The funds will assist state, local and tribal governments in removing debris, stabilizing streambanks and other projects to protect lives and property.
"America's communities rely upon the stability USDA emergency programs provide when unpredictable disasters hit," Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young said in a press release. "The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program funds will support diverse recovery projects including clearing debris-clogged waterways, stabilizing streambanks and repairing damaged water-control structures in local communities to make them resistant to future threats."
The EWP Program will provide financial and technical assistance to local units of government as they repair damage caused by natural disasters. Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina will be able to take advantage of the program to repair damage caused by Hurricane Matthew last year. Up to $3.1 million will be used in Florida for Hurricane Matthew-related damages. Georgia will receive up to $97,000, while North Carolina will get $908,000 and South Carolina will receive up to $5.7 million for Hurricane Matthew damages.
In addition, approximately $65 million will be used in Louisiana by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to purchase floodplain easements.
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