The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) provides grants to projects that help reduce flooding and restore streams across North Carolina. The program was created by the NC General Assembly, which approved $38 million in funding for StRAP in the budget appropriations bill for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. StRAP allocates money for projects that protect and restore the integrity of drainage infrastructure of North Carolina’s waterways. The program is administered by the state’s Soil & Water Conservation Commission, working closely with the Division of Soil and Water Conservation within the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
"This is a monumental step to help us prevent future flooding," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "While we have previously secured federal and state money to clear debris from waterways after flooding events such as hurricanes, those efforts were reactive approaches that were part of disaster recovery funds. StRAP now allows us to be proactive in clearing waterways so we can hopefully reduce flooding and protect people's property before the next big flood event happens. I'm grateful that the General Assembly understood the need for this program."
In 2022, a total of $36.1 million was awarded to 111 applicants. A full list of grantees is available here.
Project Scope
StRAP funds are intended to support projects that restore and protect drainage infrastructure of both natural streams and small watershed structural projects to prevent future flooding, restore streams, and reduce risks to life and property. StRAP funds may be used to provide nonfederal match for related disaster recovery activities funded by the federal government. StRAP eligible projects fall into 2 categories:
Stream Debris Removal Projects
• Vegetative debris removal
• Instream sediment removal
• Streambank stabilization
• Stream restoration
• Other stream repair needs (ex: culvert replacement)
P.L. 566 Small Watershed Project Rehabilitation
• Structural rehabilitation or replacement for critical components (ex: principal spillway, emergency spillway)
• Repair of critical eroding or settling areas
• Removal of accumulated sediment from the impoundment
Applicants receiving funds for removing debris or sediment from streams must ensure that the extracted debris is either removed from the 100-year floodplain (according to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps) or processed in such a manner that debris would not pose a risk of blockage or significant impairment of normal streamflow during a subsequent flood event.
Beaver trapping and dam removal may be considered part of stream debris removal.
Enrollment
Please note that the application window for StRAP is currently closed.
Eligible organizations across North Carolina include Soil and Water Conservation Districts, cities and counties, drainage districts, water or sewer authorities, municipal or county service districts, sanitary districts, and nonprofit organizations.
No cost sharing is required for this program, but additional funding commitments will be considered as an indication of the viability and potential success for proposed activities. Project engineering, permitting, and administrative costs are eligible for payment through the program. Program funds may also be used to provide nonfederal match for related disaster recovery activities funded by the federal government (e.g. USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program, USDA Watershed Rehabilitation Program).
Each applicant is required to do the following:
• Complete & submit application
• Oversee project
• Provide site inspections
• Provide quarterly, 50% progress, and final reports, including pre & post pictures
• Secure contractor as needed
• Secure permits
• Secure access & rights-of-way
• Manage removal material
• Complete requests for payment, including accompany invoices
Contact
Matt Safford, StRAP Manager
NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation
919-707-3784
matt.safford@ncagr.gov
Heather Reichert, Administrative Specialist
919-707-3768
heather.reichert@ncagr.gov
Patty Gabriel, Inspection Coordinator
919-751-0976 x 5609
patricia.gabriel@usda.gov |
