Mitchell County residents who have had damage or severe erosion to their property from Helene that has caused a threat to a structure, road, bridge, culvert, or other infrastructure could be eligible for help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). This program assists landowners with repairing damage that is threatening the safety of their property due to a natural disaster.
Under the EWP, both public and private properties are eligible for assistance. To qualify, the property must have a hazard caused by Tropical Storm Helene that threatens an existing structure, road, bridge, or other infrastructure. Some hazards eligible for the program include debris-clogged waterways, unstable streambanks, severe erosion that jeoparizes public infrastructurs, and wind-borne debris removal.
While the program does fund repairs, the timeline for their completion is generally 1 to 3 years.
To be considered for EWP in Mitchell County, you must complete a survey which asks questions about your damage. You are also asked to upload photos of the damage while completing the form.
For more information and to access the survey, visit mitchellcountync.gov/ewp-survey. You can also contact the Mitchell Soil & Water Conservation Service at 828-765-5049. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
