Phenix City council authorizes initial request to NRCS for Emergency Watershed Protection funds after April floods

The Phenix City Council authorized staff to send a letter to the Alabama State Conservationist to request assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) following flooding from heavy rainfall on April 6, 2025. City staff told the council the area received heavy rainfall that caused flooding along Choccolocco/Choccoligo/Cochaga—(transcript spelling varies) Creek and nearby neighborhoods; the engineering department contacted NRCS to conduct a site visit, assess flood damage and recommend programs to address the flooding. Meeting materials read into the record explain that EWPP is a federal program available to municipalities after natural disasters that funds projects to reduce threats to life and property caused by flooding. Staff clarified in public remarks that the letter is the first step in applying for EWPP funds and not a guarantee of funding. Staff also reported that, if awarded, EWPP funds can be used for projects that may include structural measures; in the meeting discussion staff noted that buyouts of homes affected by flooding are a potential use but emphasized the current action is only to request assistance and begin the application process. The council adopted the resolution to authorize the letter requesting NRCS assistance and to begin the EWPP application process. No dollar amounts for potential projects or buyouts were stated during the resolution reading; staff said the item is an initial application step and “not the promise that we’re gonna get it.” The council recorded the resolution as approved and adopted in July 2025.