FEMA Funds Flood Protection At Ut Health Science Center
Release Date: October 28, 2004
Release Number: R6-04-146
DENTON, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it has obligated nearly $2.2 million to the state of Texas to elevate critical switchgear at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. This mitigation measure will protect critical electric switchgear and transformers from future flooding events. In the three years since Tropical Storm Allison, FEMA has funded over $200 million in mitigation projects at Houston area hospitals to lessen the impact of future flooding.
"Houston has a long history of flooding. This project will save money and help the UT Health Science Center remain operational when the next flood comes," said Michael D, Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "We encourage other hospitals, businesses and homeowners to act now to prevent future flood losses."
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Oct-2004 10:29:29