FEMA and HSEM Provide More Than $1.5 Million Combined for Historic Bridge Repair

CHICAGO—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $1,530,928.28 has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in federal disaster aid for repairs to a historic bridge in Carlton County, Minn.

The swinging bridge, located in Jay Cooke State Park sustained damages during the June 14 – 21, 2012 severe storms and flooding. The 220 foot long swinging pedestrian bridge was originally built in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Flooding damaged the deck, railing, chain link fencing, suspension cables and three of the supporting concrete piers.

The FEMA funds are available as part of recovery efforts as a result of President Obama’s federal disaster declaration of July 6, 2012. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) will administer funds to the DNR.

“The swinging bridge is a historically significant structure in Minnesota,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V.  “We have worked closely with Minnesota HSEM and DNR to provide grant funding for repairs to this important structure, as well as other essential infrastructure damaged as a result of this disaster.”

Repairs will also include a modification to accommodate American Disabilities Act requirements for a turnaround on the south approach to the bridge.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for disaster cleanup or emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. The federal share of recovery costs is 75 percent. The remaining share is the responsibility of the state and local government or non-profit organization.

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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