The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has set an October 9, 2020 deadline to apply for Emergency Watershed Protection Program-Floodplain Easement (EWPP-FPE). NRCS announces the availability of an additional $75 million dedicated to funding conservation easements on certain lands damaged by flooding and other natural disasters.

According to a news release, the EWPP-FPE focuses on restoring damage that occurred in the 2018 and 2019 calendar years, as well as other natural disasters. Funds are made available through the floodplain easement component of the EWPP-FPE.

The 83 counties in Missouri include: Carroll, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Lafayette and Saline in the KMMO listening area.

On June 6, 2019, President Trump signed an emergency supplemental appropriations bill providing relief and support to America’s farmers and ranchers. The bill provided $4.5 billion to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for agricultural-related losses, emergency timber restoration, farmland repair and watershed recovery work to help America’s farmers and ranchers. Since then, USDA has converted EWPP-Recovery funding to EWPP-FPE funds. These funds provide the opportunity for additional EWPP-FPE sign-ups and project selections to the 11 states identified as affected by the 2018 and 2019 flooding and other natural disasters.

The EWPP-FPE program is a voluntary program through which eligible applicants agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the United States through NRCS. Compensation is based on the value of the easement as determined by an appraisal or market analysis. These easements may occur on public or private agricultural land or residential properties damaged by flooding and natural disaster. NRCS will work to restore the easement to it natural floodplain condition.

Individuals and communities in the 83 counties are encouraged to contact their local NRCS field offices for more information on these floodplain easement opportunities.