Harris County Flood Control District Mitigation Project Approved 

Release Date: November 1, 2001
Release Number: 1379-117

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Houston, TX -- A Grant application for Harris County Flood Control District, Texas was approved today for a proposed project aimed at removing individuals and property from harm's way, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The flood mitigation project, entitled Harris County Flood Control District Acquisition Project #5, approved under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will acquire and demolish approximately 105 substantially damaged structures at risk of future flooding. All acquired parcels will be converted to open space.

If all 105 structures are purchased, federal funds in the amount of $4,929,490 will be made available. Participation in the program by owners of the eligible property is on a strictly voluntary basis: Only those properties voluntarily offered for sale to the program will be considered for purchase. The funds come from HMGP funds made available under the presidential disaster declaration of June 9, 2001 for severe flooding due to Tropical Storm Allison.

"The grant is a cost-effective measure aimed at reducing or eliminating future risks to human life and property due to natural hazards," said FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh. "Mitigation funds are designed to help break the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeated damage that has been typical with past disasters."

"The Harris County Flood Control District, pending program requirements, will be issued the grant money through the State of Texas," said Butch Smith, Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Texas Department of Public Safety, state coordinating officer.

To date, related to the flooding due to Tropical Storm Allison of June 2001 in Texas, FEMA has approved more than $400 million in grants made under Public and Individual Assistance programs, plus non-administrative mission assignments. These include grants for housing assistance, emergency home repair; repairing and rebuilding infrastructure; and hazard mitigation.

Last Modified: Friday, 17-Oct-2003 10:40:56