Latest news with #BuildingResilientInfrastructureandCommunitiesProgram
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FEMA cuts threaten flood mitigation projects in Queens: Borough President
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – FEMA cuts will threaten multiple flood mitigation projects in Queens, a borough hard-hit by Hurricane Ida, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. FEMA in April announced it is ending its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program, a decision that will affect $300 million worth of projects in New York City. More Local News In Queens, the cuts will threaten three flood mitigation projects in East Elmhurst, Corona and Flushing, collectively worth $144 million, Richards said. Elected officials have repeatedly raised alarm bells about the decision, Richards is again calling for FEMA to restore the funding, which will support new drainage systems and rain gardens to help absorb water during storms. 'Washington's anti-environment stance will have life-or-death impacts on our borough,' Richards said. Elected officials have previously sounded alarm bells about the FEMA cuts, which would also threaten a $13 million project to protect a Hunts Point food distribution center from flood damage, according to Sen. Jessica Ramos. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State The funding cuts will also affect projects in Seaport, Central Harlem, Sheepshead Bay, and Washington Heights, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in April. These projects included floodwall construction, storm-related runoff infrastructure improvements, and other safeguards for heavy rainstorms. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Overholser Dam loses millions of federal grant funding for repairs due to FEMA cuts
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Overholser Dam was supposed to be getting a $50M makeover with the help of a federal grant. However, the money is on the chopping block. Vanessa Aguilar, the Director of Utilities and Financial Services for the City of Oklahoma City says, 'Staff was seeking grant opportunities, now there isn't any guarantee of any grant opportunities being available.' The Overholser Dam was built in 1918, due for repairs after more than 100 years. Oklahoma County Jail employee fired, charged after fight leads to inmate death 'Probable costs at this time is roughly 50 to 56 million based on current estimates,' said Aguilar. The City of Oklahoma City planned to cover some of the hefty cost with federal grant money from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program. Now, federal grant money is off the table, FEMA describing the BRIC program as 'wasteful and ineffective.' However, Larry Hare, the Raw Water Shop Design Manager for the City of Oklahoma City said the project will get done. Address confirmation notices sent to Oklahoma voters 'The gates will be replaced with what we call Labyrinth Weir. That will allow more water to go through the dam than what can go through the gates,' said Hare. In 2022, the city received a $24M state loan to help fund the project, but they're also relying on other resources. 'We do incremental rate adjustments effective January 1st of this year and November 1st of this year. Following forward for the next four years. A portion of those rate that customer pay on their bill, go back to fund not only the operations and maintenance, but the capital program as well,' said Aguilar. With record flooding we're seeing in the state, city officials stress there's no need to worry about safety. 'The dam is a safe structure. It has withstood so many floods in the past and it will withstand whatever flood is coming our way this time,' said Hare. The city says construction will take two to three years once they have the funding needed to begin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
