Emergency Watershed Protection Program - Floodplain Easement

Updated 04/22/2009

Section 382 of the Federal Agricultures Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127, amended the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) to provide for the purchase of floodplain easements as an emergency measure. Since 1996, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has purchased floodplain easements on lands that qualify for EWPP assistance. Floodplain easement restore, protect, maintain, and enhance the functions of the floodplain ; conserve natural values including fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, flood water retention, ground water recharge, and open space; reduce long-term federal disaster assistance; and safeguard lives and property from floods, drought, and the products of erosion.

NRCS may purchase EWPP easement on any floodplain lands that have been impaired within the last 12 months or that have a history of repeated flooding (i.e., flooded at least two times during the past 10 years).

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2009 Geographic Area Rate Cap (GARC) (8 KB)
2009 Market Survey (393 KB)

For more information on the nationwide EWPP-FPE Program see the NRCS main website.