Emergency watershed protection in orange CO NC. Bank stabilization along the lake orange emergency spillway due to tropical storm chantal and tropical storm helen

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded Orange County, North Carolina a $127,612.50 Cooperative Agreement on July 7, 2026, under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923) to implement bank stabilization along the Lake Orange emergency spillway in response to damage from Tropical Storm Chantal and Tropical Storm Helen.

The award funds emergency recovery measures to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by the natural disasters. Orange County serves as the project sponsor, responsible for furnishing local cost share and accomplishing installation of the stabilization work through Federal or local contracts. Performance occurs in North Carolina with a completion date of January 7, 2027. Under the EWP Program framework, the county must maintain records of operation for the life of the project and assume ongoing operation and maintenance responsibilities following installation.