FEMA Awards $229,069 In Hazard Mitigation Grant Funds For Home Buyout Project In Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Release Date: January 10, 2007
Release Number: R5-07-001
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today awarded $229,069 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for a voluntary project to acquire up to seven flood-damaged homes in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
"This kind of project is the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts and illustrates the importance of local, state and federal governments working together for the benefit of citizens," said Edward G. Buikema, regional director, FEMA Region V. Through a partnership of federal, state and local governments and land owners, the properties will be purchased at pre-disaster fair market value, the homes demolished and the area kept as open space in perpetuity.
The homes which were damaged in flooding that occurred in 2003 are located in Battle Ground, Lafayette, Wea Creek, Wabash River, Wildcat Creek, and West Lafayette along the Tippecanoe River. The restoration of the natural floodplain through acquisition and open space preservation allows flooding to occur without property damage. This project will protect the health, safety and welfare of Tippecanoe County residents.
Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs and Tippecanoe County will contribute the remaining 25 percent. Federal mitigation projects are administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as of March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 10-Jan-2007 13:53:13