Dozens of Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) projects are set to get underway in 2025 in the second round of StRAP funding. Projects will take place in 72 counties and 15 of the state’s 17 river basins. The program aims to reduce flooding by clearing streams of debris, downed trees and other materials that block or hinder the flow of water.

• As we start 2025, I thought it was a good time to provide an update on our StRAP or Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
  
  
• Listeners might remember when we first introduced this program that its focus is to reduce flooding by removing debris, downed trees and other materials from streams and allow water to flow more freely rather than slowing and flooding the banks.

• Work is expected to begin on 278 projects in 2025 in the second round of StRAP funding.

• These projects will take place in 72 counties and 15 of the state’s 17 river basins.

• All regions of the state will see projects.

• For 2024, the General Assembly awarded the department’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation nearly $19.5 million for the program. We are partnering with the Department of Environmental Quality, which is adding over $4.7 million in funding as part of the Flood Resiliency Blueprint.

•  In the fall, we awarded grants to 111 local governments, Soil and Water Conservation districts and nonprofits for stream debris and sediment removal.
  
• One of the things I am most proud about with this program is that it is a proactive approach to try to lessen the potential for flooding.
  
• With the extreme flooding and damage in Western N.C., I know there will be a lot more work needed and I hope we will have more funding earmarked for the StRAP program in future budgets.