Ewpp - LA plata CO, CO. DSR 08-03-25-5097-002. Protection of infrastructure from future flooding through streambank protection, debr is removal, and other protection measures. Vallecito flooding

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded a $4.357731 million Cooperative Agreement to Upper Pine River Fire Protection District on December 18, 2025, under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923) to protect infrastructure from future flooding through streambank protection, debris removal, and other protection measures in response to the Vallecito flooding event in La Plata County, Colorado.

The award addresses emergency recovery and erosion prevention following a natural disaster, with performance required by November 15, 2026. Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, a local government entity and inter-municipal fire protection agency based in Bayfield, Colorado, serves as the project sponsor responsible for installing protection works and furnishing local cost share. The Emergency Watershed Protection Program assists project sponsors in implementing emergency measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters. The program operates on emergency supplemental appropriations and requires sponsors to submit formal requests to the NRCS state conservationist within 60 days of disaster occurrence. Work performed across La Plata County, Colorado.