FEMA Approves $2.3 Million for Mobile Park Acquisition 

Release Date: August 2, 2007
Release Number: R3-07-012

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of a grant totaling more than $2.3 million to acquire and demolish the Northwood Mobile Home Park in Greene Township, Pennsylvania.

The mobile home park, consisting of 58 mobile homes, will be demolished by the township and the area restored to natural open space in perpetuity.

The park was damaged from flooding that affected the area, resulting in a presidential disaster declaration on June 30, 2006.

"I am pleased that this funding will allow the affected residents to relocate to safer ground," said Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. "Today's funding also reflects FEMA's commitment to supporting efforts that make communities free from the risks of natural hazards."

FEMA will pay $2,338,988 - 75 percent of the project costs, which total $3,118,650. The Commonwealth will provide non-federal funds to pay the remaining 25 percent.

These grants are administered through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Under the HMGP, FEMA acquires at-risk properties so the former owners can afford to move to safer locations. The community buys the private property, acquires the title and then clears it. By law, that property is now public property and must forever remain open space.

Funding is available to applicants that reside within a presidentially declared disaster area. The process is locally driven. Property owners interested in taking steps to reduce risks from future disasters express their interest to their municipal or county officials. If these officials decide to apply for an HMGP grant, they develop a proposal and submit it to the state.

After the state selects the proposals that meet its criteria, FEMA reviews those selections to make sure they are cost effective and in compliance with federal law. If the proposals comply with these guidelines, FEMA releases the funds to the state. FEMA is not involved in the application process nor does it select the projects.

Additional HMGP information is available at www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. 

Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Aug-2007 14:25:40