The Federal Emergency Management Agency earmarked $2,157,678 on Wednesday to help Canton buy and demolish additional structures that repeatedly flood.

The award is part of FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. Canton was awarded $3.9 million by FEMA in 2005 for the acquisition and removal of 35 structures.

“The residents of Canton suffered greatly when the Androscoggin River flooded their town just days before Christmas in 2003,” said Sen. Susan Collins, in announcing the funding.

Collins is ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, which has oversight of FEMA.

“These funds, in addition to funds the town received two years ago, will assist officials in Canton complete the acquisition of properties that sit in the floodplain therefore reducing the risk of dangerous and costly flooding in the future,” Collins added.

According to FEMA, Canton has 66 structures identified as being in the floodplain. The properties are at risk due to isolation by flood. Canton has completed, or is in the final stages of completing, the acquisition and removal of 35 structures with the $3.9 million awarded by FEMA in 2005. The new money will be used to acquire and demolish the remaining 26 properties.

Several property owners have decided not to participate.

After properties are purchased, buildings will be demolished and Canton will use the land to create a park. The town will provide routine maintenance.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency submitted the grant application on Canton’s behalf and will administer the award.

The Canton project was selected through a national competitive process. Only one-third of submitted projects were selected for award. The program was created through the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 as a “pre-disaster” source of funds to mitigate against natural hazards and complement the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.