The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced it will advertise and bid federal contracts for emergency stream restoration work in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The work will be done to repair damage to homes, businesses, or utilities along streams that have been affected by the June 2006 flooding.

Projects involve reshaping stream banks, installing large rock riprap, stacking rock walls and seeding disturbed areas. The primary areas where work will be done include the counties of Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna, Bradford, and Columbia.

Federal funds from NRCS will finance 75 percent of the cost. The remaining 25 percent will be funded by the state of Pennsylvania, and Columbia, Wyoming, Sullivan, and Lackawanna County governments. Eligible sites have been identified by NRCS and local municipalities.

All projects are sponsored by local units of government who obtain permission from landowners to do the work and agree to maintain the project when completed. Construction is expected to continue into the fall of 2007. Between NRCS and local sources, there is nearly $8 million available to perform eligible stream work.

NRCS funding is made available through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The EWP program provides technical and financial assistance to safeguard people and property following natural disasters.

All projects will be competitively bid using federal bidding procedures outlined in Title 48 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 14 and 36. Information about specific projects, including construction drawings, specifications and contract requirements is available at the Federal Business Opportunity webpage.

Contractors must meet certain requirements in order to be qualified for award of federal contracts. Any contractors who are interested in this work will need to go to the USDA Procurement webpage and follow the directions there.

5/18/2007