Bluffton to Receive Nearly $684,000 to Acquire 11 structures
FEMA Awards Hazard Mitigation Grant To Indiana Community
Release Date: May 3, 2004
Release Number: R5-04-002
CHICAGO, Ill. - Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $684,926 in hazard mitigation funds to the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for a voluntary project to purchase 11 flood-damaged homes in the City of Bluffton. Through a partnership of federal, state and local governments and homeowners, the properties will be purchased at a pre-disaster fair market value, demolished, and the area used as neighborhood park or open space in perpetuity.
"This grant will allow Indiana to implement long-term hazard mitigation efforts in Bluffton," said Brown. "President Bush and Homeland Security are committed to reducing the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enabling mitigation measures to be implemented during the recovery from a disaster."
The properties are all located within the 100-year flood plain adjacent to the Wabash River in the Washington/ Mulberry street area. The phased, voluntary, project is expected to begin with the acquisition of 11 homes on Washington and Bennett Streets. When completed, the total project is expected to include 25 residential structures. The project area is adjacent to the Wabash River Greenway and the open land will be turned into a picnic area.
FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $913,234 cost of the project through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The City of Bluffton will contribute the entire 25% match requirement of $228,308 for the project. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is administered within the state by the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 03-May-2004 16:39:14