CHICAGO – The U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA) today released $4,033,218 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to

the town of Spring Green, Wisconsin, for the acquisition and removal of 28 structures.

“This project will ensure the health, safety and welfare of the people who lived in these homes,” said

Janet M. Odeshoo, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The acquisition will help

prevent future structural losses, emergency repair costs and the financial obligations of federal, state

and local governments.”

HMGP funds will be used to remove these homes from a flood-prone area, returning the properties

to open space in perpetuity. HMGP projects like this are the cornerstone of disaster prevention

efforts, and illustrate the importance of local, state and federal government working together for the

benefit of citizens.

“We continue to deal with the after effects of the devastating 2008 flooding,” said Wisconsin

Emergency Management Administrator Johnnie Smith. “This funding will help many families

impacted by the floods in the Spring Green area start over.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation

measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs. The remaining 25

percent contribution will be provided through a combination of funds from the state of Wisconsin

and the town of Spring Green. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is providing the town

with a Community Development Block Grant for the local match.

FEMA leads the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of

preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation. The agency is committed to reducing

the loss of life and property and supporting a culture of readiness for all hazards, including natural

disasters, acts of terrorism and other catastrophes.