CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $811,276 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Hancock County, Ohio, for the acquisition and demolition of eightresidential structures and the acquisition of one vacant parcel located in the floodplain of the Blanchard River in the city of Findlay. Following demolition, these properties will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The acquisition and demolition of these structures greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“I applaud Hancock County for taking steps to reduce flood risk,” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Oho Emergency Management Agency. “This will significantly contribute to community resilience and sustainability.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $811,276 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. Ohio will contribute 25 percent of the remaining funds, or $270,425, through a Blanchard River Watershed Grant.

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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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