FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2009
For More Information Contact: Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
                                                  Jody Christiansen, Public Affairs Specialist (217) 353.6627

EXTENSION ANNOUNCED FOR FLOODPLAIN EASEMENT ASSISTANCE

Help for Landowners through Recovery Act

Champaign, IL—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) extended the sign-up period until April 10 for funding available to eligible landowners through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP).

"This funding is important to helping revitalize our economy and at the same time recover land damaged or threatened by flooding,” said NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle. The purpose of the funding is to restore frequently flooded land to its natural state and create jobs. The funding is available through President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and includes both technical and financial assistance.

Floodplains generate many public benefits, such as increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality, and a reduced need for future public disaster assistance. Other benefits include reduced energy consumption when certain agricultural activities and practices are eliminated and increased carbon sequestration as permanent native vegetative cover is re-established.

For eligibility requirements landowners should refer to the Emergency Watershed Protection - Floodplain Easement fact sheet at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/Floodplain/index. All eligible landowners in Illinois are encouraged to sign-up for the funding by visiting their local NRCS office. The sign-up, originally announced March 7, will close April 10, 2009.

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