Chambers County Awarded $9 Million In FEMA GRANTS For Debris Operations
Release Date: April 20, 2009
Release Number: 1791-473
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $9 million to Chambers County for operations to remove hazardous materials and monitor debris removal and disposal in the wake of the Hurricane Ike disaster.
"Cleaning up the enormous amount of debris created by Hurricane Ike has been one of FEMA's top priorities," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "Federal assistance for Chambers County's clean-up work will contribute significantly to the area's recovery efforts."
FEMA awarded a $6,750,000 grant for the removal of hazardous materials in the county and a $2,254,982 grant for operations to monitor the clean-up and disposal of debris. Since Hurricane Ike hit the upper Gulf Coast more than seven months ago, FEMA has been reimbursing 100 percent of the total cost of debris removal operations in eligible areas.
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 nearly $774 million in total Public Assistance disaster funds sent to the state since September 2008.
"Removing debris has been one of the costliest aspects of the recovery effort," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "These federal grants will relieve Chambers County of that financial burden."
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: Monday, 20-Apr-2009 11:48:21