Florida communities still recovering from a string of hurricanes will receive more than $89 million in new federal funding, FEMA announced June 16, with money aimed at both rebuilding damaged infrastructure and preparing for future storms.
A news release said the funding will support more than 70 projects across the state tied to Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton and earlier disasters, with a mix of reimbursements for past costs and investments designed to reduce future damage.
A key piece of the funding, or more than $14 million, will go toward hazard mitigation efforts, including Florida’s Elevate Florida program. The initiative will provide $12 million to help 35 homeowners statewide raise or retrofit their homes to better withstand flooding, a growing concern in coastal and low-lying areas.
The largest share of the funding – more than $69 million – comes through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which reimburses state and local agencies for disaster response and recovery work.
That includes $40.8 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management and other state agencies for debris cleanup, emergency measures and repairs to state parks and beaches damaged by multiple storms.
Another $7.1 million will reimburse the Lee County School District for temporary facilities used by an elementary school displaced by Hurricane Ian.
Additional funding will support $2.5 million in beach and dune restoration in Charlotte County following Hurricane Milton, as well as nearly $665,000 for infrastructure repairs in Sarasota County’s West Villages Improvement District.
The package also includes $5 million for disaster unemployment assistance and case management services, administered in part through Volunteer Florida and local nonprofit groups that help residents navigate recovery and access aid.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FEMA: Florida to receive $89M in new federal storm aid
Reporting by Staff report, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Staff report, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
