What does this funding get me?
This program of the Department of Agriculture provides technical and financial assistance to help plan and implement authorized watershed projects.
Projects can be for the purpose of:
- Flood Prevention
- Watershed Protection
- Public Recreation
- Public Fish and Wildlife
- Agricultural Water Management
- Municipal and Industrial Water Supply
- Water Quality Management
Am I eligible?
Available to states, local governments, and Tribal organizations.
How can I access the money?
Contact your local USDA Service Center to start your application. This contact will vary based on county.
Project criteria:
- Public sponsorship
- Watershed project less than or equal to 250,000 acres
- Agricultural benefits, including rural communities, must be greater than or equal to 20% of the total benefits of the project
You can find more information about local sponsors here.
Project sponsors can initiate a request for assistance through their local National Resources Conservation Service to develop a preliminary feasibility study, which helps communities consider sustainable, climate-resilient solutions to address watershed resource concerns.
What is the timeline?
$500 million is available annually until expended, with estimated application opening dates being the first quarter of each year.
NC Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) likely won’t take on any new projects for 2026/2027 due to staffing and state priorities (e.g. recovery programs for Helene). If an application cycle opens, we will update this page.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Check out our (non-exhaustive) list of non-federal funding from other sources that may fit your energy and cost-saving goals.
What are some examples of projects that have been selected for awards?
- Sandy Island Feasibility Study for Reducing Flooding – Georgetown County, SC & Buck Creek Feasibility Study for Reducing Flooding – Horry County, SC ($2,500,000 between both)
- NC has ongoing WFPO planning projects in Robeson (3 drainage districts) and the City of Roxboro, while another project was cancelled.
Where can I get more information?
- USDA web page for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations funding
- For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center.
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall.org.