MINOT, N.D. (AP) - City leaders in Minot have hired a consultant with a New York City hurricane recovery program to oversee the city’s $74.3 million National Disaster Resilience program.
Minot was among 13 locations awarded such funding though a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development competition last year. Most of the money will be used in three areas outlined in the city’s application: reducing flood risks and improving water management; building affordable and resilient neighborhoods; and foster economic resilience and diversification.
The remaining funds of about $5 million will be allocated to planning and administrative costs. The city must spend the funds by Sept. 30, 2022.
The Minot Daily News (https://bit.ly/2q6e1ix ) reports that John Zakian was hired to take over the disaster program and its associated projects, plans and activities starting on June 1. Zakian has experience in economic and housing development, finance, municipal services and disaster-recovery consulting.
Zakian has worked as a consultant for the New York City Office of Management and Budget, providing guidance as the city administered a federal $4.2 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery plan following the devastation caused in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy.
“We’re excited to have someone with John’s background and experience join our team,” Minot City Manager Tom Barry said. “We have positioned ourselves to move forward with the projects we have targeted to help us become a more resilient city, and having John on our staff will help us accomplish those goals. He will be a great addition.”
Zakian will be working in conjunction with Robert Davis, the city’s planning director and chief resilience officer, along with federal compliance officer Chris Owen and program adviser Cindy Hemphill.
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Information from: Minot Daily News, https://www.minotdailynews.com
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