USDA-NRCS Assists Tennessee with Storm Debris Cleanup

 

NASHVILLE - A tremendous cleanup effort is underway throughout much of Tennessee in the wake of this month’s severe storms and flooding. Kevin Brown, State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Tennessee, says Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funding is possible for the dozens of Tennessee counties declared federal disaster areas.

 

“We have received 29 letters of request from cities and counties severely impacted by the storms, and we expect more,” Brown said. “Our priorities are to remove debris that has been caught underneath and against road bridges. If that’s not done, another big rain could wash them out. We’re also inspecting dams within the storm area to make sure they’re safe and stable.” EWP funds also can be used to unclog stream channels and repair county roadsides where rushing water has made near vertical cuts into the roadway.

 

NRCS-EWP assistance is limited to the removal of debris or impending debris along streams, creeks, or bridges that pose a threat to life or property. Assistance may be provided for severe erosion along stream banks that poses an immediate danger to houses, non-federal roads and other infrastructure.

 

EWP project work is conducted under an agreement between the sponsor and NRCS, which administers the program. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance in reducing hazards to life and property resulting from floods, ice storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, or other natural events. Funds are provided for assistance to local sponsors with eligible emergency needs.

 

Applications are a letter signed by an official of the local government. Local sponsors include counties, cities, conservation districts, watershed districts, State and State-chartered agencies. The letter must include the nature, location and scope of the problem, and requested assistance for the EWP project. Applicants should contact their local NRCS office for a sample letter to speed up the process.

 

All EWP work must be economically, socially, and environmentally defensible, technically sound, and protect life, health, and property. Sponsors are responsible for furnishing the local cost share and for facilitating the installation of work.

 

For more information about EWP or the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, go to http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov/ or contact the nearest USDA Service Center. NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

Media Contact: Perry Stevens, State Public Affairs Specialist, 615-277-2533