Astoria Slide Receives Federal Assistance
Release Date: April 20, 2007
Release Number: 1672-005
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SALEM, Ore. -- FEMA and the Oregon Emergency Management Office announced today that there will be federal funding to help offset the costs of emergency protective measures for the slide in the city of Astoria.
"The City of Astoria has done a tremendous job responding to this slide", State Coordinating Officer Abby Kershaw stated. "They have taken steps to ensure the safety of their community and will now have the opportunity to offset some of the costs associated with this slide".
Both the City of Astoria and FEMA had geotechnical experts study the landslide. Both firms reported that the November 5-8 rainfall, which merited a Presidential Disaster Declaration, was the key factor in this landslide. As a result, Astoria will receive Federal aid for Emergency Protective Measures under FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program.
"Emergency Protective Measures are taken before, during and immediately after a disaster to save lives, protect public health and safety, and protect property", said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Glen Sachtleben.
Public assistance is authorized when it is determined that the harm to infrastructure and loss of vital public services exceeds the ability of state and local agencies to affect a reasonable and timely recovery. In the case of the Astoria slide, FEMA will reimburse 75% of eligible costs for emergency protective measures.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2007 10:55:17