FEMA releases $738K to study sewer upgrades in Detroit's Jefferson Chalmers area

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded an initial grant of $738,000 to the city of Detroit to study the viability of upgrading sewers in the city's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood to prevent flooding, the government agency announced Friday.

FEMA awarded the first phase of an $11 million federal grant to the city for design, engineering and environmental studies to determine the feasibility of the project in the east side neighborhood. The second phase of the grant depends on the findings of the initial study, officials said.

Jefferson Chalmers, flanked by canals and located near the Detroit River, is in a low-lying area that experienced severe flooding during rain storms in 2021 and 2023. To reduce future flood risks, the city plans to replace 18,800 feet of combined sewer mains, including the upsizing of existing sewer mains and installing new relief sewers. This would allow for moving more water without overwhelming the city's existing system.

“Today’s federal grant to upgrade sewers in Jefferson Chalmers will better protect this community against flooding and make a real difference for local residents,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a FEMA press release.

The funding comes from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and will pay 75% of the estimated $15 million cost while the city will pay the remaining about $3.76 million — if the project is found to be feasible.

“FEMA’s BRIC program provides a critical opportunity to mitigate repetitive flooding, reduce disaster suffering and minimize future disaster costs,” FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak said in the release. “This sewer system upgrade is a proactive infrastructure investment in community resilience, supporting families and businesses in the Jefferson Chalmers community of Detroit.”

More than $4.6 million has been distributed to Michigan residents whose properties were damaged in storms, flooding and tornadoes in August, FEMA said last month. The National Flood Insurance Program also awarded more than $2.7 million to 77 applicants whose homes or properties were damaged during the weather.

Much of Metro Detroit sits in areas more prone to flooding. FEMA's maps show that areas near rivers, streams and lakes — much of Michigan — tend to have higher risk even before concerns about infrastructure and changing weather patterns, a Detroit News analysis of floodplains shows.

srahal@detroitnews.com

X: @SarahRahal_