(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) was recently awarded a $3,879,505.75 Hazard Mitigation grant to help Fayette County with repairs caused by Hurricane Michael.

“We are grateful to receive these funds that allow our communities to restore infrastructures due to natural disaster,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “The grant will also help them better prepare for future emergencies.”

This award is part of the FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which provides funds to state agencies and local governments. It will fund the Longview Dam (Margaret Phillips Lake Dam) and Kozisek Dams located within Fayette County. The project consists of performing the necessary evaluation, design, permitting, and construction to bring the structures into compliance with the Georgia Safe Dams Act of 1978, and eliminate the flooding hazards of the properties downstream of the dam.

Following a major disaster declaration, HMGP provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. GEMA/HS is responsible for the review, prioritization and funding recommendation of eligible projects to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For more information about HMGP, please visit https://gema.georgia.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.