NATCHEZ — The USDA Service Center located in Adams County has been notified that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide up to $145 million to eligible landowners nationwide through the floodplain easement component of its Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

The funds will be used to restore an estimated 60,00 acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state and create jobs. Eligible landowners can sign up for these easements until April 10, at their local USDA Service Center. Interested landowners can come by the USDA Service Center located at 110 Northgate Road, Suite C, Natchez, or call 601-442-1790 Ext. 3. for more information about the EWP program floodplain easements during the signup.

“President Obama wants to make sure that landowners impacted by the recent flooding in states like North Dakota and Minnesota are given ample opportunity to apply for this assistance,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “This extension is part of USDA’s plan to mitigate the impact of future flooding by restoring the landscape to its natural hydrology and native vegetation.”

More information about NRCS and other conservation programs is available on the NRCS Web site at www.nrcs.usda.gov or at your nearest USDA Service Center.