Emergency watershed protection program in buncombe CO NC. Streambank stabilization and protection due to tropical storm helene

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded County of Buncombe a $36,991,382 Cooperative Agreement on June 17, 2026, under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923) to implement streambank stabilization and protection measures in Buncombe County, North Carolina, in response to damage from Tropical Storm Helene.

The award funds emergency recovery work designed to address runoff retardation and erosion prevention following the natural disaster. Work is performed in North Carolina with a period of performance extending to September 27, 2027. Under the EWP Program framework, NRCS enters into cooperative agreements with eligible project sponsors—in this case the county—who retain responsibility for local cost-share, land rights acquisition, obtaining necessary permits, and long-term operation and maintenance of completed installations. The sponsor may accomplish the work through federal or local contracts. Records of operation are maintained for the life of the project, which continues until all recovery measures are installed or installation is terminated by mutual agreement.