Red River Regional Council

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Disaster Mitigation and Resiliency

Region IV has been plagued with continuing natural disasters, especially since the 1990s. The region’s people, communities, and counties have been implementing recovery projects on an ongoing basis as well as attempting to mitigate future damages by addressing repetitive problems and striving to prevent additional damages.

RRRC staff assists with project development (including determining if a project is eligible for FEMA funds by passing the required benefit cost analysis), grant writing, and project implementation and grant management. FEMA-supported projects help communities recover from disasters as well as mitigate future ones.

By seeking FEMA funding, the RRRC assists communities, counties, and park districts within the region in buying out homes in flood-prone areas and those in danger of landslide due to eroding streambanks. The RRRC has also assisted in installing emergency sirens as well as installing emergency generators for vital, key infrastructure such as water treatment plants and sanitary sewer lift stations. RRRC staff can also assist with grant writing for required county Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plans.

RRRC staff participate in ongoing FEMA related coursework to stay informed of requirements and best practices when writing grants and implementing projects.

Examples of FEMA-supported projects the RRRC has assisted the region with since 2016 include:

  • $74,401 grant to purchase an emergency back-up generator for the City of Drayton’s water treatment plant.
  • $44,438 grant to purchase emergency back-up generators for two lift stations in the City of Grafton.
  • $302,041 grant to purchase an emergency back-up generator for the City of Grafton’s water treatment plant.
  • $168,765 grant to purchase emergency back-up generators for four lift stations in the City of Grafton.
  • $458,207 grant to purchase an emergency back-up generator for Unity Medical Center/Grafton Family Clinic in the City of Grafton.
  • $37,883 grant to purchase an emergency back-up generator for the Administration Building on the Walsh County campus in Grafton. This generator will service both the Administration Building and a portion of the nearby Law Enforcement Center.
  • In early 2020, the RRRC assisted with project development and grant writing for the purchase and installation of a storm shelter at Homme Dam/Walsh County Park. This application is awaiting selection under a FEMA program.