Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Frequently Asked Questions

2008 Flood Relief

Q. Can the county do its own work design and or labor? If they can, how is cost-share paid out?

A. We really expect the county to either do their own design or secure designs at their expense. We then credit them that work as an in-kind contribution to the total cost of the project. In general, we are going to sign agreements with sponsors (usually counties) to administer contracts, provide design, permits, land rights, etc. 

Example:
$100,000 estimated cost to stabilize banks (structure and bank protection) from DSR
$100,000 divided by .75 = $133,000 is estimated total project cost.

Sponsors would have to provide $33,000 in in-kind services, land rights, and/or cash to meet their 25% of the total project cost. We would sign an agreement with sponsors for $133,000, thus covering construction cost of $100,000. They are expected to provide documentation to meet at least their 25% of in-kind costs. Or, if they can't meet their 25% through in-kind, we will eventually bill them for the difference. In almost all cases, sponsors meet their share with in-kind services.

Q. Are jetties something we cost-share if the design gets the appropriate COE permits?

A. If it is the most cost-effective solution to the problem and does not have adverse off-site impacts, yes. In 502.4 of the National EWP Manual (it’s online in eDirectives), it states: "All recovery measures will correct the watershed impairment to either a stable or pre-disaster condition that will not cause increased adverse impacts, and must be technically adequate…"

Q. Can we work under bridges on Farm to Market roads?

A. We can't pay for it. However, we can and have split costs with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). For instance, plan the project as needed, a total of 500 feet of bank protection, 100 feet of which are in FM ROW. We pay 75% of 400 feet, FEMA pays for their 100 feet at whatever rate they are paying, and sponsors are responsible for the rest through in-kind or cash. We coordinate with FEMA on those DSR's at the state level.

Q. How are landowners paid for crop damages? Is it within the 25% in-kind of the sponsor costs? Or can the sites be delayed until after harvest?

A. Generally, we'll wait until after harvest. If it is a land rights cost, sponsors should be able to use it as part of their 25%. 

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Last Modified: 07/25/2008