FEMA Obligates $4.9 Million For Debris Removal Work In Hardin County 

Release Date: April 21, 2009
Release Number: 1791-478

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated more than $4.9 million to Hardin County for debris removal operations following the Hurricane Ike disaster.

The federal assistance will pay Hardin County's bills from contractors to remove and dispose of 264,558 cubic yards of vegetative debris as well as other waste created by the storm.

"FEMA wants to encourage the removal of debris by reimbursing applicants for these operations as quickly as possible," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "Getting rid of piles of debris is a sure sign of recovery."

FEMA awarded the full $4,992,121 cost of the debris operations. 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 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.

"Debris clean-up has been an enormous undertaking throughout the disaster area," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "FEMA funding is providing welcome support to many local governments."

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: Tuesday, 21-Apr-2009 11:18:56