FEMA Awards More Than $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

DENTON, Texas – More than $2.7 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the implementation of mitigation measures during repairs to the University of Texas Medical Branch’s (UTMB) 1902 Harborside Building.

Storm surge from Hurricane Ike flooded the 1902 Harborside Building which houses medical records; payroll information; acquisitions; information systems and print shop functions. Hurricane-force winds also damaged the roof and exterior façade.

The FEMA funding, as part of the repair process, allows UTMB to incorporate flood-proofing measures such as replacing the first-floor slab; reinforcing and waterproofing perimeter walls; installing flood gates at first-floor-level doorways; and relocating mechanical, plumbing and electrical equipment to the second floor.

“The UTMB facilities play a critical role for the city of Galveston, serving citizens and their healthcare needs,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “These flood-proofing measures will reduce the threat of future flood damage to the 1902 Harborside Building. We are proud of the work that is being done, in conjunction with our local and state partners, to help restore these facilities after Hurricane Ike.”

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.
                                                                        
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 

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