City of Savannah will receive $30 million for flood reduction project

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the city of Savannah, Georgia, $30 million to fix drainage issues around the Springfield Canal, which is in the historic Carver Village and Clover neighborhoods.

The grant comes from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which supports hazard mitigation projects that seek to reduce risks from natural disasters.

The project will minimize flood potential in nearby communities by conveying stormwater runoff into the Springfield Canal. The current systems of sewer utilities and water infrastructure will be moved or adjusted to make space for a planned conveyance channel.

FEMA released $2.7 million for the first phase, which will cover preliminary expenses for engineering and design, permitting, community engagement and property acquisitions. The second phase will allocate $27.3 million for construction costs for the project.

City officials say the phased improvements will occur over the next five years. The total estimated cost for the improvements is $42 million, 75% of which will come from the BRIC Grant. The city of Savannah has agreed to fund the remaining $12 million.

This project is a part of the Justice40 Initiative to provide federal investments for environmental justice and economic opportunities in disadvantaged communities. Carver Village is a historically black neighborhood established in 1948 as an affordable housing community. It contains more than 500 houses, churches, buildings and other sites.

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