The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced at the end of last week that it has approved grants totaling $16,200,366 to reimburse recovery expenses in Florida for Hurricane Michael which hit the state in October 2018.
Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the following reimbursements:
- $1,806,732 to Bay County for operating temporary fire stations after the hurricane in Panama City and Southport.
- $2,317,993 to Bay County for repairs to the Waste to Energy Facility in Panama City.
- $1,302,091 to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for debris removal.
- $2,540,504 to Gadsden District Schools for repairs to buildings and portable classrooms at Greensboro Elementary School.
- $1,973,993 to Hiland Park United Pentecostal Church in Panama City for repairs to the sanctuary, fellowship hall, cafeteria, classrooms and other facilities.
- $4,398,806 to the city of Lynn Haven for debris removal.
- $1,860,247 to the Tri-County Advisory Council for repairs to the livestock and equestrian arena in Altha, Fla.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. FDEM works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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