Emergency Watershed Protection Program

Objective

The objective of the EWP Program is to assist sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by a natural disaster that causes a sudden impairment of a watershed.

Who Can Apply

• State
• Local
• Land/Property Owner
• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government

Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance but must be represented by a project sponsor. Project sponsor means a State government or a State agency or a legal subdivision thereof, local unit of government, or any Native American tribe or tribal organization as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b), with a legal interest in or responsibility for the values threatened by a watershed emergency; is capable of obtaining necessary land rights, and permits; and is capable of carrying out any operation and maintenance responsibilities that may be required. Sponsors are also responsible for furnishing the local cost share and for accomplishing the installation of work. Work can be done either through Federal or local contracts. Emergency watershed protection is authorized in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Who Benefits

Local communities benefit from the EWP recovery measures for watershed emergencies created by floods, wildfires, windstorms, and other natural occurrences that threaten life and property.

Assistance Types

• Other Financial Assistance
• Grant

Program Contact

Ralph.Smith@usda.gov
202-819-6587