FEMA Awards Nearly $1.2 Million In Flood Recovery Grants
Release Date: September 18, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-113
Denton, TX - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), today announced a grant to remove debris from 870 miles of drainage arteries in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, where Hurricane Lili deposited vegetative debris at over 500 separate sites last year.
The storm's torrential rain and high winds damaged trees and deposited flood born trash throughout the area's system of coulees. Lafayette Parish regularly maintains the coulee system that allows the large area south of the City of Lafayette to control the constant threat of floods.
"South Louisiana faces severe weather throughout the year," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness & Response. "The aid announced today will ensure that the parish's drainage system can function properly."
FEMA will fund 75 percent of the clean-up costs, and local sources will fund the balance. The Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will administer the grant.
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, 18-Sep-2003 12:11:03