Yadkin Valley News

Yadkin County issued the following announcement on January 28.

Troxler announces funding available to help reduce flooding in local communities

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.

The Division of Soil and Water Conservation will begin accepting applications on Monday, Jan. 24. A link to the application form can be

found on the StRAP webpage at www.ncagr.gov/SWC/watershed/StRAP.html. The division will also host online Q&A sessions. The

first is Tuesday, Jan. 25, at 2:30 p.m. The second is Thursday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m. Meeting links and additional program details are also

on the StRAP webpage.

Eligible applicants can begin submitting applications on Monday, January 24 by going to

https://fs3.formsite.com/ncdswc/hwevrr4hry/form_login.html

Original source can be found here.