FEMA Funds Flood Protection At Baylor College Of Medicine
Release Date: December 9, 2004
Release Number: R6-04-180
DENTON, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it has obligated over $2.7 million to the State of Texas for flood protection measures at the Baylor College of Medicine facilities located in the Texas Medical Center. The project will elevate critical electrical equipment and classroom facilities flooded by Tropical Storm Allison to above the 500-year flood level.
“The flood protection projects at the Texas Medical Center save money and will keep critical facilities operating when floods threaten Houston again,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “We encourage homeowners, businesses and other institutions to prepare for and protect against the risks they face.”
FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible project costs and the remaining 25 percent comes from local resources. Where feasible, recovery efforts incorporate mitigation measures to help protect against possible future flooding.
The federal funds are made available under the FEMA Public Assistance Program. The State of Texas administers the program under which eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government units and certain non-profit organizations providing essential government-like services in the areas of emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of public facilities.
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, 31-Jan-2005 12:04:57