FEMA Announces $32.5 Million Reimbursement To State And Local Governments For Hurricane Response
$10.2 Million to Florida National Guard
Release Date: October 28, 2004
Release Number: 1539-240
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the approval of $32,541,484 in reimbursement funds to state, county and city governments for their emergency response support during this year's hurricanes.
Today's distribution of $32.5 million for hurricane relief in Florida is part of FEMA's ongoing public assistance program to aid in the state's recovery. The total public assistance obligated to date is $67.5 million. As recovery continues, further reimbursements will be distributed.
Of the total amount, more than $10.2 million went to the Florida National Guard for reimbursement of its costs associated with hurricane response support.
"The Florida National Guard was extraordinary in their response activities following the storms that hit the state this year, and we owe these citizen-soldiers a great deal of gratitude," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and the head of FEMA. "The National Guard's support in evacuations, traffic control, security and assistance to the state and local emergency operations centers was instrumental in saving lives and maintaining calm in an extremely hectic time."
Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett, adjutant general of Florida, said, "The hurricanes were a significant event for the Florida National Guard, and the close coordination of the response effort by Florida's Department of Emergency Management, FEMA and the National Guard was absolutely dynamite. As a team, we worked together to bring relief to those affected by these disasters, and the National Guard is proud of the efforts of all involved."
A breakdown of the federal aid being distributed today in the state of Florida includes the following:
- Florida Department of Military Affairs (Florida National Guard) for providing emergency response support to the disaster area. $10,265,944
- Florida Department of Community Affairs for providing emergency response support services, materials and contract services throughout the state. $7,987,485
- City of Port Orange for the removal of 213,600 cubic yards of debris. $4,195,139
- City of Winter Springs (Seminole County) for the removal of 188,113 cubic yards of debris. $3,208,447
- Osceola County for the removal 251,491 cubic yards of debris. $2,154,444
- City of Sanford for the removal of 109,317 cubic yards of debris. $1,721,743
- City of Altamonte Springs for the removal of 13,906 cubic yards of debris. $1,530,000
- Polk County for the removal of 182,504 cubic yards of debris $1,478,282 federal share
In addition to the money being distributed for public assistance to the state of Florida, FEMA to date has received 1,058,267 applications for individual assistance. Nearly $2.06 billion has been approved for emergency response assistance, assistance to homeowners, renters and business owners, and low-interest loans to individuals and businesses.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Oct-2004 15:39:19