Release Date: May 12, 2006
Release Number: R5-06-005
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $308,375 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Trimble Township in Athens County, Ohio, for the acquisition of 13 residential homes.
“Projects of this kind are the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts,” said Edward G. Buikema, regional director, FEMA Region V. “These projects will protect the health, safety and welfare of Athens County residents and illustrate the importance of local, state, and federal governments working together for the benefit of their citizens.”
The acquisition of the properties, which are repeatedly flooded by the Sunny Creek and its west tributary, will allow the land to remain open space. The restoration of the natural floodplain through acquisition and open space preservation allows flooding to occur without property damage. Additionally, it will reduce future flood insurance claims and thereby reducing the financial obligation of federal, state and local governments.
Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs and Trimble Township will contribute the remaining 25 percent. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency administers the mitigation program.
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: Tuesday, 13-Jun-2006 09:09:01