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Fed cost share for hazard mitigation projects OK’d at 100%
The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Saturday that President Donald J. Trump approved the CNMI’s request for a cost share adjustment from 90-10 to “100% federally-funded” for projects and other expenditures for Super Typhoon Yutu under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs 406 and 404.
This means the CNMI’s infrastructure projects for resiliency will be fully paid for by the federal government. That is projected to save the CNMI approximately $15 million in local matching funds.
“From the very beginning of the recovery period, we worked very hard to restore power, water, and essential services for our community, including temporary tents and shelters for our families whose homes were damaged or destroyed,” Torres said. “Now, with this announcement, we can continue our work on our many infrastructure projects to rebuild our schools and harden our utilities and public facilities. We will improve our resiliency as a community.”
He said his administration’s partnership with FEMA and the White House shows what can be accomplished “when we work together for our people.”
On behalf of the CNMI, Torres thanked President Donald J. Trump, FEMA Region IX administrator Robert J. Fenton Jr., and Governor’s Authorized Representative Virginia Villagomez and her team.
“This is indeed great news for the Commonwealth, and together, we will continue our work in building a stronger Marianas,” Torres said.
The governor’s request for a cost share adjustment is approved under the following conditions: CNMI must maintain the 2018 International Building Code through the closeout of the disaster and must continue to prioritize mitigation projects to improve resiliency for critical infrastructure.
Villagomez said the CNMI will continue its work to meet those conditions. “The CNMI will remain firm in its commitment to prioritize mitigation projects that will protect life and property in our community thus strengthen and improve our mitigation efforts throughout the Commonwealth,” she said. “We are grateful for all the efforts that FEMA has driven to secure this approval and as partners, we look forward to successfully completing projects benefiting our community.” (PR)
