FEMA Obligates $1.15 Million To Reimburse Local Eligible Shuttle Recovery Costs In Texas, Louisiana
Release Date: March 13, 2003
Release Number: 3171-50
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Lufkin, TX -- Obligations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the State of Texas and the State of Louisiana to reimburse local governments for eligible costs involved in responding to the Columbia shuttle material recovery operations have reached $1.15 million.
Obligations in Texas have reached $818,000. Obligations in Louisiana stand at $332,000.
"We continue working to expedite local government reimbursements to help ease the extra financial burden brought about by responding to this national tragedy," said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells of FEMA.
Under the emergency declaration President Bush made for this event, FEMA is empowered under its Public Assistance Program to reimburse state agencies, local governments and Indian tribes or tribal organizations 100 percent of all eligible emergency measures and debris removal expenses. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness administers these funds.
Among items eligible for reimbursement are: search operations, securing potential debris sites and activation of emergency operations centers. FEMA and state representatives have met with state and local government agencies to discuss the reimbursement process.
The $1.15 million is the current amount of PA funding. Additional amounts will be announced as applications for reimbursement are processed and approved.
Last Modified: Monday, 14-Apr-2003 10:28:38