WASHINGTON, DC - In the Fall of 2006, Tropical Storm Ernesto and the heavy rains that accompanied the storm inundated Richmond’s wastewater facilities at the historic Battery Park neighborhood. The primary combined sewer trunk line failed, causing flooding, sewage and wastewater to back up and flood the low lying areas throughout the Battery Park neighborhood area. The flooding threatened several private residences, Norrell Elementary School, and other private and city owned facilities in the area requiring evacuation of private homes, school buildings, and city property.

Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that they have committed $1.8 Million to contract clean-up operations and full scale decontamination within the Battery Park area of Richmond.

“I am pleased to see that FEMA has come to the aid of the residents of the City of Richmond. I am committed to continuing to work with Mayor Wilder to assist the victims of Battery Park and residents of the City of Richmond,” said Rep. Cantor.

###