Miami-Dade, Broward Declared Eligible For Federal Infrastructure Assistance
Release Date: October 6, 2000
Release Number: 1345-04
» More Information on Florida Heavy Rains And Flooding
Miami, FL -- Miami-Dade and Broward Counties Friday were declared eligible for federal infrastructure programs through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The announcement came after FEMA Director James Lee Witt toured flood-damaged areas in both counties.
The designation means the counties will receive up to 75 percent of the cost of removing debris from highways and public rights-of-way, emergency personnel, including police and fire units, and repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure.
Infrastructure is a term used to describe public roadways, bridges, buildings, parks, water and sewer treatment plants, lift stations and many other areas of local government.
The counties and two others, Collier and Monroe, earlier this week were declared major disaster areas by President Clinton. That declaration opened the way for individuals, families and businesses to seek assistance from FEMA and the state of Florida.
"We recognize the need to extend every possible means of help to the state and local governments within the Miami-Dade and Broward spheres," said Justo Hernandez, the FEMA official who is coordinating response and recovery efforts in the flooded areas. "There's always a possibility that heavy rainfall could compromise public safety by overpowering roads, treatment plants and drainage facilities with bacteria-laden runoff."
Last Modified: Wednesday, 12-Nov-2003 15:47:43