$104 Million Obligated for Debris Cleanup 

Release Date: September 27, 2005
Release Number: 1604-034

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JACKSON, Miss. -- Governor Haley Barbour announced today that $104 million in public assistance funding has been expedited for debris removal in five local governments.

The funds, made available from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Infrastructure Program, are for the following local governments:

"We're pleased to receive the FEMA public assistance funding," Governor Barbour said. "The significant amount obligated today will help relieve the financial burden placed on municipalities faced with overwhelming debris cleanup following Hurricane Katrina's winds and wave surge."

"Debris cleanup was immediately identified as a joint priority by FEMA and the state," said Federal Coordinating Officer William Carwile. "The release of this funding today will contribute greatly to citizens' well-being as local governments move forward with removing and disposing of debris in their communities."

This is the third expedited push of Public Assistance funds, bringing the total expedited/obligated to date to more than $122 million to reimburse costs incurred for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities, such as roads and bridges, buildings, parks, water control facilities and utilities. Through FEMA's expedited process, 50 percent of the obligated funds will be immediately available to the listed local governments.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Sep-2005 12:06:29