Watershed Initiatives - Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP)
SummaryA total of $38 million is now available for a new program in North Carolina that aims to reduce flooding across the state's waterways. The NC General Assembly approved the money in the budget appropriations bill for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 fiscal years, creating the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP). It allocates money for projects that protect and restore the integrity of drainage infrastructure. Projects could include: In establishing StRAP, lawmakers gave authority to supervise and administer the program to the state's Soil and Water Conservation Commission, working closely with the Division of Soil and Water Conservation within the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The first application window is Monday, January 24, through Thursday, March 31, 2022 Application forms can be found here. "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." EligibilityStRAP may enable local governments or organizations to tackle flood-reduction projects that have not been previously possible with budget restraints. While local soil and water conservation districts would likely have great interest in the program, cities and counties may also apply for funds for their own projects. Drainage districts, water and sewer authorities, municipal or county service districts, sanitary districts and nonprofit organizations could also be eligible for StRAP funding. 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). The Soil and Water Conservation Commission approved the following prioritization for reviewing applications for debris removal assistance based on increasing complexity and permitting requirements that can impact project viability: Beaver trapping and dam removal may be considered part of stream debris removal. 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. For projects involving rehabilitation or improving small watershed structural projects (PL-566), Commission priority is as follows: Applicant ResponsibilitiesEach applicant is required to do the following: Online Q&A Information SessionsOnline sessions are offered via Microsoft Teams to help increase awareness and knowledge of the newly established program. Currently scheduled sessions follow: Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
ContactDavid B. Williams, deputy director |
