FEMA Awards $1 Million To The State Of Texas To Monitor Debris Removal In Galveston 

Release Date: April 8, 2009
Release Number: 1791-466

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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated more than $1 million to the city of Galveston to monitor the removal of debris following the Hurricane Ike disaster.

"Galveston was swamped with debris after the storm, and a tremendous effort has been made to get the city cleaned up," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "This grant demonstrates FEMA's commitment to helping Galveston and its citizens get back to normal." 

The $1,076,323 FEMA grant will pay Galveston's bill from Beck Disaster Recovery to monitor the removal of debris and ensure it is disposed of properly.

The federal government is reimbursing 100 percent of the cost of debris-removal work in the 50 Texas counties designated for Public Assistance funding in the disaster declaration. Once FEMA sends the funds to 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 more than $703 million in total Public Assistance disaster funds sent to the state since September 2008.

"These federal Public Assistance funds provide much-needed support to Galveston and the other cities and towns that were hard hit by Hurricane Ike," 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: Wednesday, 08-Apr-2009 12:04:44