Post Flooding Assistance
As this winter’s record snowpack melts alongside heavy rains, many rivers and streams in Montana are quickly filling up and flooding. Although water is generally a good thing, flooding can also cause a lot of damage for producers and communities.
So with that, here is a roundup of programs and information that can help repair the damage after a major flood.
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Program Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/mt/programs/planning/ewpp/
About The Program
The Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to install measures that reduce post-flood and fire damage through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The measures are intended to reduce threats to life or property, retard runoff, restore capacity of waterways, prevent flooding and/or soil erosion and reduce damage from sediment and debris. The removal of debris deposited by the disaster that is a health or safety hazard can be a part of such measures as well.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish
Agency: Farm Services Agency
Program Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index
About The Program
ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. ELAP assistance is provided for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, such as losses not covered by the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.