Grant Will Build Protective Coastal Berm
Release Date: April 19, 2004
Release Number: R4-04-074
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced it will disburse $4.5 million to North Carolina for emergency work to build a protective berm on the shoreline at the town of Nags Head Beach.
The project will place a temporary barrier of sand to give property owners protection from storm surge while they complete repairs and take steps to protect their property from harm in future storms.
“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. “The berm is a temporary emergency measure to buy time for the property owners to act.”
The berm will be installed seaward of improved property along six identified areas totaling nine-miles of coastline. Some 383,000 cubic yards of sand will be required.
The grant is made through FEMA's Region IV office in Atlanta. The federal share is $3,393,841, the local share $1,131,281. 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: Tuesday, 20-Apr-2004 09:38:53