Tuesday, Jun 11 2013 3:53PM
The USDA will extend additional emergency coverage to states hit by natural disasters.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service is extending $66.8 million in Emergency Watershed Protection Program funds to help disaster recovery efforts in 15 states.
The funds will provide financial technical assistance to hard-hit areas, and can be used to repair infrastructure, restore access to water system services and remove wind-borne debris. The agency announced that the largest amount of funding, approximately $19 million, will be given to Colorado to help mitigate the effects of the disastrous wildfire that burned more than 200,000 acres in 2012.
"This funding will help communities implement much needed recovery projects to address watershed damage caused by floods, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters that occurred in 2012 and 2013," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "President Obama and USDA are committed to helping repair and rebuild rural communities so hardworking farmers and ranchers can ensure American agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation's economy."
A number of states, including New Mexico, Utah and Arizona, are experiencing severe drought that is threatening agriculture and, by extension, economic community development. Additional emergency funds may help these states seek out solutions to help rural communities.
For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture