Russell County supervisors on Jan. 5 authorized acceptance of two Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to address stream debris and bank stabilization following flood events.

Jerry Glass described two projects: one behind the community center and rescue squad in the Dane area to remove debris and stabilize a hillslope that has been sliding into the creek; and a second near Wise Hollow to clear trees and obstructions from a creek channel that have caused localized backwater flooding. He said federal funding would cover approximately 75% of project costs and that the total estimate for both projects is $697,000; the county’s estimated construction share was given as $154,892.50.

Glass said the county could pursue reductions in cash obligations by contributing county labor, in‑kind administrative costs and permitting tasks to reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses at the kickoff meeting that NRCS schedules within about 30 days of acceptance. County staff confirmed FEMA reimbursements and other grant pursuit efforts and recommended accepting this award as one of several funding streams targeted at flood mitigation.

The board moved, seconded and approved authorizing staff to accept the EWP award and to finalize acceptance by Jan. 9, with staff to return with implementation details at a later meeting.

Source: Jerry Glass presentation and board vote (transcript beginning SEG 1586).