Eligible Debris Cleanup 80 Percent Completed
Release Date: December 11, 2008
Release Number: 1791-325
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AUSTIN, Texas -- So far, 80 percent of the debris left behind by Hurricane Ike for which FEMA is footing the bill has been cleaned up. That's 18.7 million cubic yards.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved nearly $141 million in Public Assistance funding to the state of Texas to reimburse eligible local governments to remove storm debris. Normally, FEMA reimburses a minimum 75 percent of the cost of debris removal and the state and local government cover the rest. However, FEMA is funding 100 percent of the cost of debris removal in 50 counties until April 26, 2009.
Following disasters, the state and local governments in counties declared eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance program may apply for reimbursements to help pay for debris removal.
Local governments frequently use FEMA's and the state's expertise in disaster debris removal to guide them in working with contractors, writing contracts and preparing the worksheets necessary to apply for reimbursement. However, FEMA itself does not award contracts or hire debris removal companies.
The cost of removing debris from private property is ineligible for federal funding except in extraordinary circumstances, such as in Chambers and Galveston counties, where it was found necessary to eliminate a threat to the public's health and safety.
Volunteer groups usually assist the elderly and incapacitated with moving debris from their property and transporting it to the curb/public right of way where it can be picked up by local authorities.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Dec-2008 12:33:26