Financial help available to restore wetlands

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A federal program is offering financial help to landowners along the Missouri River who want to create wetlands in flood-damaged areas.

Nearly $3 million is available to landowners in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota who qualify, but applications much be received by May 4.

Land along the river that was damaged in last year's flooding may be eligible. Landowners can apply to restore wetlands through either a 30-year easement or a permanent agreement.

The program is sponsored by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and The Nature Conservancy.