Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Watershed And Floodplain Easement Investments In Indiana

USDA to Provide $3.3 million for Honey Creek Watershed Project, $8.1 million for Additional Indiana Floodplain Projects through Recovery Act


TERRE HAUTE, Ind.- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will provide nearly $3.3 million for the Honey Creek Watershed Project in Terra Haute, Ind., and more than $8.1 million in floodplain easements in Indiana through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The local funding is part of more than $187 million in national watershed and floodplain easement funding announced by Secretary Vilsack today. By making these investments, USDA is helping to protect against future flooding, decrease soil erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat and reduce the need for future disaster assistance.

“While serving as Governor of Iowa, I often saw the incredible destruction that flooding can cause in our communities, and I am heartened that the funding I’m announcing today will help reduce the impact of future storms,” said Vilsack. “This funding will not only protect rural communities, but also protect the environment in rural areas from repeated flooding.”

The $3.3 million in federal funding for the Honey Creek Watershed Project will be matched by $600,000 in local funding to construct approximately six miles of dikes along Thompson Ditch beginning near the confluence of Honey Creek extending upstream to the first railroad east of 7th Street. Within this six miles of dike will be approximately 2,600 feet of floodwall.

The project is expected to generate $1.97 million in annual benefits to 390 homes, 190 businesses, and 1,300 acres of crops and pasture in the southern portion of Terre Haute. Altogether, this project will provide almost $98 million in flood protection benefits over the 50 year project lifespan.

Meanwhile, the $8.1 million investment in Indiana floodplain easements announced by Secretary Vilsack today will help protect 3,016 acres of land with 13 projects in various counties throughout the state. Projects in specific counties include:

Daviess County 1 project
Gibson County 3 projects
Knox County 1 project
Posey County 3 projects
Sullivan County 1 project
Tippecanoe County 1 project
Warren County 2 projects
White County 1 project

USDA has an important role in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. By working closely with local, state, and Tribal governments to identify projects, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) directs technical and financial assistance to improve public safety and the environment while relieving stress on local economies. These investments will promote watershed restoration and reduce the potential impact of flooding -- making communities safer sooner.

Funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is part of the Obama Administration’s plans to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, jumpstart the economy, and create jobs. For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov.