$5.6 Million in VA Mitigation Projects Approved
Release Date: December 18, 2000
Release Number: R3-00-34
 | |
|
Southampton County, VA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) today announced approval of projects totaling $5.6 million to acquire 92 properties and elevate five residential structures in Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties and the City of Franklin, Va. Under its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA will release $3.9 million to the commonwealth of Virginia as the federal share - 75 percent - of the estimated project cost. Local and state jurisdictions will provide the remaining 25 percent.
"The hazard mitigation program helps break the cycle of flood-repair-flood by offering a permanent solution," FEMA Region III Director Rita Calvan said. "The citizens and leaders of these Virginia communities are to be commended for taking this important step toward making their communities safe from future floods."
"With our disaster history, there's no doubt that southeastern Virginia will be affected again by floods and hurricanes," VDEM State Coordinator Michael Cline said. "Through the efforts of this local, state, federal and citizen partnership, we are taking positive actions today that will provide for a safer tomorrow."
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program aims to lessen future flood losses by several means, including the elevation, relocation or acquisition of flood-prone homes from willing sellers. The program is activated when a presidential disaster declaration is made. Under the program, interested communities develop project proposals and submit them to the state for review and prioritization. The state then sends the projects to FEMA to be reviewed for environmental soundness and cost effectiveness.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 13:58:01