FEMA Grant To Bring Flood Relief to Southwest Pasco County

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – There’s good news for Pasco County’s flood-plagued residents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to fund a major project designed to bring relief to flood-prone areas in southwest Pasco County.

Since the summer of 2015 when the county experienced 40 straight days of torrential downpours, residents throughout Pasco County have struggled to repair their storm-damaged homes while the county explores ways to raise finance critical flood prevention projects and repair flood-damaged roads.

This month, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, paved the way for Pasco County to receive a $1.55 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant that Pasco County commissioners say will go a long way to prevent future flooding in southwest Pasco.

The FEMA funds will be used for the Forest Hills Drainage Project, which will alleviate chronic flooding from Forest Hills into Country Estates. County staff estimates the Forest Hills project will be completed in two years at a total cost of $2.07 million.

In addition, county commissioners soon expect approval of another $4.6 million FEMA grant for two other key projects designed to reduce flooding during major rain events. These funds will be used for the:

· Zephyr Creek Drainage project in south Zephyrhills near Oak Ridge Heights

· Port Richey Alternative Outfall project in west-central Pasco County near Gateway Mobile Home Park.

Image via Pasco County Government

The Withlacoochee River RV Park is among the communities in Pasco County that have been plagued by flooding.