Monroe County staff to file USDA/NRCS sponsor letter for Clear Creek tornado cleanup

Monroe County Stormwater Program manager Erica Pena said the county will prepare a sponsor letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to seek Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funding to help with cleanup after the May 16 tornado in the Clear Creek watershed.

"I just wanted to give an update about our intent to file a sponsor letter with the USDA and NRCS, for the emergency watershed protection program," Pena said, noting a property owner first alerted staff to the program and that an emergency declaration now exists that makes the watershed eligible.

Pena told the board the letter would be due by July 16, 60 days after the event, and that NRCS would perform a damage survey report within 60 days of the submission to determine eligibility for grant funding. She said the funding would help cover the cost of removing trees within the creek channel to reduce the risk of downstream flooding.

Commissioner Madera said the work was important given the possibility of additional storms: "I think it's very important because we just don't know when we'll have another weather event," Madera said. Commissioner Jones thanked the resident who had brought the program to staff's attention and expressed support for pursuing the funding.

The board indicated general support and directed staff to prepare a draft sponsor letter for review next week and to submit the final letter by the July 16 deadline. No formal vote was recorded on the direction to draft and submit the letter.