Port Arthur Awarded $2.8 Million FEMA Grant For Debris Operations
Release Date: April 20, 2009
Release Number: 1791-475
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $2.8 million to the city of Port Arthur in Jefferson County for debris removal operations in the wake of the Hurricane Ike disaster.
Port Arthur contracted with DRC Emergency Services to pick up, haul and dispose of 78,421 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 147,409 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, as well as other work. The city also contracted with Healthy Resources Enterprise, Inc. to monitor the clean-up operations.
"Getting debris disposed of after the hurricane has been one of FEMA's top priorities," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "Federal assistance for Port Arthur's clean-up work will contribute significantly to the city's recovery efforts."
FEMA awarded the full $2,833,357 cost of the debris removal and monitoring work. Since Hurricane Ike hit the upper Gulf Coast more than seven months ago, the federal government has been reimbursing 100 percent of the total cost of debris removal operations.
Once FEMA forwards 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 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 are relieving our communities 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 14:01:23