OREGON
CITY RECEIVES FEMA PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION GRANT
FEMA
Helps Fund Seismic Retrofit for Mountainview Reservoir
The
U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency has approved a Pre-Disaster Mitigation
Competitive (PDM-C) Program Grant of $682,500 for Oregon
City, Oregon to help cover the cost of seismically
retrofitting the Mountainview Reservoir. The
grant represents the 75 percent federal share of a
$910,000 project to strengthen the existing reservoir
with a new 12-inch reinforced concrete wall. According
to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington the project
was especially compelling due to the increased protection
extended to vital services: potable water, and
water for emergency fire services.
“While
this reservoir’s $7.5 million replacement cost argues
for increased protection, the potential impact to the
community from its failure is even more critical,” said
Pennington. “Loss of water services, especially
following an earthquake, can significantly disrupt
the ability of firefighters to control earthquake-related
fires, and negatively impact economic recovery.”
Oregon
Emergency Management (OEM) Director Ken Murphy agrees. “Oregon
City is a great example of community that has taken
the time to understand the importance of mitigation,” said
Murphy. “We are constantly reminded that actions
taken by responsible officials beforedisaster
strikes are as telling in saving lives and restoring
a measure of normalcy as those of first-responders.”
On March
1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within
the new department is to lead the effort to prepare
the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal
response and recovery efforts following any national
incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation
activities, trains first responders, and manages the
National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire
Administration.
