FEMA $4 Million Infrastructure Grant Bolsters Dauphin Island Storm Resistance
Release Date: September 27, 2005
Release Number: 1605-042
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MONTGOMERY, Al. -- A $4 million Public Assistance project for emergency construction of protective sand berms on Dauphin Island was announced today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program will provide 100 percent of the $ 4,073,842 project funding for emergency protective measures necessary to protect life and property if completed by Oct. 27. Funding for any PA work after that date will revert to the standard 75 percent federal and 25 percent non-federal cost-share arrangement for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
Hurricane Katrina slashed across Dauphin Island resulting in a catastrophic loss of sand from beaches and the storm-induced erosion left improved property and infrastructure vulnerable to further damage from possible large storms.
PA specialists said the need for protective sand berms has intensified since Hurricane Ivan caused damage in the same area last year. The new project incorporates some previously-planned sand berm construction with placement planned in the vicinity of Pelican Street, Audubon Street and Bienville Blvd.
Hurricane Katrina sand will be reclaimed and used in the construction of the emergency berms, however this will only provide half of the necessary sand. Acceptable sand will be located on the mainland and brought to the island for the remainder.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Sep-2005 14:04:19