FEMA Approves Nearly $3.2 Million To Pump Out Tracts Flooded By June 3 Levee Break
Release Date: November 5, 2004
Release Number: R9-04-095
» 2004 Region IX News Releases
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized $3,178,725 to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for eligible costs to repair and restore the levee break that began June 3 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The breach caused flooding of both the Upper and Lower Jones Tracts and threatened the drinking water supply for over 23 million Californians.
The funding will help cover the cost of DWR's contract to pump out the approximately 150,000 acre feet of floodwater that filled the interior of both tracts before the levee break could be closed. Pumping to protect the interior levees from erosion has been completed.
"The task to pump out the floodwaters is just one of more than 50 such projects being funded by FEMA through its Public Assistance Program," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "The levee break posed a very serious threat to the welfare of millions of Californians."
A total of approximately $10.3 million in Public Assistance dollars has been approved for DWR projects arising from the levee disaster.
Funding is made available for reimbursement of disaster-related costs to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit agencies that provide essential services to the community. FEMA normally provides 75 percent of eligible project costs with the remaining 25 percent coming from local resources.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 05-Nov-2004 13:26:24