Congressman Thompson announces $5,438,712 in disaster recovery grants to help Mississippi reduce damages from future disasters

BOLTON, MS – September 10, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $5,438,712 to Mississippi to reduce damages from future disasters.

The purpose of the Disaster Recovery Enhancement Fund  is to reward states that invested CDBG disaster recovery funding in activities that reduce risks from future disasters.  HUD recognizes that while these types of activities are often more expensive in the short-term, they dramatically cut recovery costs over the long-term.  To help assist with the additional cost of mitigating future risk, DREF funds can be used toward projects meeting unmet disaster recovery needs, and those that include:

Ø  Buyout payments for homeowners living in high-risk areas;

Ø  Optional relocation payments to encourage residents to move to safer locations;

Ø  Home improvement grants to reduce damage risks (property elevation, reinforced garage doors and windows, etc.);

Ø  Improving and enforcing building codes; and

Ø  Developing forward-thinking land-use plans that reduce development in high-risk areas.

For more information call 202-708-0685.

Contact:
Stephannie Booker
601-866-9003