News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Livingston’s frustrations with TEMA and FEMA continue as the agencies leaves the city in a wait and see situation on its hazard mitigation grant application.
Mayor Curtis Hayes said the agencies mentioned another pot of money may be available but have not shared specifics.
“We’re in the hurry up and wait mode,” Hayes said. “The ball is completely took away from us and is in the hands of TEMA and FEMA. I think history shows that there is times those organizations don’t get in too big of a hurry.”
Hayes said FEMA also has not officially declined the city’s current application. Even though representatives indicated to the Board of Aldermen earlier this month that the properties did not qualify.
“FEMA has not yet gave us a letter that is declining our hazardous mitigation application,” Hayes said. “We feel like that letter will be coming. TEMA has certainly said that they feel like we don’t meet the criteria for the benefit costs analysis on this acquisition project.”
Hayes said TEMA communicated through email that the state agency waits for FEMA to establish a deadline date for when the application expires. The grant would provide a buy-out option for homes continually facing flooding issues around a Cash Street reservoir.
“We think it’s important to give them fair market value of their properties with the help of TEMA/FEMA paying 85 percent,” Hayes said. “It was important that we could take the properties once we purchase it and make green land out of it.”
Hayes said he plans to continue working with both agencies to help home owners impacted. Hayes said without the financial help of the agencies, the buy-out would almost be impossible to do. Hayes said the situation is disappointing considering the years of work behind the application.
