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Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)

Updated 09/22/2008

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The EWP Program provides assistance to project sponsors and individuals in implementing emergency recovery measures (including the purchase of floodplain easements) to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by a natural disaster that causes a sudden impairment of a watershed. Picture of completed EWP Project with gabion baskets

Assistance is available only when public or private landowners, land managers, land users, or others document that they have exhausted or have insufficient funding or other resources available to provide adequate relief from applicable hazards. (See 7 CFR 624.6(a)(2)(iv)).

Technical and Financial Assistance

EWP technical and financial assistance may be made available, dependent upon funding, when a declaration of the following:
 

  • A federal emergency is declared by the President
  • A local or State emergency is declared by the State Conservationist*
  • In drought situations when the Secretary of Agriculture has declared a drought emergency
  • A request for assistance from a landowner in the case of floodplain easements

    *This could be initiated as a result of a declaration by a governor of a State, followed by appropriate action taken by the State Conservationist followed by assistance from a qualified sponsor.

    Assistance available under EWP consists of the installation of emergency measures to reduce hazards to life and property, and reduce future disaster expenditures through the purchase of floodplain easements.

    Request for Assistance

    Assistance Available to Repair Watersheds After Hurricane Ike

    Hurricane Ike EWP Assistance Letter (PDF; 18 KB)

    Hurricane Ike Fact Sheet (PDF; 268 KB)

    Project sponsors must apply for EWP assistance to the State Conservationist by written request.

    The request must consist of the following:

  • A discussion of the problems encountered.

  • Assistance needed, including the following:
      - Nature of the problem
      - Location
      - Scope of the problem
  • Commitment by the sponsor to assume the following responsibilities:
      - Provide local cost-share
      - Land rights acquisition
      - Permits
      - Responsibility for O&M, if required
  • A statement indicating that funds have either been exhausted or are insufficient to provide adequate relief from the applicable hazards.

  • Detailed information is not required at the time of the initial request.

    • Project sponsors must submit a request for assistance within 60 days following the date of the natural occurrence that caused the watershed impairment, or after access to the site becomes available. The following topics will help you decide if you are interested and eligible for EWP assistance.

    Eligible Entities

  • Legal subdivision of a State government or a State agency such as:
  • Cities
  • Counties or Parishes
  • Towns
  • Townships
  • Soil and Water Conservation Districts
  • Levee Districts
  • Irrigation Districts
  • Drainage Districts
  • Any Native American tribe or tribal organization as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b),
    And…
  • Has a legal interest in or responsibility for the values threatened by a watershed emergency.
  • Is capable of obtaining necessary land rights and required permits.
  • Is capable of carrying out any operation and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities that may be required.

    • For More Information

    Hurricane Rita Recovery Report (PDF; 2 MB)

    Damage Survey Report (DSR) (PDF; 559 KB)

    Sample Letter for Requesting EWP Assistance (PDF; 9 KB)

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