FEMA Sending Almost $5 Million to Florida to Help Hurricane Michael Recovery

FEMA announced on Wednesday that has approved three projects totaling almost $5 million for the state of Florida to reimburse Mexico Beach and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for eligible costs of recovery work following Hurricane Michael which hit the Sunshine State in October.

Mexico Beach is receiving $1,775,746 reimbursement for repairs to the bridge at the Salt Creek Crossing, which provides access to the city marina, and strengthening the structure to reduce damage from future storms.

FDOT is receiving $3,209,872 for debris cleanup activities in Holmes and Washington counties. Work completed includes collection and disposal of 114,206 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 144 stumps, 2,643 hanging limbs and 50 hazardous leaning trees that posed a threat to public health and safety.

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 PA 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 after final approval.

Once a project is obligated by FEMA, 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.