Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) & EWP Floodplain Easement Programs

The USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) and Floodplain Easement Programs provide post-disaster assistance to reduce risks to life and property in damaged watersheds. These programs fund immediate and long-term recovery actions such as debris removal, streambank stabilization, drainage system repair, levee restoration, and floodplain easements. Assistance is available to help communities recover after natural disasters and strengthen resilience against future flooding impacts. Grant Fact Sheet.

Additional Information:
Eligible entities must submit applications within 60 days of the disaster event. Funding supports activities including debris removal, erosion reduction, vegetative restoration, repair of damaged infrastructure, and voluntary property buyouts or easements to restore natural floodplain function. The 60-day deadline may be waived for property acquisitions in NRCS-designated limited-resource areas. Applicants must work with a local sponsor, and most projects include a local cost-share component. These programs are administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to reduce watershed hazards and improve long-term resilience.

Funding Agencies: Natural Resources Conservation Service

Match Requirement: Cost-share varies by project type