U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced federal and state monies for emergency watershed protections in the Bull Creek area of McDowell County.
“The emergency situation in the Bull Creek area is a prime example of why Congress must fully fund USDA’s flood protections programs. This funding cannot be taken for granted. This week, in public forums with USDA officials, I have made the case about how critical Agriculture’s programs are to farm families as well as entire communities. I commend the Governor and NRCS officials for working together to make this emergency funding available to the people of McDowell County affected by recent floods,” said Rahall, who was in Mercer County with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) officials on Thursday discussing USDA flood protection investments in the region.
Gov. Tomblin noted that the West Virginia Conservation Agency and Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management helped provide background to show why the funding is necessary.
“This will help avoid future high water issues in the Bull Creek area, which was hit by significant high water in June,” Gov. Tomblin said. “We appreciate the cooperation of state and federal agencies and officials in an effort to improve the lives and safety of our residents.”
The funding, which includes $350,000 from the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, will be used for emergency stream restoration to strengthen embankments and prevent further erosion in the Bull Creek area after severe flooding in June. Through the EWP program, the NRCS can pay up to 90 percent of costs for emergency measures to help communities address watershed impairments that pose imminent threats to lives and property.
The state will provide required matching funds.
