USDA Loans for Land Restoration in Ohio

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $30 million in loans to landowners, including farmers, in flood-prone areas of Ohio.

The Emergency Watershed Program's (EWP) floodplain easement component will be used to frequently rehabilitate flooded land.

"We'll be working with landowners who voluntarily agree to put their properties into easements to restore the floodplains to their natural state," stated State Conservationist Terry Cosby. "These easements will transform environmentally sensitive properties into riparian corridors and woodland bottomlands, which are critical for fish and animal habitat and will help to alleviate downstream floods," said the group.

The money comes from the 2009 America Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Landowners, including farmers, can register at their local USDA Service Center NRCS Office until March 27.

While this is a great opportunity for landowners, it is not a quick fix and will take years of dedication to see the full results. This is why a lot of farmers take the matters into their hands and seek out farm financing loans to help with the purchase and restoration of their land. This is a great way to get the money you need upfront to make your land dreams a reality.

If you are thinking about taking advantage of this program, be sure to do your research and consult with your local NRCS office to get started.