URGENT UPDATE: The City of Norman, Oklahoma, is reeling after the federal government canceled a crucial FEMA grant, leaving it without funding for a potentially life-saving flood warning system. This decision comes just months after devastating flash floods in Texas claimed over 130 lives, highlighting the dire need for early warning systems in vulnerable areas.
In April 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded hundreds of millions in FEMA grants, deeming the program “wasteful and ineffective.” The cancellation included $350,000 previously allocated to Norman for its flood detection initiative. “The Trump administration has cut the grant program that would have funded that project,” reported Anna Kramer, a D.C.-based reporter with Notus.
The impact of this decision is profound. Emergency responders in Kerr County, Texas, are still searching for nearly 100 missing individuals following the catastrophic floods that struck the region earlier this month. One survivor lamented, “Oh, there was no warning… no warning,” underscoring the tragic consequences of inadequate alert systems.
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick emphasized the need for improved safety measures, stating, “We need sirens.” Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, recent flash floods around Oklahoma City left numerous motorists stranded as roads transformed into rivers almost instantly.
Norman has faced its share of flooding events, and officials believe that the revoked funding eliminated their best chance to implement an early detection system that might have saved lives. A spokesperson for the City of Norman stated, “The safety and welfare of Normanites remains our topmost priority.” They confirmed ongoing efforts to identify alternative funding sources for the automated flood warning system.
State Senator Mary Boren, representing Norman, expressed her disappointment, viewing the grant cancellation as a politically motivated decision. “I’m terribly disappointed that our federal delegation has not allowed us to take advantage of that,” Boren said. “We’re going to have to save ourselves.”
In the face of this setback, the City of Norman is exploring other funding opportunities while maintaining existing safety measures, including “on-site monitoring and proactive closing of pathways prone to flooding, as well as our AlertNorman emergency notification system.”
The decision to cut the FEMA grant program has drawn criticism from local leaders. Representative Tom Cole (R-Okla.), whose district includes Norman, was previously supportive of the FEMA program. However, his office was unresponsive when contacted for comments on the matter.
As the search for solutions continues, Norman residents are left anxious about their safety as they confront the threat of future flooding. The urgency for a reliable early warning system has never been clearer, and local officials are advocating for immediate action to protect their community.
For now, Normanites must remain vigilant and hope for the best as they navigate the challenges posed by unpredictable weather and the lack of federal support. The fight for a flood warning system continues, but time is running out.
