FEMA Obligates $16 Million To Electric Cooperative For Repairs
Release Date: May 4, 2009
Release Number: 1791-481
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $16 million to the state of Texas for the Sam Houston Electric Cooperative to repair distribution lines following Hurricane Ike.
"Falling trees and debris downed this East Texas cooperative's distribution lines," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "Getting power restored after the storm was an enormous undertaking."
In support of that effort FEMA awarded $16,137,482 to pay the cooperative's bills for work crews and equipment to repair the downed lines. Because these expenses were for repairs, FEMA is reimbursing 75 percent of the total. The remaining 25 percent is the non-federal portion.
Once FEMA reimburses the state of Texas, further management of the funds, including disbursement to organizations performing the services, is the responsibility of the state. The obligated funds are a portion of $873 million in total Public Assistance disaster funds obligated to the state since September 2008.
"Public Assistance funding is vital to the Hurricane Ike recovery effort. This federal support is helping our communities repair and rebuild," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun.
FEMA responds to all eligible requests for assistance through the Public Assistance program. For more Public Assistance information by county, go to www.fema.gov/ike and click on the Disaster Statistics button.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 04-May-2009 13:25:40