ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The City of Ithaca is receiving federal funding for its flood mitigation project.

FEMA will cover 90% of the first phase of the project, which will cost around $800,000. The other 10% will be funded by the city. Phase 1 will develop the final design and construction documents for flood control along Six Mile, Cascadilla, and Fall Creeks, as well as obtain required construction permits.

FEMA will review the Phase 1 work when it’s completed and determine how much it will contribute to Phase 2 construction. Up to $10.1 million is available from FEMA for Phase 2. When finished, the project will result in changes to the new FEMA flood maps, which could affect homeowners.

“I understand the genuine concerns residents have regarding the rising costs of flood insurance and the finalization of the flood maps,” said Mayor Laura Lewis. “By proactively enhancing our flood mitigation measures, we not only bolster our community’s resilience but also work towards alleviating the strain on individual budgets. These FEMA funds will move us much closer to crucial infrastructure work on flood mitigation and we are thankful for their support.”