Emergency watershed protection program - wise county, VA. DSR 51-09-25-5035-140. Remove debris and sediment in waterways and floodpl ains and to restore hydraulic capacity

Wise County received a $147,571 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923), awarded on September 22, 2025. The agreement funds emergency recovery measures to remove debris and sediment from waterways and floodplains in Wise County, Virginia, with completion targeted for May 1, 2027. These activities are designed to restore hydraulic capacity and mitigate imminent hazards to life and property resulting from natural disaster impacts on the watershed.

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program provides post-disaster recovery assistance to eligible sponsors, including local units of government like Wise County, to implement erosion prevention and runoff retardation measures. Under this agreement, Wise County serves as the project sponsor responsible for project implementation, securing necessary permits and land rights, providing local cost-share contributions, and assuming long-term operation and maintenance responsibilities for the installed measures. The debris and sediment removal activities represent standard EWP Program practices aimed at restoring normal watershed function and protecting downstream communities.