By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – October 6, 2023

• The Crescent City Harbor District is pleased to announce a grant award of $1.35million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This exciting development is the result of an application submitted in 2022 as part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This pivotal grant will finance the development of mitigation strategies and the implementation of robust defenses against future tsunamis and sea level rise.
• The Harbor District recognizes the importance of such investments. Many within our community still vividly recall the haunting events of March 28, 1964. On that fateful day, a succession of five tsunamis devastated Crescent City, resulting in the loss of 11 lives, injuring24, and obliterating 29 city blocks. This grant is a proactive step to ensure history does not repeat itself.
• The first phases of this grant will fund engineering assessments that identify and prioritize potential mitigation projects, followed by detailed planning, design work, and environmental compliance for the highest rated projects. The Harbor District will then approach FEMA with shovel ready plans and request additional funding for construction phases.
• We extend special thanks to Mike Bahr, Aislene Delane, and the exceptional team at Community System Solutions (CSS), a professional grant writing and management firm rooted in Crescent City [https://communitysystemsolutions.com/.
• CSS led the grant initiative and successfully managed the grant application process by working closely with FEMA and the CCHD Leadership Team. The expertise provided by CSS will continue to be indispensable as they manage the grant implementation in accordance with CCHD’s disaster mitigation plans.
• We also want to highlight the support received from U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman and California State Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire. Their leadership played a crucial role in advocating for this vital infrastructure investment. Additionally, our gratitude goes out to the many talented individuals both within and outside the Harbor organization who work behind the scenes to make the Harbor a fantastic treasure to enjoy. Many individuals selflessly volunteer their time, often without expecting recognition. Their dedicated efforts significantly amplify the impact of grant funding.
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• CEO/Harbormaster Tim Petrick remarked, “We’ve always emphasized that the best way to honor our past is to ensure a safer future. With this grant, we are doing just that, ensuring that the tragedies of yesterday do not define our tomorrows.”
• Wes White, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners stated, “This grant signifies a crucial step forward, ensuring the Harbor remains resilient against natural calamities. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger future for our community. With this funding, we’re not just looking at immediate solutions, but envisioning a future where the Harbor stands as a beacon of resilience and preparation.” President White also commented, “The additional grant funds we’ve secured recently are a testament to the Harbor’s progress. I want to particularly commend CEO/Harbormaster Tim Petrick, Comptroller Thomas Zickgraf, and Assistant Harbormaster Mike Rademaker for their leadership and the improvements they’ve introduced in an impressively short time frame. Both the Board and I are deeply appreciative of their unwavering dedication to elevating the condition of the Harbor’s infrastructure.”