SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $1.2 MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING TO MITIGATE FLOOD RISK IN SCHENECTADY
FEMA Funding Will Be Used For Protecting Historic Schenectady Neighborhood, Which Was Damaged By Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee From Future Flooding
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,206,000 in federal funding to carry out projects to reduce future flood risk to the Stockade Historic District in the City of Schenectady from the adjacent Mohawk River. The neighborhood has experienced repetitive flooding, and suffered extensive damages from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.
Specifically, the federal funding will be used to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of various mitigation measures that can help each Stockade property in the floodplain reduce the risk of damage from future floods. The funding was placed on hold while the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This initial tranche of funding is for Phase 1 Engineering costs for the flood risk mitigation project.
“It is not enough to simply rebuild and repair; we must also prepare ourselves for the next storm and the next potential flood. That’s exactly what this federal investment will do, helping to lower the risk of flood damage to the Stockdale Historic District. Spending a penny today on flood-prevention efforts could save the federal government and Stockade homeowners a dollar tomorrow in repair costs,” said Senator Schumer. “Adequate preparation for floods and other natural disasters is key to maintaining the economic viability of a city. This funding will allow Schenectady to do just that, helping businesses stay open, residents in their homes, and the city as a whole safe.”
“Studies have shown that every dollar we spend mitigating flood risk saves us four dollars in disaster recovery costs down the road. This investment is a critical step in ensuring that the Stockade is prepared for the next storm, and that the risks and vulnerabilities to homes and public infrastructure exposed during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee are addressed,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue to work to ensure that New Yorkers have the resources they need to best protect themselves from future flooding.”
The Department of Homeland Security provided these funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Funds from this program are used to measure sustainable actions that reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from future disasters. More information on the grant program can be found here.
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