Virginia NRCS has rehabilitated 13 of its 150 watershed structures since the Rehabilitation Act of 2000.  An additional three structures have completed Environmental Assessments.  Rehab needs included state regulatory actions, such as requiring an increase in structure capacity brought on by a change in hazard classification, vegetated ASW integrity, material filter incompatibility, and riser stability for earthquake loads.

A variety of approaches have been used to plan, design and construct projects based on funding constraints, NRCS staffing levels and Sponsor capacity.  Virginia NRCS prepared the watershed plan supplement (EA or EE) with five Sponsors for the 16 projects.  Local Sponsors provided A&E services for planning engineering on six projects.  Virginia NRCS provided design and construction oversight for seven projects with A&E assistance on two of these.  Local Sponsors provided A&E services for design and construction oversight on six projects.

Virginia NRCS started in the rehab business in late 2001.  Many lessons have been learned about what it takes to be successful through the practical application of the rehab program. The most successful projects have several factors in common for both NRCS and the Sponsor.  These factors include

• Professional relationships built on common goals and mutual trust.
• Common understanding of why rehab is needed along with a shared understanding of project success.
• Commitment of adequate staff time and financial resources.

The rehab process takes time and a lot of effort before an application is submitted.  Sponsors need to have a firm understanding of their responsibilities for funding, staff time, public participation, landrights, A&E services, etc.  In many cases, NRCS needs to build relationships with the Sponsor to establish lines of communication and trust.  This process can take many months or, in some cases, years before an application for assistance is submitted.

Once the rehab process is started, the real effort of communication, collaboration, community involvement, and technical work begins.  Projects tend to finish the way they start so it is imperative that both NRCS and the Sponsor are committed to making the process work from the outset.  Each project has its own unique set of challenges but the factors for success are always the same.