FEMA delivers massive boost to flood projects

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ramping up efforts to combat the rising impacts of climate change, announcing $715 million in new flood mitigation project selections during Climate Week NYC.

The funding, which comes from FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program, is part of the government’s Investing in America agenda. The allocation aims to help communities across the US strengthen their resilience against more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (pictured) noted: “Flooding is already the nation’s most costly and frequent disaster, and climate change is only making it worse… These dollars are going to make communities more prepared and reduce disaster suffering for future generations.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the FMA program, which has obligated approximately $2 billion since 1994 to reduce flood risks nationwide.

“For 30 years, FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program has provided communities with access to federal support to protect against flood risk,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas highlighted.

“Through the funding… FEMA will continue to help states, local communities, Tribal Nations, and territories analyze their risk of flooding and take forward-looking steps to protect their communities before a disaster strikes.”

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