WAYNE COUNTY (WWJ) - Federal funding to the tune of $57.5 million has been awarded to Detroit and almost $1.7 million was given to Dearborn Heights to help with flood recovery efforts and prevention after both cities were were hit hard with torrential rains last summer.
The funding for Detroit was granted by Housing and Urban Development Department and will go towards helping residents in the most flood-prone areas.
Detroit officials said the money will be used to aid programs and projects that are currently in development to protect those living in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on the city's eastside from rising water levels along the Detroit River, as well as from basement flooding.
"We also intend to pursue an expansion of our recently announced basement protection program," authroites said in a press release. "The City already has committed $2.4 million for a pilot in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood and Aviation subdivision to install backflow prevention valves and sump pumps. It is our hope that we will be able to use these new HUD funds to expand this program quickly to all 11 areas of the city that have experienced repeated flooding."
Detroit and Dearborn Heights both experienced historic flooding when a massive rain storm moved over the area on June 25-26th, 2021.
“Ours were up to the roof in water, in the house sewage, backs up,” said one homeowner to WDIV, who said the flooding relief couldn't come fast enough.
“It’s just one thing after another,” said Scott, as reported by WDIV. “Every time I’m ready to work on something, I’m spending thousands for cleanups from these floods.”
Related
Scott said to WDIV that the city has made temporary fixes, but a long-term plan is needed to prevent future damage to his property.
“Help is on the way,” said Gary Brown of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to WDIV. “It’s not going to all happen overnight. But we do have the dollars to put a fix to the problems they’ve been experiencing in the past.”
Dearborn Heights will receive almost $1.7 million in federal government assistance to address the ongoing flooding issues along the Ecorse Creek.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib announced the approval of the funds, saying it is part of a bigger $15,362,725 funding project to help ten communities throughout the 13th Congressional District.
“We are greatful to Congresswomen Tlaib and Dingell, and all those who played an instrumental role in helping us secure these funds” commented Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi in a press release.
“This will be a tremendous help as we continue to study and provide solutions to the flooding issue that has plagued homes and businesses along Ecorse Creek.”
Related
