We
received more than $9 million dollars in requests from local governments
in north Texas to repair damage caused after heavy rains caused
extensive flooding," said Don Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for
Texas. "With the funding we received, we will be able to take care of
the most serious needs at this time and have requested additional
funding."
Heavy spring rains caused
flooding in nine central Texas counties. NRCS has committed all of its
available funding to Callahan, Eastland, Ellis, Hill, McLennan, Navarro,
Tarrant and Wilson counties.
The purpose of the Emergency
Watershed Protection program is to undertake emergency measures for
runoff retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard lives and
property from floods, drought or any other natural occurrence that is
causing or has caused a sudden impairment of a watershed.
NRCS will provide up to 75
percent of the funds needed to restore the natural function of a
watershed. Local sponsors who request assistance pay the remaining
cost-share, which can be provided by cash or in-kind services.
