FEMA: Storm Drain Project to Protect Phoenix Homes From Flooding

OAKLAND, California, May 29 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted $1.6 million to the City of Phoenix for storm drain improvements to increase flood protection for 29 area homes. The Palm Lane Storm Drain Project, north of Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, will install 29 catch basin inlets and a series of short channels that divert stormwater away from homes to an existing, high-capacity regional storm drain.

In the past 25 years, the City of Phoenix experienced eight separate flooding incidents due to many homes being built before the city's flood risks were identified and mapped. The Palm Lane Storm Drain Project will increase flood protection for properties that currently face a 50 percent chance of flooding each year during monsoon season and major storm events.

FEMA will provide $1.6 million to the $2.2 million project, while the City of Phoenix will fund the $600,000 balance. Once the project commences, construction is expected to take less than a year to complete.

FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance grants provide funding to help states and communities implement measures that reduce or eliminate claims under the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on protecting against flooding, the nation's most common natural hazard, visit www.floodsmart.gov.