FEMA Approves $1.2 Million For Acquisition Projects 

Federal dollars benefiting Allegheny Township, Catawissa and New Brighton Boroughs

Release Date: August 17, 2006
Release Number: R3-06-018

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of grants totaling more than $1.2 million to acquire and demolish 17 homes and a vacant lot in Allegheny Township and Catawissa and New Brighton Boroughs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The properties were damaged when Tropical Depression Ivan hit the area, resulting in a Presidential disaster declaration on September 19, 2004.

"This federal aid will equip flood victims with the means to relocate to safer ground," said Patricia G. Arcuri, Acting Regional Director for FEMA Region III. "As the Commonwealth submits applications for grant funding, FEMA is committed to supporting its efforts to make communities free from the risks of natural hazards."

FEMA will pay $1,241,371 - 75 percent of the project costs, which total $1,651,160.  The Commonwealth or local applicants will provide non-Federal funds to pay the remaining 25 percent.

The following is a list of grant recipients, the cause of damage, the number of homes to be acquired, total project cost and the amount awarded by FEMA:

This grant is administered through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Under the HMGP, FEMA acquires at-risk properties so the former owners can afford to move to safer locations.  The community buys the private property, acquires the title and then clears it.  By law, that property is now public property and must forever remain open space. 

Funding is only available to applicants that reside within a Presidentially declared disaster area.  The process is locally driven.  Property owners interested in taking steps to reduce risks from future disasters express their interest to their municipal or county officials.  If these officials decide to apply for an HMGP grant, they develop a proposal and submit it to the state. 

After the state selects the proposals that meet its criteria, FEMA reviews those selections to make sure they are cost effective and in compliance with federal law.  If the proposals comply with these guidelines, FEMA releases the funds to the state.  FEMA is not involved in the application process nor does it select the projects.

Additional HMGP information is available at www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Friday, 18-Aug-2006 13:29:41