held from March 9 – March 27 nationwide. For eligibility requirements, visit the EWP Floodplain Easement Site at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/Floodplain/index.html. 

  • NRCS will release $80 million of the $145 million for watershed projects this week. Through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Program funded projects will improve fish and wildlife habitat and create or restore wetlands.  

  • NRCS also will release $50 million this week for rehabilitating aging watershed structures to protect lives and property and public infrastructure. Over 2,100 jobs directly related to NRCS Recovery Act funding are estimated in the engineering and biological fields, additional specialized equipment operators, construction crews and many other diversified skilled laborers.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the Nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. Additional USDA projects and funding will be announced in the future.

More information about USDA's efforts regarding the Recovery Act is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the economic stimulus is available at www.recovery.gov.

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