FEMA Approves More Than $1.4 Million for Caguas Flood Control Project
Release Date: September 8, 2006
Release Number: 1552-105
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SAN JUAN, P.R. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), approved today a $1,438,088 million grant to the Municipality of Caguas in Puerto Rico.
"By improving this flood control system, we are diminishing the community's vulnerability to flooding while protecting life and property," said Alejandro De La Campa, DHS/ FEMA Region II Caribbean Division Director. "This funding will go a long way to help the affected residents; furthermore, it reflects FEMA's commitment in helping communities recover from disasters."
During the past twenty years, the Villa del Rey I, Turabo Ward community in the Municipality of Caguas has experienced flood-related problems with at least one mayor flood incident every three years. Through this project, not only the community will be safe from flooding, but it reduces health and safety risks, emergency rescue services, flood insurance and federal disaster assistance in the future.
The total project cost of the flood control system is $1,977,451. FEMA will pay $1,438,088 corresponding to the 75 percent federal share while the Municipality of Caguas will pay $494,363 corresponding to the 25 percent State share.
The approved project consists in the installation of additional two RCP-72” diameter pipes of approximately 1350 ft., underneath the Luxemburgo Street and the Edimburgo Street into the flood control system’s exit. It also includes the construction of a detention pond and a transition counter weir outlet at the exit to avoid the Turabo River’s backflow effects.
The FEMA HMGP is a cost sharing plan with the State or local government to finance mitigation projects that reduce future loss of life and property due to natural disasters, including communities at risk for repetitive flood damage.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, 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: Thursday, 14-Sep-2006 12:00:12