$6.3 million FEMA grant to ease Miami’s flooding problems

MIAMI, Okla. — A multimillion-dollar federal grant will help Miami’s roadway flooding problems and offer its residents a faster response time from emergency services responders when the city is inundated with floodwaters.

Miami city officials were on site at Veterans Boulevard Bridge located east of the city to announce the $6.3 million FEMA grant. Speakers at the ceremony spoke of Miami’s bright future and what’s on the horizon for the community of almost 13,000.

“This is the largest grant awarded to the city,” said Melinda Stotts, city spokesperson before Monday’s ceremony, “The Federal Emergency Management Agency grant through the Oklahoma Emergency Management Agency is earmarked to construct five hazard mitigation projects at flood-prone locations in Miami.”

“This is a huge deal. This is not going to just impact Miami residents. It’s going to impact the communities surrounding,” said Caitlyn Baker, Miami resident.

Caitlyn Baker is just one of the many Miami residents who attended Monday morning’s press conference to celebrate a 6.3 million dollar grant from FEMA. Money which will be used for a three-phase project to fix flooding-prone areas around Miami.

“Same with my grandmother. Whenever her house floods or even whenever it rains a lot. I mean, literally PTSD. It is so overwhelming because you just don’t know how much is going to flood this time,” said Baker.

The five site locations include:

• Veterans Boulevard, 22 ^nd and D NE Street
• Elm Street NE
• Elm Street low-water bridge
• Rockdale Boulevard at Tar Creek
• East Central on the west side of the bridge.

This includes near Baker’s home and her grandmother’s too.

“My grandmother is one of those that has lived in a house that’s flooded multiple times. And I actually currently live in a house that’s on the 500-year flood plain right off of this road,” said Baker.

Miami City Manager Tyler Cline said the project is expected to last three years.

“These projects are only possible with this grant assistance from OEM and FEMA, and the City of Miami is extremely appreciative of this funding to better serve our residents and visitors,” said Cline.

“The bridge is going to increase in height almost 700 feet,” said Cline, referring to the Veterans Boulevard Bridge.

Cline said the projects are “huge” for the Miami residents.

Miami Public Schools, emergency services, and first responders use these routes to gain access to these areas of the community, said Mayor Bless Parker.

“When flooded they must travel longer routes and longer routes may cause a delay when responding,” said Parker.

“We have been held in prison in our community for several years,” said Mayor Parker. “When these roads go underwater, we can’t get around.  Our people have to drive an extra hour to get to work.”

Manufacturers can’t get products in and out of Miami, he said.

“This grant takes those shackles off us and allows us to move freely in our community,” continued the mayor. “This is win number 1.”

The Hazard Mitigation Assistance Roadway Drainage Improvement project grant is a 90/10 match, meaning the City of Miami will be responsible for only 10 percent of the cost of the projects.

Phase One of the project requires design and engineering deliverable plans for each site. FEMA will fund $649,023 and the City of Miami will add $72,113 for a total of $721,137 for the first phase. The first phase is required to be completed by June 19, 2025.

Phase Two will consist of the construction of the projects for $5,049,034 to FEMA, and to the City of Miami of $561,003 for a total of $5,610,038.  This phase includes installing larger drainage ways and improved roadways to increase accessibility.

As for Baker, she says she appreciates all the work that’s been done to make it happen.

“I’m very thankful that they pursue this and they push forward and it shows perseverance and that they care so much about the community,” said Baker.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.