FEMA Funds Repairs on Galveston Apartments to Increase Housing Options
Release Date: December 22, 2008
Release Number: 1791-349
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Some Texans will soon move into newly repaired apartments in the city of Galveston under the Rental Repair Pilot Program, an initiative the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is testing as part of the Hurricane Ike recovery effort.
Authorized under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, the program is designed to be a cost-effective and timely method of getting displaced residents into temporary housing. More importantly, it aims to make use of existing rental housing in areas covered by a major disaster declaration.
Under the program, FEMA is funding the cost of repairing 32 units in the hurricane-damaged Galveston complex for use by displaced Texans. FEMA hopes to have 32 eligible households living in the complex in the coming weeks.
"We expect this to be a complete win-win situation," said Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. De Blasio Sr. "Displaced Galveston families get to remain close to home, we achieve our goal of getting more eligible residents into temporary housing, plus we contribute directly to the rebuilding effort."
The program, a cooperative effort with the State of Texas-led housing task force and the city of Galveston, gave Galveston officials the opportunity to identify apartment complexes for potential participation. FEMA then contacted the owners and found one who was eager to become involved in the program.
"Getting this complex repaired is a prime example of the accomplishments we can achieve in the recovery effort when we all work together," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "Ultimately, the program will benefit displaced Texans."
The criteria for rating a property's eligibility for the program are:
- The owners must have the ability to contract directly with the federal government.
- Properties may, or may not, have been damaged by the disaster.
- Units will be available for FEMA applicants for the duration of the housing need.
- The overall project must be cost-effective to the government.
- Units must be able to be repaired in a timely manner.
- State and local government officials prioritize which apartment complexes will be selected for the program.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-Dec-2008 08:37:43