FEMA Obligates $18.1 Million For Debris Clean-Up On Public Beaches And Waterways
Release Date: May 1, 2009
Release Number: 1791-480
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated more than $18.1 million to the state of Texas to pay the cost of debris removal operations managed by the Texas General Land Office.
"FEMA is strongly committed to helping Texans get their state cleaned up in the wake of Hurricane Ike," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "Public Assistance grants of this nature demonstrate that commitment."
FEMA awarded two grants totaling $18,119,958 to pay costs associated with debris removal along public beaches and in waterways. For the beach clean-up effort, the work was to include sand-sifting to separate sand from debris. Beach-quality sand was then to be returned to the coastline. Because these expenses were for debris removal, FEMA is reimbursing 100 percent of the total.
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 $826 million in total Public Assistance disaster funds sent to the state since September 2008.
"Getting debris cleaned up from our beaches and waterways has been a major undertaking," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "These federal funds are providing welcome support."
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 disaster.
Last Modified: Friday, 01-May-2009 16:54:19