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73-747: The Choctawhatchee originates as two separate forks (East Fork and West Fork) in Barbour County, Alabama ; the East Fork flows through Henry County and joins the West Fork in eastern Dale County about four miles (6 km) above Newton . The unified river then flows southwest through Dale and Geneva counties into Florida, collecting tributaries along the way: the Little Choctawhatchee River in Dale County, and

146-606: A campus located in Eufaula . School districts include: Having been a historically Democratic county for much of the 20th century, the county has become more competitive. It has now voted for the Republican presidential candidate in four of the last five elections. Barbour County is home to Lakepoint Resort State Park , Blue Springs State Park , and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge . As

219-603: A center of the planter elite class, Barbour County has produced more Alabama governors than any other county in the state. Six elected governors as well as two acting governors have lived in the county. In 2000, the Barbour County Governors' Trail was established by an act of the Alabama Legislature to honor the eight distinguished men and women who have served as governor from the county. Marking changes in 20th-century politics, Chauncey Sparks,

292-542: A combination of regular appropriations and emergency funding in response to events. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001 , Congress passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002 , which created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to better coordinate among the different federal agencies that deal with law enforcement, disaster preparedness and recovery, border protection and civil defense. FEMA

365-535: A current disaster in a way that reduces the impact of a similar future disaster. FEMA's emergency response is based on small, decentralized teams trained in such areas as the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team (DMORT), Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), and Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS). FEMA's National Response Coordination Center (NRCC)

438-713: A federal asset—for example, the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma, or the Space Shuttle Columbia in the 2003 return-flight disaster . While on-the-ground support of disaster recovery efforts is a major part of FEMA's charter, the agency provides state and local governments with experts in specialized fields, funding for rebuilding efforts, and relief funds for infrastructure development by directing individuals to access low-interest loans, in conjunction with

511-583: A half-mile north, while the Hoover Flood swept away most of the remnants of Old Town Geneva. Damage from subsequent floods has been limited by a WPA-project levee . Areas outside the levee did not fare so well, and were purchased by FEMA after three floods during the 1990s. The March 1990 flood caused over $ 88 million in damages. Similar flooding occurred in Caryville, Florida in July 1994, in which

584-523: A major agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The Administrator for Federal Emergency Management reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security . In March 2003, FEMA joined 22 other federal agencies, programs and offices in becoming the Department of Homeland Security. The new department, headed by Secretary Tom Ridge , brought a coordinated approach to national security from emergencies and disasters – both natural and man-made. FEMA manages

657-408: A measure in 1803 that provided relief for Portsmouth merchants by extending the time they had for remitting tariffs on imported goods. This is widely considered the first piece of legislation passed by the federal government that provided relief after a disaster. Between 1803 and 1930, ad hoc legislation was passed more than 100 times for relief or compensation after a disaster. Examples include

730-458: A mockery of FEMA's new motto, "A Nation Prepared", and would "fundamentally sever FEMA from its core functions", "shatter agency morale" and "break longstanding, effective and tested relationships with states and first responder stakeholders". The inevitable result of the reorganization of 2003, warned Brown, would be "an ineffective and uncoordinated response" to a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 demonstrated that

803-453: A nuclear war, dubbed CRP-2B . FEMA offers a large number of training classes, either at its own centers, through programs at the state level, in cooperation with colleges and universities, or online. The latter are free classes available to anyone, although only those with U.S. residency or work eligibility can take the final examinations. More information is available on the FEMA website under

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876-545: A study conducted in October and November 2008; sizes ranging from 1 to 160 pounds. Scientists report sighting sturgeon as far upriver as Newton; they appear to prefer the limestone bottoms for laying their eggs. As recently as the 1920s, sturgeon fishing was a thriving industry in Geneva, with many large fish being caught, packed in barrels, and shipped north. Twenty-one Aquatic Snails and Freshwater Mussel species exist in

949-401: A truck with satellite uplink, computers, telephone, and power generation at a staging area near a disaster so that the responders can communicate with the outside world. There are also Mobile Air Transportable Telecommunications System (MATTS) assets which can be airlifted in. Also, portable cell phone towers can be erected to allow local responders to access telephone systems. The first test of

1022-585: A white man of Scottish descent, who had come to the area as a trader. According to the matrilineal system of the Yuchi, Sam was considered born to his mother's people and he was raised as Yuchi. The chief became a well-known figure in the Florida Panhandle and was highly respected by whites. Following the United States' acquisition of this territory in 1821 from Spain , European Americans entered

1095-597: Is a multiagency center located at FEMA HQ that coordinates the overall Federal support for major disasters and emergencies, including catastrophic incidents in support of operations at the regional level. The FEMA Administrator, or his or her delegate, activates the NRCC in anticipation of, or in response to, an incident by activating the NRCC staff, which includes FEMA personnel, the appropriate Emergency Support Functions, and other appropriate personnel (including nongovernmental organization and private sector representatives). During

1168-566: Is available to homeowners in flood plains, through the National Flood Insurance Program , and also works to enforce no-build zones in known flood plains and relocate or elevate some at-risk structures. Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants are available to acquire property for conversion to open space, retrofit existing buildings, construct tornado and storm shelters, manage vegetation for erosion and fire control, and small flood control projects. Critics say this program

1241-740: Is broken out into three primary grant programs: State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), and Operation Stonegarden (OPSG). As of 2024, the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) is funded as a percentage carveout of HSGP as well. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) used to be funded under the HSGP as well, but Congress now funds that program separate from HSGP. NSGP provides funding for nonprofit organizations more at risk to terrorist actions and domestic violence extremeism to invest in target hardening. This includes, but

1314-441: Is in honor of James Barbour , who served as Governor of Virginia . Barbour County was established on December 18, 1832, from former Muscogee homelands and a portion of Pike County . Between the years of 1763 and 1783 the area which is now Barbour County was part of the colony of British West Florida . After 1783 the region fell under the jurisdiction of the newly created United States of America. The Muscogee Creek Confederacy

1387-635: Is land and 20 square miles (52 km ) (2.2%) is water. The county is located within the Wiregrass region of southeast Alabama. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 25,223 people, 9,345 households, and 6,187 families residing in the county. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 27,457 people living in the county. 48.0% were White , 46.9% Black or African American , 0.4% Native American , 0.4% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 3.3% of some other race and 0.9% of two or more races . 5.1% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). As of

1460-406: Is not limited to, organizations such as educational facilities, hospitals, and house of worship. In 2024, FEMA administered over $ 3 billion across the suite of homeland security grants. In 2018, FEMA had an annual budget of $ 18 billion that is used and distributed in different states according to the emergencies that occur in each one. An annual list of the use of these funds is disclosed at

1533-552: Is to coordinate the response to a disaster that has occurred in the United States and that overwhelms the resources of local and state authorities. The governor of the state in which the disaster occurs must declare a state of emergency and formally request from the President that FEMA and the federal government respond to the disaster. The only exception to the state's gubernatorial declaration requirement occurs when an emergency or disaster takes place on federal property or to

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1606-467: Is underperforming because it is starved for funding compared to disaster response and recovery, the process of applying for a buyout is unreasonably slow, and is wasting taxpayer dollars because the National Flood Insurance Program has paid to reconstruct some properties up to 18 times. 1% of NFIP-insured properties are responsible for more than one quarter of the money the program has paid out. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds rebuilding after

1679-641: The USS Charlotte (1862) , along with Acting Ensign Edward Crissey. They seized the steamboat in Geneva without firing a shot, and sailed it down the Choctawhatchee to the Bay. The Choctawhatchee is a popular river with canoeists, although access to the upper portions is difficult. The Canoe-Camping website named the Choctawhatchee "an undiscovered gem" and "a beauty", heartily recommending it to canoeists. Several public access points and camping sites make

1752-554: The COVID-19 pandemic . According to a tweet posted on April 12, 2022, by Deanne Criswell , the FEMA flag, used between 1981 and 2003, was reintroduced. During the debate of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, some called for FEMA to remain as an independent agency. Following the failed response to Hurricane Katrina, critics called for FEMA to be removed from the Department of Homeland Security. Today FEMA exists as

1825-988: The Federal Insurance Administration , the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration , the National Weather Service Community Preparedness Program , the Federal Preparedness Agency of the General Services Administration and the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration activities from HUD. FEMA was also given the responsibility for overseeing the nation's Civil Defense, a function which had previously been performed by

1898-546: The General Services Administration (GSA) (upon termination of the OEmP). These actions demonstrated that, during those years, the nation's domestic preparedness was addressed by several disparate legislative actions, motivated by policy and budgetary earmarking, and not by a single, unifying, comprehensive strategy to meet the nation's needs over time. Then, in 1978 an effort was made to consolidate

1971-472: The Gulf of Mexico at East Pass near Destin, Florida . The Choctawhatchee contains several species of fish, including several species of sunfish , channel catfish and spotted bass ; other species include Redhorse suckers and carpsuckers . Gulf Sturgeon , Alabama Shad , and Skipjack Shad use the river for spawning activities; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service even collected 522 different sturgeon during

2044-732: The Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center. ONSC also coordinated the continuing efforts of other Federal Executive Agencies. FEMA began administering the Center for Domestic Preparedness in 2007. FEMA administers the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) which provides funding to state governments, local governments, Tribal governemnts, and Territorial governments along with specified Urban Areas and counties along international borders to invest in security enhancements. HSGP

2117-604: The National Flood Insurance Program . Other programs FEMA previously administered have since been internalized or shifted under direct DHS control. FEMA is also home to the National Continuity Programs Directorate (formerly the Office of National Security Coordination). ONSC was responsible for developing, exercising, and validating agency-wide continuity of government plans as well as overseeing and maintaining continuity readiness including

2190-540: The Pea River near Geneva . It then flows south into Florida , terminating at Choctawhatchee Bay . Other Alabama tributaries are Claybank Creek and Tight Eye Creek. Once in Florida, the river continues southwesterly through Holmes , Walton and Bay counties until reaching its namesake bay. Major tributaries in Florida include Holmes, Wright, Sandy, Pine Log, Seven Run and Bruce creeks. Choctawhatchee Bay empties into

2263-527: The Ready Campaign , the national public service advertising campaign in collaboration with the Ad Council , to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural and man-made disasters. The Ready Campaign and its Spanish-language version Listo asks individuals to do three things: build an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about

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2336-510: The Small Business Administration . In addition to this, FEMA provides funds for response personnel training throughout the United States as part of the agency's preparedness effort. Federal emergency management in the U.S. has existed in one form or another for over 200 years. A series of devastating fires struck the port city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire , early in the 19th century. The 7th U.S. Congress passed

2409-497: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authority over flood control and irrigation projects and thus played a major role in disaster recovery from flooding. Federal disaster relief and recovery was brought under the umbrella of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in 1973 by Presidential Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973, and the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration was created as an organizational unit within

2482-514: The census of 2000, there were 29,038 people, 10,409 households, and 7,390 families living in the county. The population density was 33 people per square mile (13 people/km ). There were 12,461 housing units at an average density of 14 units per square mile (5.4 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 51.27% White , 46.32% Black or African American , 0.45% Native American , 0.29% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 0.91% from other races , and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.65% of

2555-558: The Choctawhatchee include southern pine , beech , magnolia , laurel oak , basswood , Florida maple and American holly . The lower Choctawhatchee contains "pitcher-plant bog" and other swamp habitat, including cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. Alligators are found in the river's lower reaches. The Choctawhatchee has little industry along its banks; consequently it has rather clean water, except for excess turbidity, usually due to runoff from unpaved county roads. The Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management District

2628-539: The Choctawhatchee, with one of the former and two of the latter found only in this particular river. Researchers from Auburn University and the University of Windsor , Ontario , reported possible sightings in 2005 and 2006 of ivory-billed woodpeckers along the Choctawhatchee River. 70% of the Choctawhatchee's watershed is forested; the remainder is mostly croplands and pasture. Trees found along

2701-663: The Department of Defense's Defense Civil Preparedness Agency. One of the disasters FEMA responded to was the dumping of toxic waste into Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York , in the late 1970s. FEMA also responded to the Three Mile Island nuclear accident where the nuclear-generating station suffered a partial core meltdown . These disasters, while showing the agency could function properly, also uncovered some inefficiencies. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed James Lee Witt as FEMA Director. In 1996,

2774-728: The EOP; after that, the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization , which renamed the former agency; then, the Office of Civil Defense , under the Department of Defense (DoD); the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW); the Department of Agriculture ; the Office of Emergency Planning (OEmP); the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (replacing the OCD in the DoD); the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and

2847-696: The National Dam Safety Program Act; disaster assistance under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ; earthquake hazards reduction under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and further expanded by Executive Order 12699, regarding safety requirements for federal buildings and Executive Order 12941, concerning the need for cost estimates to seismically retrofit federal buildings; emergency food and shelter under

2920-462: The RFC was to lend money to banks and institutions to stimulate economic activity. RFC was also responsible for dispensing federal dollars in the wake of a disaster. RFC can be considered the first organized federal disaster response agency. The Bureau of Public Roads in 1934 was given authority to finance the reconstruction of highways and roads after a disaster. The Flood Control Act of 1944 also gave

2993-752: The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987; hazardous materials, under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act . In addition, FEMA received authority for counterterrorism through the Nunn-Lugar-Domenici amendment under the Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996, which was a response to the recognized vulnerabilities of the U.S. after the sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. Congress funded FEMA through

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3066-676: The Wallaces, and Jere Beasley were not from the planter elite. 31°51′57″N 85°23′46″W  /  31.86583°N 85.39611°W  / 31.86583; -85.39611 Federal Emergency Management Agency The Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), initially created under President Jimmy Carter by Presidential Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978 and implemented by two Executive Orders on April 1, 1979. The agency's primary purpose

3139-429: The age of 18 living with them, 47.90% were married couples living together, 19.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04. In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.40% under

3212-469: The age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.80 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 25,101, and the median income for a family was $ 31,877. Males had a median income of $ 28,441 versus $ 19,882 for females. The per capita income for

3285-584: The agency was elevated to cabinet rank; this was not continued by President George W. Bush. Witt initiated reforms that would help to streamline the disaster recovery and mitigation process. The end of the Cold War also allowed the agency's resources to be turned away from civil defense to natural disaster preparedness. After FEMA's creation through reorganization and executive orders, Congress continued to expand FEMA's authority by assigning responsibilities to it. Those responsibilities include dam safety under

3358-634: The case of radioactive contamination . This guidance is specified as action guide for Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDD) and Improvised Nuclear Devices (IND) involving high levels of radiation. According to the Federation of American Scientists , during the Cold War FEMA prepared assessments of the likely consequences of a full-scale Soviet nuclear attack on the United States for use in planning mitigation and recovery efforts. FEMA also prepared plans for evacuating major U.S. cities in response to

3431-785: The county was $ 13,316. About 21.60% of families and 26.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 37.10% of those under age 18 and 26.40% of those age 65 or over. In 2000, the largest denominational groups were Evangelical Protestants (with 8,935 adherents) and Mainline Protestants (with 2,492 adherents). The largest religious bodies were The Southern Baptist Convention (with 7,576 members) and The United Methodist Church (with 1,811 members). Barbour County contains two public school districts. There are approximately 7,100 students in public K-12 schools in Barbour County. The county contains one public higher education institution. Wallace Community College operates

3504-510: The county's commercial center or remain at its geographic center. Reaching a compromise, the legislature passed Act No. 106 on February 12, 1879, to establish county courts in both Eufaula and Clayton. Today, two county courthouses continue to operate in Barbour County. According to the United States Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 905 square miles (2,340 km ), of which 885 square miles (2,290 km )

3577-413: The department. This agency would oversee disasters until its incorporation into FEMA in 1978. Prior to implementation of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978 by E.O. 12127 and E.O. 12148, many government agencies were still involved in disaster relief; in some cases, more than 100 separate agencies might be jockeying for control and jurisdiction of a disaster. Over the years, Congress increasingly extended

3650-545: The different types of emergencies that can occur and how to respond. The campaign messages have been promoted through television, radio, print, outdoor and web PSAs, as well as brochures, toll-free phone lines and the English and Spanish language websites. The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 added a Surge Capacity Force, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to supplement FEMA employees with additional personnel from various federal departments in

3723-516: The end of the year on FEMA's website. FEMA maintains 23 cadres of various work functions and skillsets to prepare, respond, and recover from various disasters. FEMA's Mitigation Directorate is responsible for programs that take action before a disaster, in order to identify risks and reduce injuries, loss of property, and recovery time. The agency has major analysis programs for floods , hurricanes and tropical storms , dams, and earthquakes . FEMA works to ensure affordable flood insurance

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3796-555: The event the agency is overwhelmed. The Force has been activated for Hurricane Sandy , Hurricane Harvey , Hurricane Irma , Hurricane Maria , and the 2017 California wildfires . The Stafford Act was amended by the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) in 2006, and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) in 2018. FEMA was put in charge of procuring medical supplies during

3869-704: The first such federal agencies was the Federal Civil Defense Administration , which operated within the Executive Office of the President . Functions to administer disaster relief were then given to the President himself, who delegated to the Housing and Home Finance Administration. Subsequently, a new office of the Office of Defense Mobilization was created. Then, the new Office of Defense and Civilian Mobilization, managed by

3942-501: The initial stages of a response, FEMA will, as part of the whole community, focus on projected, potential, or escalating critical incident activities. The NRCC coordinates with the affected region(s) and provides needed resources and policy guidance in support of incident-level operations. The NRCC staff specifically provides emergency management coordination, planning, resource deployment, and collects and disseminates incident information as it builds and maintains situational awareness—all at

4015-490: The nation more vulnerable to known hazards, like hurricanes . After allegations of mismanagement during Hurricane Katrina, the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) was transferred from the Department of Homeland Security to the Department of Health and Human Services by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act , signed by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2006. In fall 2008, FEMA took over coordination of

4088-672: The national wireless emergency system by FEMA was broadcast to an estimated 225 million electronic devices at 14:18 EDT on October 3, 2018. The text message was accompanied by a flashing warning sign and warning tone. The president may direct FEMA to broadcast such alerts only for national emergencies or if the public is in danger. The facility may not be used for personal messages from the president. Mobile phone owners can not opt out of these warnings. On August 1, 2008, FEMA released "Planning Guidance for Protection and Recovery Following Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) and Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) incidents", which provide an action guide in

4161-1074: The national-level. FEMA maintains the NRCC as a functional component of the NOC for incident support operations. An example of NRCC activity is the coordination of emergency management activities that took place in connection with the 2013 Colorado floods . Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) provide medical care at disasters and are typically made up of doctors and paramedics. There are also National Nursing Response Teams (NNRT), National Pharmacy Response Teams (NPRT) and Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT). Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT) provide mortuary and forensic services. National Medical Response Teams (NMRT) are equipped to decontaminate victims of chemical and biological agents. The Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces perform rescue of victims from structural collapses, confined spaces, and other disasters, for example, mine collapses and earthquakes. These teams provide communications support to local public safety. For instance, they may operate

4234-572: The panhandle in greater numbers, encroaching on Euchee and Creek territory. In 1814 Andrew Jackson built a stockade called the "Block House" at the confluence of the East and West forks of the Chocktawhatchee, near Newton. European-American settlers also used the river in their time, from the years of the earliest land patents around Geneva (1841) until the late 1930s. The Bloomer , a 130-ton side-wheeler with high-pressure engines, navigated

4307-547: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 670 people who spoke Spanish in their home. The only other language with over 100 speakers was French at 105. In 2005 Barbour County had a population that was 49.5% non-Hispanic whites. 46.8% of the population was African-American. 0.3% of the population reported more than one race. Latinos were now 3.1% of the population. 0.4% were Native American and 0.3% were Asian. (Sources census quickfacts) In 2000 There were 10,409 households, out of which 33.30% had children under

4380-429: The presence of several wastewater treatment plants, animal-waste sites, and erosion. Three of the river's Florida tributaries are described as "polluted" with "waste water effluent". The Choctawhatchee has not always been on good behavior, having flooded Geneva in the so-called "Lincoln Freshet" of 1865, and the Hoover Flood of 1929. The Lincoln Freshet induced many of the townspeople to move to higher ground approximately

4453-513: The range of covered categories for assistance, and several presidential executive orders did the same. By enacting these various forms of legislative direction, Congress established a category for annual budgetary amounts of assistance to victims of various types of hazards or disasters, it specified the qualifications, and then it established or delegated the responsibilities to various federal and non-federal agencies. In time, this expanded array of agencies themselves underwent reorganization. One of

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4526-407: The river accessible for recreation. 30°24′14″N 86°7′25″W  /  30.40389°N 86.12361°W  / 30.40389; -86.12361 Barbour County, Alabama Barbour County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama . As of the 2020 census , the population was 25,223. Its county seat is Clayton . Its largest city is Eufaula . Its name

4599-434: The river rose to 29 feet, submerging most of the town. A federal FEMA 'buyout' program was implemented, allowing many residents to leave. As a result, the population dropped from 1500 to under 200. A natural inland waterway connects Choctawhatchee Bay to Pensacola Bay, making it possible for keelboats and later steamboats to navigate between Pensacola, Florida and Geneva, Alabama, and as far upstream as Newton. Before that,

4672-414: The river was a supply route and avenue of commerce for thousands of years to the indigenous peoples of the area. Sam Story , also known as Timpoochee Kinnard, was chief of a band of Euchee ( Yuchi ) Indians in the early 19th century in present-day Walton County. They occupied lands on and to the west of the Choctawhatchee River. His parents were a Yuchi woman, whose name is not known, and Timothy Kinnard,

4745-589: The route between Geneva and Pensacola in 1857, as did the Brooklyn , a steamboat built in Geneva. During the American Civil War, the Confederate steamboat Bloomer was the object of an 1862 raid by 25 Union soldiers of the 91st New York State Volunteers , who were stationed at Fort Pickens near Pensacola. This attack was led by Lt. James H. Stewart, assisted by Acting Master Elias D. Bruner, of

4818-437: The several singular functions; FEMA was created to house civil defense and disaster preparedness under one roof. This was a very controversial decision. FEMA was established under the 1978 Reorganization Plan No. 3 and was activated by President Jimmy Carter in an Executive Order on April 1, 1979. In July, Carter signed Executive Order 12148 shifting disaster relief efforts to the new federal-level agency. FEMA absorbed

4891-550: The vision of further unification of functions and another reorganization could not address the problems FEMA had previously faced. The "Final Report of the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina", released February 15, 2006, by the U.S. Government Printing Office, revealed that federal funding to states for "all hazards" disaster preparedness needs

4964-748: The waiving of duties and tariffs to the merchants of New York City after the Great Fire of New York (1835) . After the collapse of the John T. Ford 's Theater in June 1893, the 54th Congress passed legislation compensating those who were injured in the building. After the start of the Great Depression in 1929, President Herbert Hoover had commissioned the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in 1932. The purpose of

5037-462: Was removed to territory west of the Mississippi River. The fertile land was developed by southern migrants as large cotton plantations dependent on slave labor. Due to the number of slaves, the population was soon majority black, a proportion that continued for decades. In the 21st century, the population has a slight white majority, but blacks make up more than 46% of the residents, which results in highly competitive politics. In 1833, Louisville

5110-464: Was absorbed into DHS effective March 1, 2003. As a result, FEMA became part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of Department of Homeland Security, employing more than 2,600 full-time employees. It became Federal Emergency Management Agency again on March 31, 2007, but remained in DHS. President Bush appointed Michael D. Brown as FEMA's director in January 2003. Brown warned in September 2003 that FEMA's absorption into DHS would make

5183-416: Was chosen as the first county seat for Barbour County. The county seat was moved in 1834, after an eleven-member committee selected Clayton because of its central geographic location. Its boundaries were altered in 1866 and 1868. The Election Riot of 1874 occurred near Comer. By the 1870s, the city of Eufaula had surpassed Clayton in size, sparking debate about whether the county seat should be moved to

5256-456: Was instrumental in getting a grant to place gravel on many county roads, which reduced the average turbidity. Illegal dumping of household garbage and animal carcasses is a problem, but not enough of one to seriously affect water quality in the Alabama portion of the river, where water quality is described as "good to very good". This changes somewhat in the Florida section of the river, due to

5329-482: Was not awarded unless the local agencies made the purposes for the funding a "just terrorism" function. Emergency management professionals testified that funds for preparedness for natural hazards were given less priority than preparations for counter-terrorism measures. Testimony also expressed the opinion that the mission to mitigate vulnerability and prepare for natural hazard disasters before they occurred had been separated from disaster preparedness functions, making

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