City of Washington Receives Full FEMA Funding to Clear Floodway Area
Release Date: April 3, 2001
Release Number: R4-01-12
Atlanta, GA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an $187,614 hazard-reduction grant to acquire and demolish six flood-prone residences in the City of Washington, North Carolina in order to eliminate recurring flood hazard risks and associated rebuilding costs.
FEMA is providing all of the funds necessary for the project from its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) that assists communities in reducing risks and expenditures due to natural disasters.
Once property owners voluntarily agree to the sale and demolition of their homes, the acquired property titles will be deeded to the City of Washington and the cleared land kept as open space in perpetuity. The residences, located in various special flood hazard areas of the city have been substantially damaged during past high water conditions.
Mary Lynne Miller, acting regional director of FEMA Region IV, said, "This acquisition represents another significant step toward our goal to end the costly repetitive rebuilding cycle."
Ms. Miller said that by removing structural impediments in the designated floodplain, storm-water flow would be greatly improved during severe weather, helping adjacent neighborhood properties avoid damage in high-water conditions.
Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2003 10:27:06