Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention

Watershed Operations Program; Public Law 566
CFDA 10.904 Active Cooperative Agreement
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$414.6M FY2026
$666.1M
FY24
$602.8M
FY25
$414.6M
FY26*
* estimated

Program Objective

To provide technical and financial assistance in carrying out works of improvement to protect, develop, and utilize the land and water resources in watersheds. The assistance is provided to State and local agencies and tribal governments, to prevent damage caused by erosion, floodwater, and sediment; further the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; and advance the conservation and utilization of the land.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Tribal Government (other)
  • State
  • Local
  • Territorial
  • Tribal

Any State agency, county or groups of counties, municipality, town or township, soil and water conservation district, flood prevention or flood control district, Indian tribe or tribal organization, or any other nonprofit agency with authority under State law to levy taxes, condemnation authority, and to carry out maintenance, and operate watershed works of improvement may apply for assistance. This program is available in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Mariana Islands and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Details of the procedure are available from the State and field offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Receipt of the application is acknowledged as soon as it is determined to be valid.

Program details & compliance

Description

To provide technical and financial assistance in carrying out works of improvement to protect, develop, and utilize the land and water resources in watersheds. The assistance is provided to State and local agencies and tribal governments, to prevent damage caused by erosion, floodwater, and sediment; further the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; and advance the conservation and utilization of the land.

Mission Categories

Primary: Recreation

Other categories:
Community Water SupplyFish and Wildlife PreservationRecreationFlood Prevention and Control

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Technical assistance is provided in planning, designing, and installing watershed works of improvement. Financial assistance is provided for sharing costs of implementing measures for watershed protection, flood prevention, agricultural water management, sedimentation control, public water based fish, wildlife, recreation; municipal and industrial water supply. Authorized watershed area must not exceed 250,000 acres. Capacity of a single structure is limited to 25,000 acre-feet of total capacity and 12,500 acre-feet of floodwater detention.

Restrictions

Work must have at least 20% benefit to agricultural or rural communities

Required Documentation

Applications must designate the proposed project area, be properly signed and attested to by all applicants, and set forth the need for the proposed project.

Matching Requirements

Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing. Matching Requirements: Percent: Other Technical and financial assistance under which program funds provide certain prescribed services and costs and a percentage of other costs on the basis of a contract vary according to purpose of the works of improvement. For example, for construction costs under the Act, program funds provide 100 percent for flood prevention; up to 50 percent of agricultural water management, public recreation and fish and wildlife purposes; and none of the costs for certain other nonagricultural water management purposes. All of the applicants' installation costs are eligible for program loans. Reimbursable advances are available for preservation of sites and future municipal water supply. Sponsors are required to obtain all land and water rights and permits prior to installation of project measures, and for operation and maintenance.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Ralph Smith, Branch Chief, Watershed Programs Branch, United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance Division
202-819-6587
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-04. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:36:08.