FEMA Approves $1.07 Million Project To Acquire Flood-Prone Rome Properties

Release Date: July 28, 2004 Release number: R4-04-138

ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the approval of a $1,073,152 project to assist the city of Rome, Ga., in acquiring twelve repetitively flooded properties.

“Working with state and local governments to lessen the risk of property damage from natural disasters is a critical part of FEMA’s mission,” said Mary Lynne Miller, Acting Regional Director for FEMA Region IV. “Acquiring and demolishing these structures will allow the residents to relocate and ensure they never have to endure the ravages of flooding again.”

The project involves 12 structures containing 27 housing units located in the floodway of the Little Dry Creek. The 12 buildings have all suffered from repeated flooding.

After the properties are purchased, they will be demolished and the 16 families who currently live there will be relocated.

Under terms of the grant, the resulting vacant land may be used as green space, but no future construction will be allowed in the floodway.

FEMA will pay 75 percent, or $804,864, of the total acquisition and demolition cost, with the City of Rome covering the remaining 25 percent.

The grant is part of FEMA’s Pre-disaster Mitigation Program, which makes available funding to help communities pay for projects designed to reduce or eliminate damage from potential disasters.

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.