CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $182,624 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Morgan County, Ind., for the acquisition and removal of up to eight residential structures and three adjacent lots. The funds will be available once a final agreement is signed between Morgan County and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).

"Mitigation projects such as these benefit residents and communities affected by disasters," said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. "These acquisitions in Morgan County will reduce future structural losses and lessen the financial impact on individuals and governments following a disaster."

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures.  Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $243,498 project.  The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $60,874, will be provided from the Community Development Block Grant. IDHS administers the mitigation program.

"Indiana continues to recover from the long-term effects of the 2008 flooding. This assistance is a key step in the recovery process for those residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed," said IDHS Executive Director Joseph Wainscott. "The partnership and teamwork among Morgan County, IDHS and FEMA helped provide this much needed relief."

HMGP funds will be used to remove these homes from flood prone areas, returning the area to open space in perpetuity.  HMGP projects like this are the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts, and illustrate the importance of local, state and federal government working for the benefit of citizens.

"We are happy to assist homeowners who are still struggling with the damaging effects of the floods," said Sherry Seiwert, executive director of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, which manages the block grants. "These funds will help residents remain in their communities and spur the revitalization efforts that have been taking place since 2008."

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Leadership For a Safe and Secure Indiana

« Back to News Release List

Link to this event: