Walla Walla Penitentiary Eligible For $1.2 Million - FEMA Funds Earthquake Damage Repairs
Release Date: February 7, 2002
Release Number: R10-02-24
Seattle, WA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $1.2 million to the Washington State Department of Corrections to repair earthquake damage to the Education Building located at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.
The February 28, 2001 Nisqually Earthquake caused damage to the Education Building rendering portions unsafe for use. According to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, the funds are being provided to the applicant for the repair of the south and east walls and foundations. "FEMA provides 75 percent of the project's $1.6 million cost with the remaining 25 percent non-federal share coming from State resources," said Pennington. "Under the program, eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government and certain non-profit units providing essential government-like services in the area of emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of public facilities. With the Washington State Penitentiary worksheets completed, we're that much further along in the recovery process."
Washington State Emergency Management Division Director Glen Woodbury concurs. "This month marks the first anniversary of the Nisqually Earthquake and we're three quarters of the way finished with determining initial funding estimates for public buildings and infrastructure repairs," said Woodbury. "Full recovery may well stretch through 2005, but we're making solid progress."
The funds are made available under the FEMA Public Assistance program. The State of Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) administers the program. Completed project worksheets of eligible costs for public buildings currently total around $53 million, a figure that could rise to as much as $75 million.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 17:15:11