CHICAGO – Through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, FEMA has awarded $933,750 to the city of Detroit to design a cost-effective flood mitigation project within and adjacent to the Michigan-Martin neighborhood on Detroit’s west side to help alleviate ongoing flooding issues in the downtown area.
During rainfall events—regardless of their intensity—the city’s combined wastewater and stormwater sewer system can become overwhelmed leading to localized flooding and basement backup. Anticipated outcomes of this study will include the full design of a cost-effective flood mitigation project, as well as a full application for the city of Detroit to use for future funding opportunities including cost estimate, benefit cost analysis and implementation plan.
“FEMA is committed to helping cities like Detroit enhance their resilience against flooding,” said Mike Chesney, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This study, funded by FEMA, will provide the critical data needed to develop practical strategies that ultimately protect residents and safeguard local infrastructure.”
“Heavy rainfall in Detroit caused major flooding, leading to tens of millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses, prompting a Federal Disaster Declaration in 2024,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This BRIC grant is an important step toward finding long-term solutions and building a stronger, more resilient city for everyone who lives in and visits Detroit."
The BRIC program provides funds to states, communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation measures that support a more resilient nation, reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs. For this project, FEMA will pay 74% of the $1,255,500 eligible project cost with the remaining 26% of the costs, $321,750, provided by the city of Detroit Water and Sewer Department. To learn more about FEMA’s BRIC program visit www.fema.gov/bric.