Release No. 0383.02

Release No. 0383.02

Printable Version

Contact:
USDA Office of Communication (202) 720-4623
Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623
Mary Cressel (202) 690-0547

EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM FUNDING WILL HELP STATES HIT BY NATURAL DISASTERS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2002-Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that $94 million will be released for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) in 36 states.

"This program will provide assistance to help restore natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfires and other natural disasters," Veneman said. "The Bush administration remains committed to providing the tools and resources for environmental stewardship to ensure that the land remains both healthy and productive."

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance through EWP where a potential threat to life or property exists as a result of natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. EWP provides funding to local project sponsors for work that includes clearing debris from clogged waterways, restoring vegetation and stabilizing streambanks.

A list of EWP funds by state follows.

State	Funds
Alabama	$ 1,480,750
Alaska	$ 655,500
Arizona	$ 5,144,000
Arkansas	$ 225,000
California	$ 7,168,000
Colorado	$13,061,664
Florida	$ 570,000
Georgia	$ 90,000
Hawaii	$ 297,000
Indiana	$ 450,000
Illinois	$ 2,726,000
Iowa	$ 1,311,000
Kentucky	$ 900,000
Louisiana	$ 70,650
Maryland	$ 541,500
Massachusetts	$ 30,000
Michigan	$ 1,159,855
Minnesota	$ 2,544,000
Missouri	$ 2,250,000
Mississippi	$ 2,247,605
Nebraska	$ 66,120
Nevada	$ 30,000
New Mexico	$ 513,000
North Dakota	$ 225,000
Ohio	$ 930,606
Oklahoma	$12,320,850
Oregon	$ 900,000
Puerto Rico	$ 2,280,000
Tennessee	$ 9,060,000
Texas	$13,500,000
Utah	$ 621,300
Vermont	$ 68,000
Virginia	$ 1,528,360
West Virginia	$ 3,925,875
Wisconsin	$ 67,500
Wyoming	$ 40,865

For more information, contact your local NRCS office or USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or on the Web at http://offices.usda.gov . You may visit the NRCS website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/ewp.html .