Georgia Gets Federal Fund for Floodplains Management

Officials say Georgia will receive $3.6 million in federal funds to help restore flood-prone areas.

State conservationist James E. Tillman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service said the money will cover 563 acres under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

The program allows the government to acquire easements on private land, or land owned by state and local governments, that have been damaged at least once in 12 months or twice in 10 years.

Tillman’s agency will fund work necessary to restore the land to its natural state, safeguarding human life while protecting fish and wildlife habitat.

Landowners retain rights to quiet enjoyment, control of public access, and undeveloped recreational use such as hunting and fishing.