***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
01-26-2021
Media inquiries:
Becky Bond
Director, Office of Communications & Economic Development
rbond@cityofbakerla.com
Mobile: 225-364-6041
The City of Baker is pleased to announce the selection of engineering firms for the following Hazard Mitigation projects:
North Canal – Fenstermaker
Brushy Bayou – DDG
Bozeman Creek – Fenstermaker
Each of these firms were selected based on stringent criteria which assessed their competencies for each project and have been selected based on their exceptional qualifications. We look forward to working with them to move Baker forward, together.
The scope of each of these projects, in simplest terms, is to assess the best way to clear, deepen and widen the respective paths for flood water outflow so that it does not accumulate within the city and result in flooding. The changes that engineering firms recommend will be plotted into a construction plan which shall be executed by qualified construction companies; each of which will be chosen at the end of the engineering phase.
Some may ask, what exactly are Hazard Mitigation projects and how are they paid for? These projects, as defined by FEMA, are:
“any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters. Mitigation planning breaks the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. Hazard mitigation includes long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future.”
FEMA's hazard mitigation assistance provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. It also:
- Reduces vulnerability of communities to disasters and their effects.
- Promotes individual and community safety, their ability to adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and rapidly recover from disruption due to emergencies (resilience).
- Promotes community vitality after a disaster.
- Lessens response and recovery resource requirements after a disaster.
- Results in safer communities that are less reliant on external financial assistance.
These projects are put together as part of a cohesive plan for disaster prevention; each of these along with several others were identified after the 2016 flood as key to securing the safety of our citizens.
We realize that this has been a long journey to get to this point and we have a way to go to see the final results. However, we want you to be aware that we are working diligently to ensure all citizens voices are heard and that comprehensive action plans are created and implemented in response.
Should you have any questions regarding these projects please contact Rebecca Bond at 225.364.6041.
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