Oakland, Calif. – Calaveras County will reduce flood risk in the Calaveras River watershed by minimizing water runoff, soil erosion, sediment accumulation, and debris flow through a $3.9 million mitigation project. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $2,974,335 to the County for erosion control measures including hydro-mulching and hydro-seeding in the most vulnerable watersheds following the 2015 Butte Fires. The State of California will fund the remaining $991,445 for the project.

The 2015 fires led to increased flood risks that were likely to last for years without intervention. This project will provide immediate benefits by reducing that flood risk and will continue as the burned area continues to recover.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds long-term mitigation projects that reduce future disaster costs for states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities and certain private non-profit organizations.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Our vision is to have a more prepared and resilient nation by building a culture of preparedness, readying the nation for catastrophic disasters, and reducing the complexity of FEMA.