FEMA Awards $12.6 Million To Houston Hospitals For Mitigation
Release Date: February 5, 2004
Release Number: R6-04-021
DENTON, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it has obligated over $12.6 million to the state of Texas for mitigation efforts at Memorial Hermann Hospital and University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. This mitigation measure will protect critical laboratories and equipment from future flooding events.
“Hospitals play a critical role in community readiness before and during disasters,” said Michael D, Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “This funding to protect hospital buildings shows that saving lives and property are a shared priority of our dedicated first responders and Homeland Security.”
- University of Texas Health Science Center – Temporary Facilities for Gross Anatomy Labs ($1,011,661)
- University of Texas Health Science Center – Raise Significant Electrical Switchgear and Air Handling Units ($3,754,328)
- Memorial Hermann Hospital – Relocate Critical Mechanical, Electrical, and Data Center ($6,600,000)
- Memorial Hermann Hospital – Elevate Critical Laboratories ($1,312,500)
FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible project costs and the remaining 25 percent comes from local resources. Where feasible, recovery efforts incorporate mitigation measures to help protect against possible future flooding.
The federal funds are made available under the FEMA Public Assistance Program. The State of Texas administers the program under which eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government units and certain non-profit organizations providing essential government-like services in the areas of emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of public facilities.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Feb-2004 15:12:31