Sign-up period for funding extended for landowners for floodplain easements

staff report

COLUMBUS — The Natural Resources Conservation Service extended the sign-up period until April 10 for funding available to eligible landowners through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection.

“This funding is important to helping revitalize our economy and at the same time recover land damaged or threatened by flooding,” said NRCS State Conservationist Terry Cosby. The purpose of the funding is to restore frequently flooded land to its natural state and create jobs. The funding is available through President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and includes both technical and financial assistance.

Floodplains generate many public benefits such as increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality and a reduced need for future public disaster assistance.

To be eligible, the floodplain lands must have been impaired within the last 12 months or have a history of repeated flooding (i.e. flooded at least two times during the past 10 years). All eligible landowners in Ohio are encouraged to sign up for the funding by visiting their local NRCS office.