Troxler announces funding available to help reduce flooding in local communities

Application window opens on Monday, Jan. 24

RALEIGH – A total of $38 million dollars is now available for a new program in North Carolina that aims to reduce flooding across the
state’s waterways. The N.C. General Assembly approved the money to create the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program
(StRAP). It allocates money for projects that protect and restore the integrity of drainage infrastructure.

Projects could include:

• clearing debris or sediment that has blocked streams and drainage ways,
• stabilizing and restoring streams and streambanks and
• rehabilitating or improving certain small watershed structural projects that were previously constructed.

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 N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer
services.

“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.”

           StRAP 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.

         If you are interested in the StRAP Program, please call the Yadkin County Soil and Water District at (336) 849-7583.  We will stop accepting applications on March 14th.