FEMA Approves $1M For Elevation Project

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced recently the approval of a grant totaling more than $1M to elevate 11 residential structures in Gloucester County, VA.

The properties were damaged as a result of repetitive flooding. "This grant will provide flood victims in Gloucester County Virginia the ability to reduce their flood risk and maintain their household within the community," said FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney.

FEMA will pay $1,011,551.00 - 75 percent of the total project costs.

These grants are administered through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Under the HMGP, FEMA elevates at-risk properties so the owners can reduce risk while without having to leave their community.

Funding is available statewide following a presidentially declared disaster. The process is locally driven. Property owners interested in taking steps to reduce risks from future disasters must express their interest to their municipal or county officials. Local officials applying for an HMGP grant must develop a proposal and submit it to the state.

After the state selects the proposals that meet its criteria, FEMA reviews those selections to ensure they are cost effectiveness and in compliance with federal law. If the proposals comply with these guidelines, FEMA releases the funds to the state. FEMA is not involved in the application process nor does it select the projects.

"As the Commonwealth of Virginia submits applications for grant funding, FEMA is committed to supporting its efforts to make communities free from the risks of natural hazards." said Tierney

Additional HMGP information is available at www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm.

SOURCE: The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency