WASHINGTON, D.C.- Landowners across the country affected by flooding will now be granted an extended signup period until April 10 for floodplain easement assistance by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Watershed Protection component.

“President Obama wants to make sure that landowners impacted by the recent flooding in states like North Dakota and Minnesota are given ample opportunity to apply for this assistance,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement, where he added that, “This extension is part of USDA’s plan to mitigate the impact of future flooding by restoring the landscape to its natural hydrology and native vegetation.”

Up to $145 million is being made available to eligible landowners nationwide through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and includes both technical and financial assistance.

The USDA envisions that this funding will restore frequently flooded lands to their natural states; create jobs in rural communities nationwide when landowners establish these floodplain easements; as well as restore and protect an estimated 60,000 acres of flood-prone lands nationwide.

The USDA is encouraging all eligible landowners to sign-up for the funding by visiting their local Natural Resource Conservation Service office. For eligibility requirements landowners should refer to the Emergency Watershed Protection - Floodplain Easement fact sheet.