FEMA Grants $1.2 Million to Reimburse Harris County for Faith-Based Shelter Operations
Release Date: November 7, 2005
Release Number: 1606-060
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of a $1.2 million Public Assistance grant to the State of Texas to reimburse Harris County for 100 percent of eligible costs associated with providing temporary sheltering operations for evacuees.
The money will reimburse the county for payments to faith-based organizations that the county required to shelter hurricane evacuees.
"We applaud the citizens of Harris County and the State of Texas for doing a remarkable job in welcoming and caring for Gulf Coast evacuees who so desperately need help," said Sandy Coachman, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery operations in Texas. "We recognize the need and importance of moving these funds as soon as possible," she added.
"Harris County residents deserve our thanks for acting with compassion and care in hosting emergency evacuees from our sister states," said Frank Cantu, state coordinating officer for the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM).
The federal funds are made available under FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The State of Texas administers the program under which eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government units and certain non-profit organizations providing government-type services in the area of emergency protective measures.
The funds will reimburse the state for services that include, but aren't limited to, providing shelter, food, water, utilities, medical services, telecommunications, security, janitorial operations, transportation, and staffing for shelter operations.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 08-Nov-2005 09:47:21