NEW YORK, NY - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the approval of a $7,735,100 Public Assistance grant to reimburse the City of New York for the dredging and removal of sediment in the Kensico Reservoir. This sediment collected in the Westchester County reservoir, which is an integral part of New York City's water supply system, as a result of severe storms and flooding that affected the region in October 2004.

This FEMA grant covers nearly 75 percent of the eligible cost for dredging the reservoir, dewatering the material and then disposing of the dredged material. The dredging of a 300 foot radius of area to a depth of 1.5 feet is expected to yield approximately 15,700 cubic yards of material.

The dredging of the reservoir and removal of sediment was ordered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health and will be completed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which is tasked with maintaining, improving and protecting New York City's water supply infrastructure.

"FEMA continues its commitment to help New York communities maintain the safety of their citizens and the soundness of their public facilities in the face of natural disasters," said Joseph F. Picciano, Acting Director of FEMA's Region II office. "Federal Public Assistance grants for disaster protective and remediation measures are a fundamental part of this goal, and we are pleased to help the City of New York ensure that its tap water is the best and safest in the world."

FEMA's Public Assistance program provides disaster grants to reimburse state and local governments, tribal authorities and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible costs associated with debris removal and emergency measures, as well as permanent repairs and replacement of public buildings and infrastructure. The state is the grants manager for all projects.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. For information on FEMA, go to www.fema.gov.