Georgia Emergency Management Agency

CHARLEY ENGLISH
DIRECTOR

NEWS RELEASE

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), on behalf of Governor Sonny Perdue, recently reimbursed Cobb County $597,644.66 for costs associated with the acquisition and demolition of seven properties.  The total approved cost is $1,459,932 with a federal share of $1,094,949 and a local share of $364,983.

"These improvements will pay major dividends in terms of reducing flooding and destruction in this area," said GEMA Director Charley English. “Additionally, it will reduce future flood insurance claims and thereby reducing the financial obligation of federal, state and local governments.”

The funding is part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 1686 which resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration following a devastating series of tornadoes in March 2007. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program funds state and local government projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from the effects of natural hazards by breaking the repetitive cycle of destruction and reconstruction.

For additional information on the hazard mitigation programs please contact GEMA toll-free at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit the GEMA Web site at http://www.gema.ga.gov.