Homeland Security Provides $34 Million In Fema Funds To Escambia County For Debris Removal 

Release Date: November 9, 2004
Release Number: 1551-134

» More Information on Florida Hurricane Ivan

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced approval of a $34,067,881 grant to Escambia County for debris removal efforts associated with Hurricane Ivan.

“It takes all of us – private individuals, volunteer groups, and local, state and federal agencies – working together to clear the massive debris this storm produced, and FEMA is committed to covering every eligible dollar of the county's costs,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and the head of FEMA. “We will be here to help Floridians clean up and put their lives back together in every way the law allows, for as long as the recovery continues."

"I applaud FEMA for their continued commitment to our state's recovery efforts," said Governor Bush. "The road to recovery will not be short, but this additional support from our federal partners will help provide relief to those in our communities much faster.”

Hurricane Ivan scattered an estimated 5.8 million cubic yards of debris over public property throughout Escambia County. Contractors removed more than 3.6 million cubic yards of debris between September 22 and October 30. The amount removed so far would fill a city-block-square, 51-stories high.

This FEMA grant reimburses 90 percent of the $37,853,202 total cost incurred through October 30, with the state and local governments covering the remaining 10 percent. Additional money from FEMA will pay for the eligible share of subsequent debris removal in Escambia County and throughout Florida, as well as eligible costs of response and recovery borne by local, state, and nonprofit agencies throughout the state.

FEMA reimbursed 100 percent of debris removal costs incurred during the first 72 hours following the storm.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 09-Nov-2004 13:56:49