Helene Recovery: USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program

Buncombe County residents with damage or severe erosion from Helene causing a threat to a structure, road, bridge, culvert, or other infrastructure could be eligible for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. The

 

EWP Program assists landowners with repairing damage that is threatening their property's safety.

 

EWP Assists with:

Debris-clogged waterways
Unstable streambanks
Severe erosion jeopardizing public infrastructure
Wind-borne debris removal
Steep slopes that have lost ground cover and are endangered of sliding.

 

The disaster-related damage must be causing a threat to an existing structure, road, bridge, or other infrastructure to be eligible.

 

While this program does fund repairs, the timeline for repairs is generally 1-3 years.

 

Landowners who would like to be evaluated for EWP program funding have two ways to submit their information:

 

1. Online:  Buncombe County Property Damage Form Please include photos of the damage if possible as that is immensely valuable during the review process.

 

2. Phone: 828-250-4785. Provide your name, address, and a brief description of the damage and Buncombe County Soil & Water 

 

 

The Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District works in partnership with USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement the EWP program. The Buncombe County Soil & Water Conservation District's mission is to conserve the soil, water, and related natural resources of Buncombe County by providing education, information, technical assistance, and economic incentives to County residents.