NRCS Helps Restore Flood-Ravaged Indiana Town

The largest Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) project agreement in Indiana’s history -- between NRCS and the Town of Plainfield was recently signed at a bridge over White Lick Creek. NRCS Indiana State Conservationist Jane Hardisty and Plainfield Town Manager Richard Carlucci signed the significant agreement signaling the beginning of the cleanup process. “Repair work will include removing fallen trees from the creek and stabilizing the banks where erosion has eaten away long stretches,” said Hardisty. “Some of the rock and gravel bars that were deposited in the channel will be removed, which will help prevent future bank erosion.”

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Through the agency’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP), NRCS will provide approximately $2.3 million for the Town of Plainfield’s restoration project. This project represents the largest EWP funding for a single project in Indiana’s history. The federal program requires the recipient to match 25 percent of the construction cost through local sources, which the Town of Plainfield has accomplished.

The Labor Day flood of 2003 wreaked havoc in Indiana, particularly to the Town of Plainfield along White Lick Creek. The rushing waters downed trees, eroded banks, washed out a trail, and left debris and gravel bars in its wake. To help restore the area back to its pre-flood condition, NRCS is stepping in to help.
Your contact is Michael McGovern, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 317-290-3200, ext. 324.