Farmers and ranchers in North Dakota are getting $5.6 million to repair farmland damaged by flooding in 2008 and 2009.

The money is part of $71 million in assistance nationwide announced Tuesday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The Emergency Conservation Program money can be used to remove debris, restore fences, grade and shape land, and repair conservation structures that were damaged by natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. Land has to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the program.

- Associated Press