Emergency watershed protection program in rutherford CO NC. Streambank and shoreline stabilization activities due to hurricane helen

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded Chimney Rock Village, a local government entity in Rutherford County, North Carolina, a $10.639 million cooperative agreement on May 11, 2026, to implement streambank and shoreline stabilization activities under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923) in response to Hurricane Helen damage.

The recipient will deliver streambank and shoreline stabilization work throughout Rutherford County, North Carolina. Chimney Rock Village assumes responsibility for local cost-sharing, land-rights acquisition, permit acquisition, and long-term operations and maintenance of completed stabilization work. The period of performance runs through September 27, 2027.

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program assists sponsors in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters. Eligible sponsors include state governments, local units of government, and tribal organizations with legal interest in or responsibility for values threatened by watershed emergencies. Sponsors must furnish local cost share and accomplish installation of work, either through federal or local contracts. NRCS maintains records of project operations for the life of the project.