FEMA Approves Grant To City Of Opa-Locka To Improve Drainage
Release Date: November 5, 2004
Release Number: R4-04-231
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The US Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $1.42 million grant through the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management to improve drainage around the Alexandria Gardens Apartments in Opa-locka.
The Alexandria Gardens Apartments complex has been flooded several times over the past decade, displacing more than 300 families, including 900 children. The families were out of their homes from one to three months while the buildings were repaired. Few have rental flood insurance, so their losses have been significant.
"This project is an essential humanitarian effort to improve the lives of the people affected," said Michael D. Brown, undersecretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "Improved drainage for these 27 buildings will reduce the incidence of flooding and the resulting human misery and property damage during hurricanes and tropical storms."
Drainage will be improved around the apartments by re-grading the site to improve drainage, construction of an outfall to a nearby canal and by installing berms to prevent ponding around several of the buildings. The project will include a pumping system with backup generator to divert storm water into the canal.
The total cost of the project will be almost $1.9 million, with a $472,765 match provided by Creative Choice Homes II, Ltd., owners of the complex.
This grant is part of FEMA's Pre-disaster Mitigation Program, which makes available funding to help pay for projects designed to reduce or eliminate damage from potential disasters. Authorized by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the program is competitive nationwide. This project was identified and prioritized in the Miami-Dade County Local Mitigation Strategy.
Individuals and businesses may not apply directly to the State or FEMA, but eligible local governments or private non-profit organizations may apply on behalf of local citizens.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 05-Nov-2004 11:53:07