$205,000 for Watershed Projects to Benefit Underserved Indiana Areas

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $420 million in 132 infrastructure projects in 31 states, including a $205,000 investment in Indiana. These projects include rehabilitating dams, flood prevention, and watershed restoration projects, and they are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), building on a $166 million nationwide investment announced earlier this year.

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and build new economic opportunity here in Indiana," said Jerry Raynor, state conservationist for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana. "Our watershed programs help communities rebuild after natural disasters and prepare for future events. These projects exemplify why this historic investment in our watersheds was needed and the adeptness of our agency to act swiftly."

The infrastructure announcement includes funding through two programs: the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program provides technical and financial assistance for new watershed infrastructure and the Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) upgrades existing NRCS dams.

Projects in Indiana include:

• Pleasant Run/Crooked Creek/Fall Creek - White River watershed -- The Preliminary Investigation Feasibility Report (PIFR) for the project with the City of Indianapolis will focus on possible wetland restoration along the White River and subwatersheds to alleviate flooding and possibly provide a reduction in flood damage to local homes/businesses. The feasibility study would also look at opportunities to expand natural areas along the White River corridor for wildlife habitat in the southwest part of Marion County. The primary focus area would be between Riverside Park and Southwestway Park. The restoration work may also provide additional outdoor recreation benefits to the residents of Marion County and adjacent counties.
• Muddy Fork Dam Assessments -- Five existing dams in the Muddy Fork of Silver Creek watershed in Clark County, Indiana will be evaluated. The dam assessment provides valuable information to the sponsor and NRCS on the existing condition of the dam including if the dam meets current NRCS and Indiana Department of Natural Resources -- Division of Water dam safety regulations and dam safety standards, risks to the public if the dam should fail, rehabilitation alternatives and estimated cost of the rehabilitation alternatives.

In total, NRCS received $918 million of BIL funding to allocate through its watershed programs. In addition to WFPO and REHAB, this includes funds for the Emergency Watershed Program (EWP) to help communities recover from natural disasters. NRCS will continue to assist communities as it receives disaster requests.

NRCS encourages communities to engage with their local project sponsors, participate in developing a sound conservation plan that serves to protect and preserve local watersheds, and connect with their local NRCS office to learn more about Watershed Program assistance.

Since 1948, NRCS' watershed programs have designed and built 11,850 dams, constructed water storage structures, flood management systems, stabilized streambanks, relocated residences, redirected stream flows, re-established wildlife habitat and more to save lives and protect watersheds.