WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has awarded $1,560,435 to Cedar Falls through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program as it continues to recover from severe storms, heavy rain and flooding in 2008.
Cedar Falls will use the money to acquire and demolish 12 commercial parcels of land including 10 structures that have been substantially damaged and two vacant lots.
“Severe storms and flooding hit Cedar Falls incredibly hard. The community continues to clean up the mess and pick up the pieces, but resources are still needed as Iowans get back on their feet,” Grassley said. “These funds will help pay for some of the costs of repairs and expenses incurred during the 2008 disasters.”
FEMA obligates the funding for the projects below to the state of Iowa. It’s the state’s responsibility to use these funds to reimburse eligible sub-grantees after the review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation.
According to FEMA, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to reduce the loss of life and property, lessen the impact to local communities due to natural disasters, and enable recovery after a disaster.