Aderholt Announces $1.3 Million FEMA Grant for the DCH Regional Medical Center to Create Tornado Wind Safe Areas

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the State of Alabama a $1,340,171 grant for the Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

“As our communities continue to rebuild from the April 2011 tornadoes, it is important that we not only rebuild, but rebuild stronger and safer in the event storms like this strike again,” said Aderholt. “This grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will allow DCH Regional Medical Center to retrofit existing windows to withstand tornado winds of 250 MPH in portions of the hospital where patients cannot be relocated. Though the relief crews and the national spotlight have moved on, these funds are another example of ongoing federal support to bring our communities back to life and the potential to save lives in the future.”

Sammy Watson, Director of Community Relations for DCH Health System said, “We thank Congressman Aderholt and his staff in helping us to secure this grant. DCH also thanks FEMA for recognizing the importance of this project. This grant has the potential to save the lives of our most vulnerable citizens and DCH Health System looks forward to the completion of this project.”

This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The investment is intended to support the community’s long-term recovery, leverage private investment and promote disaster resiliency.

Aderholt currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies for the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is a member of the Committee’s Commerce, Justice and Science; and Homeland Security Subcommittees, and also serves on the Helsinki Commission.

For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov.