Fire And Water
Posted on | June 4, 2009 | Comments Off
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA)
Fire Protection and Floodplain Reform
In the area of the environment and natural resource conservation, significant strides have been made. An additional $33 million has been made available for wildland fire protection. USDA anticipates creating 25,000 new jobs over the next two years on projects relating to land stewardship and watershed restoration, green infrastructure repair and in the production of energy from wood. Many of the most affected communities of the economic downturn are located near national forests. Rural jobs are being created on millions of acres in need of restoration work so that money can flow into local communities.
The ARRA provides to USDA $145 million for floodplain easements. This funding will restore frequently flooded land to its natural state; create jobs in rural communities nationwide when landowners establish floodplain easements; and will restore and protect an estimated 60,000 acres of flood-prone lands nationwide. USDA has also provided $45 million for the rehabilitation of watersheds, many of which are nearing the end of their 50-year design life. Recovery funds will be used to upgrade the structure to current safety standards, thereby protecting life, property and infrastructure downstream for more than 90 years and resulting in 910 jobs. USDA has also provided $85 million for 53 new flood prevention project efforts in 21 states and territories.
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