Mississippi Grant Will Reduce Flood Losses
Release Date: March 29, 2004
Release Number: R4-04-067
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced grants totaling $2.5 million to remove frequently flooded dwellings from a flood hazard area of the city of Vicksburg, MS.
The project will create perpetual open space in a neighborhood of 39 properties. Homes on the following streets will be affected: Avenue D, Cairo Drive, Halls Ferry Road, Ford Road, Hardin Road, Williams Street, Elm Lane, Foy Circle, Ivy Circle, Lightcap Blvd., Melrose Avenue, Springridge Drive, Rialto Street and Santa Rosa Drive. The buildings will be demolished and the residents relocated. No future construction on the site will be permitted.
“Part of FEMA’s mission is to work with state and local governments to undertake projects that will lessen the risk of property damage from natural disasters,” said Michael D. Brown, Emergency Preparedness and Response Undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Acquisition of these flood-prone properties will allow the residents to move out of harm’s way and protect against further damage.”
The grant is of one of a number of hazard mitigation awards made through FEMA’s Region IV office in Atlanta. The federal share is $1,863,525, the local share $621,175. The grants are normally 75 percent of the project cost, with the state and/or local government picking up the remaining amount.
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: Monday, 29-Mar-2004 13:55:40