Biden-Harris Administration Urges Public to Prepare as Severe Weather Threatens the East Coast, Pay Attention to Local Officials

luther.wills-dudich — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 19:20:02 +0000

WASHINGTON -- FEMA encourages residents and visitors in the path of a developing tropical storm along the southeastern and mid-Atlantic portions of the United States to prepare now and follow the instructions of local officials. Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor local weather alerts for updates.

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should learn their evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, charge their devices and batteries, ensure they are receiving emergency alerts and check on their neighbors, especially those who are older adults or may need additional assistance.

The storm, which is expected to become Tropical Storm Ophelia, is forecast to strengthen by the time it reaches North Carolina’s coast and proceeds on a three-day push north. Heavy rain is expected to affect areas of the East Coast and hundreds of miles from the center of the storm. The storm is expected to bring strong winds, potentially hazardous storm surge, flooding, powerful rip currents and dangerous surf. Tornadoes are also possible.

A tropical storm warning stretches from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to the Maryland-Delaware state line.

The National Hurricane Center is providing updates as the storm develops.

Now is the time to prepare:

Get Emergency Alerts: Make sure to sign up to receive weather alerts in your community and stay updated on the latest weather news from the National Weather Service. Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather alerts in your area.
Gather Supplies: Have enough supplies for your household. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies. After a tropical storm, you may not have access to these supplies right away.
Turn around, don’t drown. Don’t drive or wade through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. Remember, just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Evacuate, if told to do so: If you are in potentially affected areas, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for your family members and pets. If you have a disability, you may have additional considerations for yourself or a service animal.
Flood insurance: Residents should review their National Flood Insurance Program policy. It can cover and reimburse certain actions residents take to minimize damage to their homes and belongings before a flood.

FEMA encourages everyone to visit ready.gov or listo.gov to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. Make sure your family, friends and neighbors understand the risks severe weather may bring to your area.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 09/22/2023 - 19:20

VA, DE and MD Residents Urged to Be on Alert This Weekend as Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 Impacts Region

erika.osullivan — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:51:53 +0000

VA, DE and MD Residents Urged to Be on Alert This Weekend as Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 Impacts Region

PHILADELPHIA- FEMA Region 3 is urging Virginia, Delaware and Maryland residents in the path of Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 to remain vigilant and listen to local officials as this storm develops in the Atlantic Ocean.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts tropical storm conditions including heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and storm surge across portions of the southeast coast and mid-Atlantic. Widespread 2-4 inches of rainfall is expected throughout the eastern part of region, with local amounts up to 6+ inches possible. This could lead to flash flooding. Strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages. Storm surge, the abnormal rising of water generated during a hurricane or tropical system, could reach 1-4 feet and inundate parts of coastal communities. High tides are likely to also exacerbate flooding concerns. For those in the path of the storm, do not underestimate its power. The effects from the storm are expected to last through Sunday, Sept. 24.

FEMA Region 3 encourages all residents to follow the instructions of their local emergency managers especially if asked to evacuate. By not following evacuation orders, you not only put yourself at risk, but potentially first responders as well.

FEMA Region 3 and its state counterparts are prepared and prepositioned to support needs that may arise. Region 3 has deployed liaison officers (LNOs) to Virginia's emergency operations center (EOCs) to work side by side to prepare for and respond to this storm’s impact. FEMA is also working closely with other federal agencies and non-profit organizations to coordinate a whole-of-community response to serve residents and communities in the potentially affected areas.

“I encourage residents in Virginia, Delaware and Maryland to prepare their families and homes now should they experience the impact of this storm, especially those along the coast,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Ensure you have emergency supplies on hand and are ready to evacuate if instructed to do so. If it is safe, check on neighbors who may require assistance. This includes individuals with children, as well as older adults and people with disabilities.”

Prepare Now:

Now is the time to plan. It’s not too late to create a plan with your family. Visit Ready.gov/plan and use the new “Make A Plan” fillable form to make your plan and easily save an electronic copy to share with family members.
Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the recently updated free FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to receive real-time emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and find a nearby shelter.
Follow your local emergency managers on social media: They are the eyes and ears of your community and provide critical updates during a storm.
Manufactured homes are extremely vulnerable. If you live in a manufactured home, determine where you will go before the storm hits, as these types of structures may not withstand hurricane wind or surge damage.
Prepare or update your emergency supply kit. Your kit should include supplies you and your family would need for several days, including prescription medications or special medical devices. Make sure you include any needed pet supplies.
Check on neighbors. As you prepare your family and loved ones for a disaster, check on neighbors and folks in your community to see if they are doing the same or help them get started.
- People with access and functional needs, including older adults, may need extra assistance to prepare for the storm. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider circumstances and needs to effectively prepare. Visit Individuals with Disabilities | Ready.gov to learn more.
Flood Insurance: Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.

If You Encounter Flash Flooding:

Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Do not attempt to cross floodwaters. The depth of the water is not always obvious. Moving water has tremendous power. Six inches of moving water has the potential to knock you off your feet, and a foot of water can sweep a vehicle—even a large SUV—off of the road.
If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle.
If water is moving at a high velocity and is rapidly rising in the vehicle, exit the vehicle immediately, seek refuge on the roof of the vehicle and signal for help.
If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately (unless water is moving at a high velocity) and move to higher ground. Rapidly rising water can engulf the vehicle and its occupants, sweeping them away.
If trapped in a building, get to the highest level. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped in rising floodwater.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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erika.osullivan Fri, 09/22/2023 - 16:51

$18.7 Million Announced for Maryland, Virginia and DC as First Recipients of New Revolving Loan Program

erika.osullivan — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:14:13 +0000

$18.7 Million Announced for Maryland, Virginia and DC as First Recipients of New Revolving Loan Program

PHILADELPHIA— Today, FEMA is announcing that Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia will receive a combined $18.7 million in capitalization grants to help communities reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. This is a part of the $50 million announced for states across the country.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program offers funds to states, territories, tribes and the District of Columbia to administer revolving loan funds and provide direct loans to local governments for climate resilient projects.

Local governments may use funding to make structures more resilient to natural hazards, flood control, zoning and land use planning changes and building code enforcement. They may also apply it to meet the non-federal cost-share requirement for FEMA hazard mitigation assistance grants, lessening their financial burden to implement climate resilience activities. As these loans are paid back to the states, the funding can be used to finance additional mitigation projects, providing a sustainable local source of financing for protecting communities.

The three recipients in FEMA Region 3 will receive the following funding:

District of Columbia: $6.1 million
Maryland: $6.5 million
Virginia: $6.1 mill

“We are excited to see that Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia were chosen to receive this funding,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We’re looking forward to working with our state and District partners as they establish these new revolving loan programs and help make mitigation funding more accessible for all communities.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program complements the agency’s hazard mitigation grant portfolio to support mitigation projects at the local government level and increase the nation’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change.

FEMA encourages applicants to develop revolving loan funds that support low-income geographic areas and underserved communities. Entities selected for awards should use funding based on their unique needs and priorities to become more resilient to natural hazards.

These investments were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $500 million to fund the program through 2026.

Other states that were selected in the first round of applications include:

Louisiana: $6.9 million
Michigan: $5.1 million
New Jersey: $6.4 million
New York: $6.2 million
South Carolina: $6.4 million

FEMA will offer technical assistance through webinars, office hours, website updates and program support materials to help existing and future participants participate and make use of this innovative program.

This first year of the program will inform future funding opportunities and ensure long-term viability and success of the program at all levels. The agency anticipates releasing the next funding opportunity later this fall.

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erika.osullivan Wed, 09/13/2023 - 17:14

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

charles.elison — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:24:52 +0000

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the Limerick Generating Station

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Limerick Generating Station. The exercise will occur during the week of September 25, 2023, to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 4:00 p.m. on September 28, 2023. The meeting will be conducted in-person at the Marriott Courtyard Philadelphia Valley Forge/Collegeville, 600 Campus Drive, Collegeville, PA 19426. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC.

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region 3

615 Chestnut Street, 6^th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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charles.elison Tue, 09/12/2023 - 14:24

Join Us In Preparing Older Adults For Emergencies During National Preparedness Month

charles.elison — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:52:16 +0000

Join Us In Preparing Older Adults For Emergencies During National Preparedness Month

PHILADELPHIA – What steps are you taking to be prepared? This September, join the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during National Preparedness Month in preparing yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your communities for disasters and emergencies.

National Preparedness Month is an annual opportunity to reinforce the message that taking a few simple steps can go a long way in being ready for all kinds of hazards that are common to our region, including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, fires, and more.

Preparedness is for everyone, but this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign is focused specifically on preparing older adults and their caregivers. Older adults may have specific needs after a disaster. According to AARP, several factors make older adults more vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, which include, but are not limited to:

Increased likelihood of mobility difficulties;
Increased lack of access to cell phones and internet access; and
An increased lack of financial means to prepare or relocate.

“A growing body of evidence shows that older adults are disproportionately impacted by weather-related emergencies and natural disasters,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Now is the time to consider what you can do to be prepared, or help a friend, neighbor, or loved one take steps to get prepared too.”

FEMA’s Ready campaign has resources, including simple, low-cost tips, to help older adults and their caregivers address these challenges. Some of these tips include:

Plan for your transportation if you need help evacuating.
Include items that meet your individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in your emergency supply kit.
Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards.
Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.
If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers.
If you have a communication disability, consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives. Consider asking loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area if they can help with your animals.

Visit ready.gov/older-adults and ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores for more information.

FEMA Region 3 will be sharing more tips on how to prepare throughout the month of September on our social media. Follow us on X (@FEMARegion3) or find us on LinkedIn or Nextdoor and share your tips and actions you’re taking to prepare with the hashtag #PreparewithR3.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Follow us on X at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Fri, 09/01/2023 - 11:52

Delaware Adopts FEMA-Approved Plan to Make State Stronger Against Disasters

erika.osullivan — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:43:10 +0000

Delaware Adopts FEMA-Approved Plan to Make State Stronger Against Disasters

PHILADELPHIA-- FEMA Region 3 and the state of Delaware are proud to announce the approval of Delaware’s 2023-2028 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The state Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines risks and vulnerabilities faced by Delawareans, but also offers ideas and recommendations for protecting and improving resilience in the state.

By developing and adopting the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, Delaware communities are now eligible to receive certain types of FEMA assistance, such as Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants, Public Assistance funds, and High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) funding. This allows federal funds to be directed to Delaware to protect people, their property, and the environment. The HMP was developed by the State Hazard Mitigation Council. The Council includes staff from state agencies, the University of Delaware, and representatives from Delaware counties and municipalities.

One new goal in the HMP is evaluating all hazards for potential impacts to vulnerable populations.

The HMP outlines twelve natural hazards that could impact the state of Delaware within the next five years. These hazards were identified through an evaluation of historical weather events and data from several sources that look at existing conditions and projections for future climate conditions and growth in the state. The plan also takes into consideration underserved and vulnerable populations in Delaware and discusses how climate change will exacerbate social vulnerabilities. The natural hazards identified include:

Coastal Erosion
Coastal Flooding
Dam/Levee Failure Flooding
Drought
Earthquakes
Extreme Temperatures
Inland Flooding
Local Earth Movement
Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes
Severe Winter Weather
Tropical Cyclones
Wildfire and Smoldering Fires

Mitigating risk continues to be a priority for Delaware

In addition to considering future climate conditions, the hazard mitigation plan assess risks to Delaware’s economy, the natural environment, the built environment and most importantly, the people who live, work, and visit the state. The plan examines risk to hospitals, water treatment facilities, bridges, schools, power stations, and other critical facilities that keep Delaware going. In addition to critical facilities, the plan evaluates vulnerabilities to the cultural and historic resources in the state.

Putting the plan into action

Delaware’s Hazard Mitigation Plan does not just include hazards and vulnerabilities – it outlines solutions to lessen the impact from a natural hazard or disaster. The mitigation strategy section of the Plan identifies specific projects and funding opportunities for cities, counties, and the state to make Delaware more resilient and improve the economic, social, and environmental health of the state.

Some high-priority projects outlined in the mitigation strategy include:

Protect and secure critical infrastructure and community lifelines to mitigate impacts from natural and manmade threats and make more resilient.
Create and promote a statewide climate resiliency educational campaign.
Assist local governments in developing strategies to protect wastewater treatment facilities from flooding.
Designate shoreline zones for adaptation action.
Fund projects to make hazardous dams safer.
Enhance the power grid and energy infrastructure to accommodate the national push for electrical vehicles (EVs) and the possible charging surge during an evacuation.
Identify sites that could serve as heating and cooling centers during extreme heat and cold events.

“I commend the state of Delaware and the many partners who came together to update this Hazard Mitigation Plan,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The holistic approach to evaluating risks and vulnerabilities puts the state on a path to a more resilient future and puts them in position to receive future funding from FEMA.”

“This State Hazard Mitigation Plan update is one of the many steps our State is taking to reduce risk across Delaware,” said Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director A.J. Schall. “We are proud of the work that our team and partner agencies put into this plan to ensure we continue working together to tackle these complex issues.”

State Hazard Mitigation Plans are updated every five years. This current plan will be due for an update in 2028.

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erika.osullivan Wed, 08/30/2023 - 13:43

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in St. Mary’s County, MD

erika.osullivan — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:38:23 +0000

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in St. Mary’s County, MD

PHILADELPHIA- FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for St. Mary's County, MD. Affected community members and partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Before the maps become final, community member and partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around August 31, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local Certified Floodplain Manager, Valerie Caswell, at valerie.caswell@stmaryscountymd.gov. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: CSLF Web Viewer, St. Mary's County, MD

For more information about the flood maps:

Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Public Forum & Information

St. Mary’s County Government will be holding a public forum for Saint Mary’s County citizens affected by the proposed map amendment on September 13th, 2023 from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM in the Main Meeting Room of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. Local government staff, along with FEMA officials, will be available to answer questions and provide information on the mapping process, appeal process, flood insurance and potential mitigation opportunities.

St. Mary’s County, MD Flood Mapping Milestones

November 22, 2021 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
November 29, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
January 26, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
On or Around August 31, 2023 –Appeal Period starts.
September 13, 2023 – Public Forum for affected Saint Mary’s County citizens.
August 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

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erika.osullivan Tue, 08/29/2023 - 17:38

FEMA Announces $162 million in BRIC & FMA Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects Across the Mid-Atlantic

erika.osullivan — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:19:12 +0000

FEMA Announces $162 million in BRIC & FMA Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects Across the Mid-Atlantic

PHILADELPHIA– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced the recipients of the FY22 pre-disaster hazard mitigation assistance grants from their Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs. The selections, through the two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

This year, nearly $3 billion was available for BRIC and FMA grants nationally, a historic amount for these programs. This was also a historic year for Region 3, with more than double the amount of funding available for the region this year over last year.

“From Hawaii to Maine, communities across the country are experiencing more frequent and intense severe weather events, resulting in devastating impacts to their homes, businesses, and families. Though FEMA will always help communities respond and recover to these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we can further our mission to help our state, local, territorial, and tribal partners build a more resilient nation.”

BRIC FY22 Region 3 Recipients:

The BRIC grant program funds critical mitigation projects and activities that reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes, and territories. BRIC emphasizes the use of nature based solutions -- sustainable planning, design, environmental management, and engineering practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to promote adaption and resilience.

The following nine projects in Region 3 were selected as part of the national competition for the FY22 BRIC program:

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Water Department Updates Queen Lane Water Pump Generator

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: $6.08 million

This project includes installing two 2,500-kilowatt generators, one 13.2-kilovolt (KV) incoming service switchgear, and one 13.2-KV paralleling switchgear at the 500-year-floodplain elevation level. These generators will provide resilient power and protect the pump station against multiple hazards so that it can continue serving communities.

Pennsylvania: Bridgeville Borough Flood Control Infrastructure Project

Bridgeville Borough, Pennsylvania: $5.33 million

This will fund Phase 1A of this project, which involves constructing a levee to eliminate flooding of properties along McLaughlin Run. The project is also designed to solve area flooding and protect property from future losses, enabling growth, business expansion and possible development in this area. Once the borough completes all four project phases, mitigation efforts will benefit 172 structures.

Pennsylvania: Bethlehem Infrastructure Project - Easton Avenue Flood Mitigation

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: $3.05 million

Phase 1 of this project will increase stormwater detention storage and install bioretention or rain garden improvements to lower the strain on the stormwater system. By retrofitting outdated detention facilities, improving soil conditions, and incorporating native plant species, the project will reduce flooding and improve water quality while enhancing aesthetics and providing habitat benefits.

Pennsylvania: Dover, York County Floodplain Mitigation

Dover, Pennsylvania: $5.83 million

The Dover community aims to restore a floodplain to its pre-settlement conditions through this project, which will remove excess sediment, improve groundwater connectivity, and create a vast stream-wetland floodplain complex. Restoration efforts will restore habitats, add flood storage, reduce sediment loading, and help to process pollutants. It will also mitigate potential infrastructure failure, such as the 30-inch sanitary sewer interceptor. It will help the county reduce its annual pollutant load as well. The floodplain will be seeded with native grass, sedge, and rush mix which will help stabilize the floodplain and provide habitat.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Water Department Pump Station Mitigation

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: $50 million

This project involves construction of a new effluent pump station, replacing a dangerous and outdated system. This new pump station will protect infrastructure, prevent loss of function, and mitigate flooding across the disadvantaged drainage district. This project will include nature-based solutions such as bioretention basins, porous paving and a green roof. Once complete, this project will prevent infrastructure failure up to the 100-year storm event. It will also reduce flood risk and improve water quality and quality of life throughout the city.

Virginia: Richmond Water Treatment Facility - Feeder Channel Retaining Wall Restoration

Richmond, Virginia: $11.99 million

This project will improve the feeder channel, concrete wall, and berms at the Richmond Water Treatment Facility, which serves businesses, public properties, and essential community facilities. This project will also rehabilitate concrete walls and increase their height to prevent overtopping, repair and replace channel gates, improve slope stability, remove vegetation and burrowing animals, and repair cracks. It will protect water treatment and distribution services for those within the facility’s service area ultimately making the plant more resilient to 100-year flood events and protect or restore wetlands.

Virginia: Virginia Department of Emergency Management - Green Power Mobile Energy Storage System

North Chesterfield, Virginia: $21.72 million

North Chesterfield has faced natural hazards that caused power outages across wide geographic areas including disadvantaged communities and tribal nations located in the region. The Green Power On-Demand System (G-PODS) will make use of a mobile rechargeable battery system that will support the community’s electric grid during normal conditions. It can also detach and be deployed to predetermined and pre-wired disadvantaged community facilities or critical infrastructure locations to ensure there is power during a natural disaster or a similar event. This project will deploy four G-PODS units to seven quickconnect- equipped locations, along with ongoing support services.

Virginia: City of Portsmouth - Lake Meade Dam Adaptations

Portsmouth, Virginia: $24.21 million

This project aims to enhance protection and stabilization of the Lake Meade Dam, which the City of Portsmouth owns and operates, to address future extreme precipitation. The project will strengthen the dam, upgrade spillways and improve flood protection. It will also retrofit the reservoir to prevent overtopping up to the 90% probable maximum precipitation event. This will greatly improve the level of protection for residents and businesses within the dam break inundation zone.

Washington, D.C.: Eastern Avenue Stormwater Pump Station Resiliency Improvements

Washington, D.C.: $ 670,749

This project involves improvements to the Eastern Avenue Stormwater Pump Station. The pump station is the primary stormwater conveyance for the Eastern Avenue underpass. This project aims to prevent power loss by installing a permanent generator, upgrading electrical equipment, and floodproofing the only access to the pump station. These measures are crucial to ensuring continuous operation, preventing traffic disruptions, and safeguarding critical infrastructure during severe storm events.

Management Costs:

The District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Virginia will also receive more than $22 million to fund management of the grants and help implement the projects. DC will receive $440, 245, Pennsylvania will receive $14,012,826 and Virginia will receive $7,761,736.

FY22 BRIC projects selected in other FEMA regions across the country can be found here.

Flood Mitigation Assistance FY22 Region 3 Recipients:

Five projects totaling over $9.8 million in Pennsylvania and Virginia were selected in the nationwide competition for award consideration in the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. These projects will fund flood control and individual property mitigation projects such as elevation, acquisitions, and mitigation-reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Pennsylvania: The Borough of Yardley Elevation of Two Homes Above 100-Year Floodplain

Yardley, Pennsylvania: $671,292

The Borough of Yardley plans to elevate two homes that have experienced Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) during past flood events to two feet above the 100-year floodplain. There have been seven Severe Repetitive and Repetitive Loss claims paid across the two structures due to the Delaware River and Canal overflowing and flooding most of the Borough. The project aims to minimize future flood damage and reduce losses by protecting the homeowners from future flooding.

Pennsylvania: City of Philadelphia Increases Sewer Capacity

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: $5.42 million

Philadelphia will begin Phase 2 of an ongoing project to increase the sewer conveyance capacity on 21^st Street in the neighborhoods of Germantown and Ogontz. Both socially vulnerable neighborhoods will build upon the Germantown Storm Flood Relief Capital Improvement Plan developed in Phase 1 and replace the 48-inch brick sewer with a 72-inch reinforced concrete box sewer. By doing this, it will increase the capacity of this system and also reduce much of the surface flooding observed in the 25, 50, and 100-year 24-hour events.

Virginia: Northern Neck Planning District Commission Elevations

Northern Neck, Virginia: $1.61 million

This project aims to raise and build engineered foundations for six homes in the Northern Neck community to place them above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This will help them meet local ordinance requirements and protect the homes from future flood damage.

Virginia: Gloucester County Elevation of Ware River Home

Gloucester County, Virginia: $176,400

This project aims to raise a single-family home built in 1947 in Gloucester County to mitigate repetitive flood losses experienced by the homeowners totaling more than $30,000. The project will involve pre-construction activities, including erosion control and the use of nature-based solutions, that will protect the home against future flood events.

Virginia: Elevation of Severe Repetitive Loss and Repetitive Loss Properties in the City of Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia: $2.01 Million

This project aims to raise seven residential properties to address the repetitive flooding. Each property will be raised three feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to protect these structures from future flood events. These efforts will help lower flood insurance rates and reduce flood claims for property owners while enhancing the City’s resilience.

Management Costs:

Pennsylvania and Virginia will also receive $1.1 million to fund management costs and help implement the projects. Pennsylvania will receive $698,095and Virginia will receive $441,142.

FMA projects selected in other FEMA regions across the country can be found here.

“We are excited to announce another historic year of selections for our BRIC and FMA grant programs. These programs allow us to work with states in our region and the District of Columbia to find new and innovative ways to help communities become more resilient,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We encourage communities who may not have been chosen or who haven’t applied in the past to work with their state hazard mitigation partners to apply for funding in the next cycle.”

Following this announcement, FEMA will work closely with our Region 3 states and the District of Columbia to finalize these projects which have been selected for further review. Communities can expect the application process to open for FY23 BRIC grants in the next few months when FEMA posts the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each grant program. Local communities should be mindful of state application deadlines which will be in advance of FEMA’s deadline. Communities apply for these grant programs through their states.

More information on how communities can apply for BRIC or FMA funding and resources available can be found here: www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/applying.

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erika.osullivan Mon, 08/28/2023 - 20:19

FEMA Celebrates Disaster Resilience Month with Visit to DC Water Plant to Highlight Floodwall Project

erika.osullivan — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 16:25:29 +0000

FEMA Celebrates Disaster Resilience Month with Visit to DC Water Plant to Highlight Floodwall Project

PHILADELPHIA - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Senior Officials, Victoria Salinas and Janice Barlow, toured DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant to celebrate Disaster Resilience Month this August. The tour highlighted the innovative work the District of Columbia and DC Water are doing to reduce flood risk.

Along with officials from DC’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), FEMA leaders were given an overview of DC Water’s emergency management program and the work they’ve been doing to mitigate hazards. The Blue Plains facility is the largest advanced wastewater treatment plant in the world, servicing more than 2.5 million people in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. It is located at the southern tip of the District along the Potomac River and has experienced flooding due to hurricanes and storms in the past.

Over the past seven years, DC Water has applied for and received several types of FEMA funding to develop, plan, and construct a floodwall around their Blue Plains facility. Currently one section is finished, with three more planned soon using FEMA funding. When complete, these floodwall segments will protect the plant from a 500-year flood event, keeping critical infrastructure safe and operating 24/7.

FEMA, DCHSEMA and DC Water leaders together during a tour of the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant on August 23, 2023

“Reducing risk to critical infrastructure is a high priority for FEMA,” said Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing Duties of Deputy Administrator of Resilience “DC Water’s Blue Plains facility tour illustrated how FEMA funding is being used to reduce risk from future flooding, and a commitment to building resilience in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Between these investments and a planned micro-grid, this means that this wastewater system that serves over 2 million residents will remain operational during extreme events. This utility will now be protected from the devastating effects of climate-related storm surge and sea level rise for years to come.”

Once FEMA awards the latest grant funds, the agency will have invested more than $22.7 million in this project through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs.

“DC Water is a great example of how a utility, community or municipality can leverage the many different types of FEMA funding available to fund not only the construction of a project, but the planning and scoping phases as well,” said FEMA Region 3 Deputy Regional Administrator Janice Barlow. “It was exciting to see firsthand the work DC Water is doing to protect critical infrastructure that affects many residents throughout Region 3.”

During the month of August, FEMA is highlighting successful mitigation efforts across the country to raise awareness of ways communities are being more climate resilient. You can learn more here.

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Victoria Salinas is the Senior Official Performing Duties of Deputy Administrator for Resilience at FEMA and Janice Barlow is the Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3.

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

erika.osullivan Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:25

FEMA Awards $50 million in BRIC Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects in PA and VA

charles.elison — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:32:09 +0000

FEMA Awards $50 million in BRIC Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects in PA and VA

PHILADELPHIA– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing more than $50 million in funding for two flood mitigation projects - one in Philadelphia and one in Virginia Beach. This funding comes from the Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) grant program and was awarded to the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia on Monday.

In Philadelphia, over $25M will be used to fund the Cohocksink Flood Mitigation Project. The money will be used by the City of Philadelphia to pay for construction of the final phase of a six-phase flood mitigation project. FEMA BRIC funding will pay for 70% of the $35.7M total project cost for the last phase. The Cohocksink Project will double capacity of the combined sewer system through the construction of new sewer infrastructure and green stormwater infrastructure systems in the flood prone Northern Liberties, Ludlow, and South Kensington neighborhoods.

This project builds on an expansive and growing portfolio of projects to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and improve quality of life throughout the City of Philadelphia, and it supports several priority initiatives included in the Plan 2035 Citywide Vision, the City’s comprehensive plan. The final phase of the project includes underground installation of 1,600 feet of new sewers; utility, street, and sidewalk repair; installation of a new bike lane; and green infrastructure. Overall, the project will reduce the risk of sewer backups into more than 1,000 basements and reduce shallow street and building flooding. The project will also incorporate green infrastructure into street and highway improvements, including curb extensions, stormwater planters and street tree plantings.

In Virginia Beach, over $25M will fund the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Project. The mitigation grant will be used to improve infrastructure in the City of Virginia Beach and along Shore Drive that is being challenged by sea level rise, high tides, and stormwater runoff that results in regular roadway floodway during normal rain events. FEMA BRIC funding will pay for 70% of the $35.9M total project cost. This project will include construction of two large stormwater pump stations, an automated tide gate, water collection systems, a rain garden, and the deepening of a canal to alleviate flooding in Lynnhaven.

The Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Project will provide protection up to the 1%-annual-chance-flood (100-year flood) and reduce flooding on major transportation corridors that serve as community lifelines. It will improve drainage for 614 buildings and mitigate the impacts of flooding on 11 properties that have sustained repeated losses. Additionally, the project will incorporate nature-based solutions, including a rain garden, meadow plantings and stream bank restoration. Signage will explain the initiative and engage residents in the importance and value of flood mitigation.

“Philadelphia and Virginia Beach are clearly demonstrating how sustained, long-term planning can result in holistic projects that reduce flooding and provide other benefits for many people. The threat from climate change cannot be overstated and we are proud to partner with Pennsylvania and Virginia to fund these resiliency projects through our Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities program,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Congratulations to these two cities! We encourage other communities to work with their state hazard mitigation partners to apply for mitigation funding.”

Funding for these projects is provided through the FY21 Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities grant program. FEMA provides the funding to the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia and then the Commonwealths will manage the disbursement of the funds to local communities. Since 2021, President Biden has provided additional funding to FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million to $1.16 in 2021 and more than tripled funding in 2022 to more than $3 billion. FEMA anticipates announcements about projects selected for further review under FY22 funding later this summer.

More information on how communities can apply for BRIC funding and technical assistance can be found here: www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/applying.

State, local, tribal or territorial officials, as well as community leaders, interested in making the connection between equity and hazard mitigation are encouraged to contact us at FEMA-ExpandingMitigation@fema.dhs.gov.

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charles.elison Wed, 08/23/2023 - 15:32