The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has approved more than $100 million in mitigation grants for local governments impacted by Hurricane Irma which hit the state two years ago.
At the end of last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the funds, which came to FDEM through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), have been sent to local governments throughout the Sunshine State.
“This funding is used to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures, with the key purpose of reducing the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters,” the governor’s office noted.
“Using federal funding to mitigate against the impact of future storms is a win for everyone,” said DeSantis on Friday. “Not only are we helping to protect our communities against future disasters, but we are also supporting local economies as they continue to recover from Hurricane Irma.”
“Mitigation projects are absolutely the most important thing we can do to make sure Florida is prepared for future disasters,” said FDEM Director Jared Moskowitz. “These projects prove their value time and time again and it’s critical that we get these projects started as quickly as possible. At the Division, we’re working closely with every community impacted by Irma to start these projects, and we look forward to working with counties impacted by Hurricane Michael as that funding becomes available.”
Still, there is much work to be done as Florida received almost $565 million in HMGP in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
“As funding is approved by FDEM and FEMA, the state works closely with local governments to put grant agreements in place as they prepare to start work on these projects,” the governor’s office noted.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
