Rio Blanco County commissioners voted Nov. 10 to authorize a contract with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program to begin reimbursable recovery work tied to recent wildfire and flood damage.

Staff described the program as covering about 75% of eligible project costs, with the state potentially covering an additional 12.5% if state agreements are finalized. The county highlighted that much of the funding will be used for road and bridge protection, debris removal and mitigation high in drainage areas to reduce future flood risk; staff stressed the program will not pay to clean ditches once flood water is already in them.

Commissioners said signing the agreement is necessary before the county can begin seeking reimbursement for work already underway. One county official estimated a large total project scope and expressed urgency to get the agreement executed so recovery manager and road crews can move forward.

The motion to approve the EWP contract was made contingent on final attorney review; the motion passed by roll call.