Thursday, June 4, 1998 | 10:18 a.m.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The city of Sparks will receive federal funding to help prepare for disasters such as flooding from the Truckee River under a program announced Wednesday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Sparks, northeast of Reno, was one of 50 communities named by FEMA officials to participate in "Project Impact, Building a Disaster Resistant Community."
The city's acceptance into the program enables it to share about $30 million in federal funding this year, but it has not yet been announced how much money will actually be funneled into Sparks. President Clinton has already committed $50 million for the program in 1999.
"Project Impact should give us a good look at breaking the disaster-rebuild-disaster cycle so often seen in communities with disaster-prone natures," said Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.
"The most important thing we can do is protect lives and prevent injuries," FEMA Director James Lee Witt said, as he heralded the prevention program at a Washington news conference.
Michael Steele, emergency management coordinator for Sparks, said he was excited about the city being chosen for the program. Steele said he will help federal officials and a local task force determine how the money is used.
Projects Steele predicts might receive funding include structural reinforcement of homes and construction of additional levies to protect flood-prone areas adjacent to the Truckee River.
In the past 10 years, FEMA has spent $20 billion across the country to help victims repair and rebuild after disasters.
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