The Alexander County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking potential stream debris removal projects in the county. The NC General Assembly recently allotted funds to create a new program in North Carolina that aims to reduce flooding across the state’s waterways.
The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) allocates money for projects that protect and restore the integrity of drainage infrastructure. The District is specifically seeking projects that have woody debris blocking stream channels and/or causing major erosion problems. This is separate funding from all previous programs, and the debris does not have to be from a specific storm.
According to NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, “This is a monumental step to help us prevent future flooding. 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.”
More information can be found on the StRAP webpage at www.ncagr.gov/SWC/watershed/StRAP.html. Individuals cannot apply directly for this funding as they must go through a local sponsor (local government unit, non-profit organization, etc.).
If you have a potential StRAP-eligible site, please contact the Alexander Soil & Water office as soon as possible to discuss your site. The funds have not yet been secured for Alexander County, but Soil & Water personnel want to assess any potential sites in a timely manner. Please contact ACSWCD by February 18th, 2022, to make sure your site can be assessed and included in the request for funding if it is deemed eligible.
The Alexander Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) can be reached at (828) 632-0638, ptbowman@alexandercountync.gov or alexander.yount@usda.gov, and 151 West Main Ave., Suite 3, Taylorsville, NC 28681.