Residents in Green County Reap Benefits of National and Local Restoration Efforts

NRCS assists in restoring an area hit hard by Hurricane Isabel

GREENE, May 19, 2005---In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel stormed her way across Central Virginia, causing heavy flooding and severe wind damage to Greene County.

Hurricane Isabel’s wrath poured down on Rocky Road, a private road along the Middle River.  Flooding from Isabel caused over five feet of flooding-- washing out part of the bank and nearly half of the road.  Flooding was so severe that all residents dependent upon Rocky Road for departure had to be evacuated by emergency vehicles, posing a serious threat to the rescue team. 

 The residents in the affected subdivision requested help.  Outside funds had to be raised because Rocky Road is a private drive.  They began working with numerous groups to get the necessary funds for the repair project.

Contacted by Greene County, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service determined that the hazardous site would be eligible for funding through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.  EWP assists local sponsors and private landowners relieve hazards to life and property through restoration measures.  NRCS paid 75 percent of the project’s total cost.

Providing technical support, NRCS engineers drew up the design work to restore the site.  More than 700 tons of rock was used to protect Rocky Road and the river’s bank.  Seventy tons of rocks were placed at each end to ensure that the river’s current would not wash the rocks away. 

As the NRCS inspector of the project, John Jeffries said, “Out of all the residents that live here, I’ve heard nothing, nothing but positive feedback.  When they drive by us out here working, they wave or smile, showing appreciation for our work.” 

To learn more about the Emergency Watershed Program or other programs offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, contact your local service center.

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