EWP buyout DSR 21-06-25-5082-011 in franklin county, KY for implementation of recovery measures and obstruction removal

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded Franklin County Fiscal Court $12.506 million on September 30, 2025, under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (CFDA 10.923) for implementation of recovery measures and obstruction removal in Franklin County, Kentucky, in response to a natural disaster event.

The award funds emergency watershed protection activities—runoff retardation, erosion prevention, and obstruction removal—designed to relieve imminent hazards to life and property in Franklin County. Franklin County Fiscal Court, a local governmental entity based in Frankfort, Kentucky, serves as the recipient and project sponsor responsible for implementation, land rights acquisition, permitting, and operation and maintenance of completed work. The project runs through October 7, 2029. Performance takes place in Franklin County, Kentucky.

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program assists public and private landowners through project sponsors in implementing emergency recovery measures following natural disasters. Sponsors must apply to the NRCS state conservationist within 60 days of the disaster occurrence and demonstrate that other available funds are exhausted or insufficient. NRCS enters into a Cooperative Agreement specifying sponsor responsibilities before releasing financial assistance. The program funds only NRCS-approved practices that safeguard life and property and relieve imminent threats resulting from watershed impairment due to natural disaster. Records of operation are maintained for the life of the project. This award is classified as a Project Grant, an assistance type providing funding for a specific, time-limited endeavor.