FEMA Approves Over $3.2 In Grant Funds For 10 Iowa Communities
Release Date: March 16, 2000
Release Number: R7-00-09
» 2000 Region VII News Releases
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that more than $3.2 million ($3,205,574) in federal funds has been made available to 10 Iowa communities for projects that will reduce the risks of future flood losses.
John Miller, director of FEMA's Region VII office in Kansas City, said that the funds are provided through FEMA's Unmet Needs Program. The approved projects involve the voluntary acquisition of 73 residential structures that have had a history of flooding.
"FEMA's goal is to help reduce both the potential for future flood damage and the corresponding human suffering it causes," Miller said. "Iowa communities continue to join in this partnership in a concerted effort to solve their flooding problems and develop disaster resistant communities."
The locations and the approved projects are:
| Location | Approved Project | Federal Share of Approved Project |
|---|---|---|
| Buchanan County | Acquisition of 11 residences | $739,019 |
| City of Cedar Falls | Acquisition of 16 residences | $84,210 |
| City of Central City | Acquisition of four residences | $168,122 |
| City of Dubuque | Acquisition of one residence | $111,120 |
| City of Dunkerton | Acquisition of six residences | $318,704 |
| City of Dyersville | Acquisition of three residence | $193,817 |
| City of Garber | Acquisition of two residences | $136,619 |
| City of Independence | Acquisition of 21 residences | $1,074,445 |
| Linn County | Acquisition of eight residences | $340,224 |
| City of Oelwein | Acquisition of one residence | $39,294 |
The state of Iowa, through the Iowa Emergency Management Division, and the local communities will administer and disperse the federal funds. The state determines which projects are submitted to FEMA for funding. The local units of government submit the projects to the state and determine the order in which the individual structures are purchased.
"The approval of these projects resulted from a cooperative effort with the communities, the Iowa Emergency Management Division and FEMA," Miller said. "Removing people from harm's way is an important step in making communities more resistant to damage from future disasters."
After the structures are purchased and demolished, the land will then be permanently converted for public use, such as municipal open space, recreation areas or wetlands.
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Unmet Needs Program provide 75% of the funds for approved projects that lessen or eliminate the loss of lives and property in future disasters. The remaining 25% must be provided from non-federal sources.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2003 12:19:25