(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 20, 2012) – The County will use state and federal funds to buy and demolish 11 homes that were damaged in the floods of 2009. Commissioners on Tuesday accepted a federal grant for $2.1 million to cover three-quarters of the cost plus $212,546 in state funds. The property owners involved will contribute the remaining 15 percent. The county will use the properties as open greenspace to restore natural floodplain functions.

“No one wants to lose their home to flooding, but we know that hazardous floodplain elevations have increased in some places over time, making repeat damage more likely,” said Lynn Smarr, acting director of the Department of Water Resources. “I’m pleased that now we can help these homeowners find housing outside the floodplain.”

The Hazard Mitigation division of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency manages both state and federal grants to break the cycle of damage and subsequent expensive repairs in hazardous areas. A presidential declaration of disaster was issued for the state of Georgia based on damage that resulted from the floods of September 2009, making Gwinnett and other counties eligible for the grant program.