FEMA Approves More Than $1.75 Million To Bury Power Lines In Guam
Release Date: December 8, 2003
Release Number: R9-03-121
» 2003 Region IX News Releases
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it has obligated $1.75 million to the Guam Power Authority to bury electrical transmission lines from the Tamuning Substation to the Tumon Substation. These facilities serve many businesses, residences and schools.
"This funding will build an underground system that will remain intact when a typhoon strikes," said Jeff Griffin, Regional Director, FEMA Region IX. "It will eliminate the lengthy restoration efforts that in the past have slowed the return of power to important areas of the island."
Two typhoons struck Guam last year and caused more than $278 million in damages to the island. Disruption of electrical power to much of the island jeopardized lives and created serious losses for many of the businesses in the area.
FEMA normally provides 75 percent of eligible project costs with the remaining 25 percent coming from local resources. In this case, FEMA is paying 87 percent with the Guam Power Authority picking up the remaining $247,863 of the project's total cost.
The federal money is made available under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program that provides money to lessen future impact disasters have on people and property. Program funds are based on a percentage of the total disaster assistance funds provided to Guam after last year's typhoons.
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: Tuesday, 09-Dec-2003 10:39:11