Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Nation Tribe Receives FEMA Grant To Reduce Disaster Threat
Release Date: October 10, 2002
Release Number: R8-02-13
» 2002 Region VIII News Releases
Denver, CO -- The Federal Emergency Management announced today a $132,486 Pre-disaster Mitigation Program grant to the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Nation in South Dakota.
"The foundation of all effective hazard mitigation efforts is a solid understanding of existing hazards, coupled with a plan to reduce risks from those hazards," said FEMA's Regional Director David Maurstad. "This grant will lay the groundwork for a strong tribal mitigation program, which will reduce the loss of life and property from future natural disasters."
The grant to develop the tribe's comprehensive plan addresses both pre-disaster preventative actions and post-disaster recovery plans for the reservation. Key components of the project include:
- Identifying lowland areas prone to flooding
- Identifying and removing physical obstacles such as debris and abandoned structures that can cause additional damage during flood events by blocking or diverting water flow
- Developing and implementing a disaster prevention community education program
- Initiating a training program to ensure the community education program is delivered effectively to community residents.
The grant is part of FEMA's Pre-disaster Mitigation program. The $132, 486 federal grant represents 90 percent of the estimated cost of completing the project, with the tribe providing the remaining 10 percent share.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Aug-2003 14:30:58