Our experience in Oklahoma has been that there must be some structure/infrastructure that is being threatened in order to qualify for EWP funding.

Katrina may not be the best example, due to the sheer magnitude and number of states, but we had a significant role in debris removal/drainage improvement. NRCS was appropriated money for the disaster (which we referred to as EWP funds) which they contracted with us to remove the debris and restore drainage in lower income areas of Jackson County on the coast. I believe the estimate was $5 Million and we got it done for approximately $4 Million. I can share procedures I use again and some I would refuse to ever, ever use again.

My experience has been it is best to work with state OES and seek FEMA reimbursement for expenses rather than wait on NRCS.

In LA we have not been successful in our efforts to get assistance from either FEMA or the COE to remove storm debris from waterways. After reviewing our request ( LA NRCS and the State of LA) by NRCS and FEMA attorneys at the Washington level in 2005 it was determined that the Stafford Act restricted FEMA and the COE from assisting the state or the NRCS in debris removal from our waterways. Additional they claimed that federal legislation makes it solely the NRCS’s mission to remove storm debris form waterways. Based on the attorneys’ interpretation, to get assistance from FEMA or the COE would require amending the Stafford Act. Also FSA – ECP assistance was limited to removing hazardous storm debris from farmland.