The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it has obligated over $1 million to the State of New Mexico for repairs to the Skyline Lagoon, Pueblo of Acoma, in Cibola County. The wastewater lagoon was damaged by heavy rains and flooding that took place in late July 2006.
"We want to do everything we can to help the Pueblo of Acoma recover from the flooding," said William Peterson, regional administrator of FEMA Region VI. "This funding will help restore the Pueblo’s wastewater treatment facilities to pre-disaster condition."
Restoration efforts will replace six cells surrounded by engineered compacted berms, a vinyl liner, five valves, as well as pipes connecting the cells to each other. Additionally, almost 17,000 cubic yards of silt had to be removed from the lagoon. The federal share of the repair work is $1,127,805.
FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible project costs, the State of New Mexico is responsible for 18 percent with the remaining seven percent coming from local resources. Where feasible, recovery efforts incorporate mitigation measures to help protect against possible future flooding.
The federal funds are made available under the FEMA Public Assistance Program. The State of New Mexico administers the program under which eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government units and certain non-profit organizations providing essential government-like services in the areas of emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of public facilities.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Source: FEMA
