NRCS Texas Announces a $4.4 Million Investment with the City of Burnet for Emergency Watershed Protection Program Recovery Buyouts

TEMPLE, April 9, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas announces an agreement with the City of Burnet for Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Buyouts as part of recovery efforts from the historic Hill Country flooding event in July 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) to assist project sponsors in protecting lives and property from flooding or soil erosion after a natural disaster. The $4.4 million in federal funding will be used to buyout flood-damaged properties within the city limits, with plans to convert the land back into its original state along with completing streambank protection.

EWP Recovery Buyouts are used where structural projects to reduce threats from flooding and erosion are not cost-effective and/or beneficial. Once NRCS determines that buying a flood-prone property would provide the pivotal solution and sustainable course of action for a community, EWP has the authority to provide local sponsors with financial assistance to purchase and preserve the land for the purpose of restoring the natural environment.

The City of Burnet reached out to homeowners shortly after the flooding event to discuss the voluntary buyout program. The funding will be used to purchase approximately 13 flooded homes, remove them and return the site to its natural condition. These properties are located along Hamilton Creek through the City of Burnet. The project has an estimated benefit of $5.7 million which includes the protection of two bridges along Hamilton Creek.

Buyouts are effective in preventing future damage, making residents safer and protecting communities. Once purchased, the land is returned to a natural, open space where it provides the added benefit of absorbing storm runoff, reducing future flooding, and providing wildlife habitat.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.