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NRCS presentation explains long-running flood-control plan for Kanosh; federal grant covers much of design and construction but easements and permits may fall —
Summary
NRCS representatives briefed the Kanosh Town Council on a multi-year PL 566 flood-control and irrigation project. The planning phase is complete and design funds are next; presenters said flood-control construction work is eligible for 100% coverage, but easement purchases and permits would likely be the town's responsibility.
Consultants working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) presented a status update and planning overview for a PL 566 flood-control and irrigation project that has been under development for several years.
The presenter told the council the NRCS planning process has closed and the environmental assessment received a "finding of no significant impact" (FONSI), triggering a 30-day public comment period that concludes on the 23rd. He said the planning and design phases have been paid for through the federal program to date, and that many construction items in the flood-control portion are eligible for 100 percent federal funding. "What isn't included in that 100 percent is property and permits," the presenter said, explaining that easements and certain permit costs generally fall to the sponsor (the town) if they are not covered in the grant scope.
Project elements described included rebuilding the existing debris basin embankment, moving a secondary pond to gain elevation (which could improve pressure for higher-elevation water users), pipe connections and berm/channel improvements. The presenter said the design will try to minimize town easement liabilities but that some private easements or Department of Natural Resources land discussions may be necessary. A COVID-era planning estimate provided in the packet listed wide-ranging numbers (a $33 million figure for some program components and about $18 million for debris-basin/flood-control elements); the presenter cautioned these are rough, pre-construction-era estimates.
Next steps recommended to the council were to review the provided materials and, if comfortable, sign and submit the formal request for design funds. The presenter said if the town requests construction funds later, the town will then be asked to commit to acquiring any needed easements and to pay permitting costs that fall outside the grant scope.
What happens next: the council will review the consultant's letter and plans; if approved, the council may authorize staff to request NRCS design funds, starting the design phase expected to take roughly 12–18 months if awarded.
