FEMA reinstates mitigation awards to state except for Kokomo

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reinstating hazard mitigation grants to Indiana that had been suspended because parts of a Kokomo baseball stadium were being built in a flood-prone area meant to remain green space.

FEMA announced Wednesday it was reinstating the awards for all of Indiana except for Kokomo, freeing up more than $6.1 million. Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson says the agency has been working to get the funding restored.

FEMA officials say they recognize the state agency and Kokomo officials are working toward bringing the deed-restricted parcels into compliance. They also say that if the parcels aren’t brought into compliance, or if Kokomo’s use of other hazard mitigation acquired properties results in further violations, FEMA will take additional measures.