The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on Thursday that it has approved four projects totaling more than $12 million for the state of Florida to reimburse for eligible costs of emergency work and permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.
These grants include $3,256,551 to Bay County for debris removal; $1.9 million for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for debris removal operations; $2.8 million to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative for the removal and disposal of hurricane-damaged electrical power poles, power lines, transformers and other electrical component debris obstructing utility rights of way; and $4.1 to Washington County for debris removal.
Hurricane Michael hit the Sunshine State two years ago.
These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (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 implemented new procedures 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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