The city of Cleveland has been awarded a $1.39 million grant through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA officials announced Tuesday.

The grant will be used to complete the second phase of a flood mitigation project on the Woolen Mill Branch of the South Mouse Creek drainage basin.

“Approval of this grant means that the people of Cleveland will be safer from the flood damages that plague the Woolen Mill Branch area,” Sen. Lamar Alexander said. “At a time when the family budget is already struggling, it’s encouraging to see the federal government protecting homes and businesses from damage. I will continue to work with FEMA and the Tennessee delegation to make sure Tennesseans are getting the help they need.”

“Completion of this project will help protect homes and businesses in Cleveland from future flood damage,” Sen. Bob Corker said. “I appreciate FEMA partnering with the state of Tennessee to help our communities build defenses against future disasters before they occur.”

“The construction of these two detention ponds will relieve much of the frequent flooding in the downtown business district and residential communities of Cleveland,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “I’m pleased that FEMA has partnered with the city of Cleveland to advance this important project.”

In 2004, the city of Cleveland received an initial HMGP award to begin the project, which is designed to relieve much of the frequent flooding damage in the downtown business district as well as a large portion of an eastside residential neighborhood. The second phase of the project will involve the construction of two regional storm water detention ponds and the acquisition of the property where the ponds will be located.

The cost of the first phase of the project was $160,000 ($120,000 federal share), bringing the total cost to $2,374,631 ($1,509,025 federal share). Funding was also provided by the state of Tennessee.

The grant was approved after FEMA and relevant historical and environmental coordination entities carefully examined Cleveland’s proposal and found it acceptable. Cleveland has both Special Flood Hazard Areas and unstudied areas with flood potential, and the city has experienced repetitive flood losses to private and commercial real estate and personal property; loss of revenue, and missed economic growth.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes for long-term hazard mitigation projects after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters by funding mitigation measures during the recovery phase of a natural disaster. In this case, Tennessee received a major disaster declaration after a series of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in May of 2003.