Homeland Security Awards Thurston County $1 Million Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants
Release Date: September 6, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-032
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Officials of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM) grant awards totaling $1,131,243 for Thurston County, to reduce Independence Road vulnerability to flooding and stabilize Chehalis River riverbanks to reduce erosion. According to FEMA Acting Regional Director Dennis Hunsinger, the program is supported by the National Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund to assist States, local and tribal governments in implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive mitigation program.
"The PDM program was created through the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 as a "pre-disaster" source of funds to mitigate against natural hazards and to complement the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)," said Hunsinger. "Funding mitigation activities reduces the risk to populations and structures, while reducing reliance on funding from actual disaster declarations."
Washington Military Department Director Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg agreed. "This grant will provide money to address a problem where river flooding frequently cuts off homes from emergency services and local residents," said Lowenberg. "Thurston County and the State Emergency Management Division staff are to be commended for their persistence and dedication to apply and qualify for this vitally-needed federal disaster mitigation grant."
FEMA's portion represents 75 percent of the total $1,508,325 project cost. The county is responsible for the remaining 25 percent cost share.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Sep-2006 12:00:17