GEMA Distributes Hazard Mitigation Funds to Columbia County

(Evans, GA) -- The Office of Homeland Security (OHS)-Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), on behalf of Governor Sonny Perdue, recently reimbursed Columbia County $528,956.61 for drainage improvements on Stevens Creek Road and Reed Creek Canal. Recurring flooding in the Stevens Creek area required virtually a complete overhaul of the existing drainage system. The progress payment is part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant for the county.

“We are so pleased that the funding was available to take a common sense approach in dealing with this repetitive flooding problem,” said OHS-GEMA Director Mike Sherberger.

The purpose of OHS-GEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is to provide funds to state agencies and local governments for 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 hazard mitigation, such as the various grant programs, initiatives and the purpose of each, contact OHS-GEMA toll-free at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit the OHS-GEMA Web site at www.gema.state.ga.us.

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Post Office Box 18055 - Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
Phone (404) 635-7000 or toll-free in Georgia 1-800-TRY-GEMA - Fax (404)635-7205
www.ohs.state.ga.us