The City of Statesboro is set to receive nearly $709,000 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to develop a stormwater mitigation plan aimed at reducing future flood-related issues.
The funding was announced as part of more than $60 million in recently approved FEMA post-disaster assistance projects across seven southeastern states. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program supports proactive measures designed to reduce or eliminate damage from future disasters and improve community resilience.
According to FEMA, the Statesboro funding will go toward the development of a stormwater mitigation plan intended to address drainage concerns and strengthen the city’s infrastructure against future severe weather events.
The Statesboro project was one of several mitigation-related awards announced for Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. In Georgia alone, FEMA also approved nearly $969,000 for the statewide purchase of generators and emergency power equipment following Hurricane Idalia.
The mitigation funding is separate from FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which reimburses states and local governments for disaster-related costs such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, road repairs, and restoration of public infrastructure.
FEMA said the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program allows state and local governments to take preventive steps before future disasters occur. Eligible projects can include flood protection improvements, stormwater infrastructure upgrades, elevation projects, utility hardening, and safe room construction.
The agency emphasized that hazard mitigation projects are coordinated directly with the state and are intended to support a “state-led and federally supported” approach to disaster recovery and preparedness.
The newly announced funding is part of FEMA’s broader disaster recovery efforts across the Southeast following hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.
