Miami to get $6.3 Million in FEMA grant funding for roadway flooding improvement
(MIAMI, OK.) – The City of Miami has been awarded the largest grant the City has ever received, $6.3 million in grant funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) through OEM (Oklahoma Emergency Management).
The funding is for a phased project to construct hazard mitigation projects at vitally important flood prone locations in Miami. The five site locations include Veterans Boulevard (22nd and D NE), Elm Street NE, Rockdale Boulevard at Tar Creek, and East Central on the west side of the bridge. These five projects are aimed at prevention of future road closures due to roadway flooding, and these locations are direct routes for egress and ingress for Miami.
“This is a historically and substantially important grant for Miami that has given us the opportunity to provide improved safety, accessibility and greater economic development capability,” Miami City Manager Tyler Cline said, “These projects are only possible with this grant assistance from OEM and FEMA, and the City of Miami is extremely appreciative for this funding to better serve our residents and visitors.”
A presentation event was held this morning at the Veterans Boulevard/22nd Street bridge to celebrate the grant and in appreciation of the funding to benefit Miami’s residents and visitors. The public is invited to attend the event. Local and state officials will be in attendance as well for this important celebration.
The Hazard Mitigation Assistance Roadway Drainage Improvement project grant is a 90/10 match, meaning the City of Miami will be responsible for only 10 percent of the cost of the projects.
“The goal of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is to reduce losses from future disasters and this project is sure to achieve that for the City of Miami. OEM commends the City for their perseverance in receiving these funds and our staff are proud to have assisted with the process,” Annie Mack Vest, Director, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said.
Phase One of the project requires design and engineering deliverable plans for each site. FEMA will fund $649,023 and the City of Miami will add $72,113 for a total of $721,137 for the first phase. The first phase is required to be completed by June 19,2025.
Phase Two will consist of the construction of the projects at a cost of $5,049,034 to FEMA, and to the City of Miami of $561,003 for a total of $5,610,038. This phase includes installation of larger drainage ways and improved roadways that will increase accessibility.
Miami Public Schools, emergency services and first responders use these routes to gain access to vulnerable populations and when flooded they must travel longer routes. Longer routes may cause a delay of life sustaining services.
The total grant award is estimated at $6,331,175 and is expected to take a total of approximately three years to complete from design to finish.
Cline said, “While still working to resolve the flooding issues with the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), the City of Miami is also continuing our own efforts to create a more flood resistant and resilient Miami. These projects will improve access and safety immensely.”
City of Miami Grant Coordinator Glenda Longan and City Manager Tyler Cline and City staff have worked diligently for years to procure funding for these projects.
“The momentum Miami has seen is no accident, “Miami Mayor Bless Parker said, “You have people working hard to grab every dollar and every partnership available for our citizens. Miami has been chasing this grant opportunity for over three years. Our new City Manager Tyler Cline and Grant Coordinator Glenda Longan have been in relentless pursuit of the largest grant received in Miami’s history.”