EWP program project no. 5035 in damascus, washington county, virginia, for implementation of recovery measures

The Town of Damascus, Virginia received a $2.694 million Cooperative Agreement award from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923), effective August 29, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2027. Under this award, Damascus will implement emergency recovery measures for EWP Program Project No. 5035 designed to address watershed impairment and relieve imminent hazards to life and property. The project deliverables include runoff retardation, erosion prevention, debris removal, streambank stabilization, and floodplain restoration activities in the Damascus area of Washington County, Virginia.

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program provides federal funding and technical assistance to eligible project sponsors—including state and local governments—to implement recovery measures following natural disasters that create imminent threats to communities and infrastructure. Under this cooperative agreement instrument, the Town of Damascus assumes responsibility for local cost-sharing, land rights acquisition, permit acquisition, and long-term operation and maintenance of completed recovery measures. Work will be executed through federal or local contracts, with project activities continuing through June 2027 until all emergency recovery measures are installed or installation is terminated by mutual agreement.