FEMA Approves More Than $1.2 Million In Mitigation Projects
Release Date: December 8, 2003
Release Number: R9-03-123
» 2003 Region IX News Releases
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that is has approved the release of mitigation grants totaling $1.255 million for the Territory of Guam for projects following recent typhoons.
"These nine projects encompass a wide variety of efforts to make Guam most disaster-resistant," said Jeff Griffin, Regional Director, FEMA Region IX. "FEMA considers these mitigation grants a cornerstone of its mission to prevent future damage from the typhoons and earthquake that regularly visit this beautiful Pacific island."
Guam was struck last year by two typhoons that caused more than $278 million in damages to the island. Loss of electrical power and shattered buildings across much of the island jeopardized lives, destroyed homes and important facilities. The typhoons 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 90 percent with the local agencies picking up the remaining $136,000--10 percent of the project's total cost.
Approved projects are as follows:
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Guam Power Authority: $630,000 to bury power lines. Local share is $70,000.
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Guam International Airport Authority: $135,585 for a seismic retrofit of the airport terminal's central heating and air-conditioning system. Local share is $15,065.
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Department of Health and Human Services: $36,000 to harden the generator shelter. Local share is $4,000.
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Port Authority of Guam: $36,450 to install typhoon shutters. Local share is $4,050.
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University of Guam: $36,540 for work on the Marine Lab Drainage Canal. Local share is $4,060.
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University of Guam Marine Lab: $17,910 to harden the facility's generator. Local share is $1,990.
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University of Guam: $216,189 for typhoon shutters on multiple facilities. Local share is $24,021.
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Guam Economic Development Agency: $28,683 to install typhoon shutters. Local share is $3,187.
- FEMA -1426-DR-GU-Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - State Management Cost: $118,079. Local share is $13,120.
The federal money is made available under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which 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 recent disasters.
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 10:32:27