FEMA Approves $2.8 Million For Battery Park Sewer Repair
Release Date: May 14, 2007
Release Number: R3-07-005
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that more than $2.8 million was approved for the City of Richmond. This federal funding, issued under FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program, will be used to reimburse the city for implementing emergency protective measures associated with damage caused by Tropical Depression Ernesto.
FEMA will pay $2,896,092 - 75 percent of the project costs, which totals $3,861,456. The Commonwealth or local applicants will provide non-federal funds to pay the remaining 25 percent.
Emergency protective measures are those activities undertaken by a community before, during and, following a disaster that are necessary to do one of the following: eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, public health, or safety; or eliminate or reduce an immediate hazard that threatens significant damage to improved public or private property.
"Today's funding reflects FEMA's continued commitment to improving the health and welfare of the residents of Richmond," said Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. "FEMA continues to approve eligible costs associated with damage from the storm."
Tropical Depression Ernesto was declared a major disaster by the president on September 22, 2006, after pounding many areas of the Commonwealth of Virginia with severe rain storms and flooding.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in over 80 acres of land with floodwaters over 30 feet damaging 32 structures and facilities at Battery Park. The flooded area is served by a combined sewer system that conveys sanitary sewage and storm water from an upstream watershed. The floodwaters were heavily contaminated by sanitary sewage, presenting a hazard to public health and safety.
In order to reduce flooding in Battery Park and eliminate the threat of flooding in the neighborhoods, this public assistance funding will provide for the construction of a 72 inch-diameter temporary emergency overflow pipe from the existing sewer junction at School and Hickory Streets to the Bacons Quarter Branch Interceptor. This pipe allows the city to provide temporary flood relief for these neighborhoods in lieu of the additional costs for more extensive pumping operations.
Through the PA program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations. The federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The grantee (usually the state) determines how the non-federal share (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub grantees (eligible applicant).
The PA program is based on a partnership among FEMA, state, and local officials. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants, and providing technical assistance to the state and applicants. The state educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program, and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants, and managing the project funded under the PA program.
Additional PA information is available at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-May-2007 16:40:41