$24 Million For Flood Relief
Posted at: 11/02/2012 12:45 PM
| Updated at: 11/15/2012 11:37 AM
DULUTH, Minn. — More than $24 million in disaster assistance has been approved for Minnesota communities affected by the June 2012 severe storms and flooding.
The disaster funds are provided by the State of Minnesota’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on a 25%-75% cost share basis.
Additional funds are expected be obligated in the coming weeks as projects are approved through the Public Assistance (PA) program.
Fifteen counties and three tribal communities were declared eligible for disaster assistance as a result of the June 14-21 severe storms and flooding.
Under the PA Program, HSEM and FEMA awards grants to assist state and local governments, tribal nations and certain private nonprofit organizations.
More than 300 applicants have submitted more than 500 projects for reimbursement totaling more than $24,383,720.
The PA program provides financial assistance for disaster-related costs such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair and rebuilding of public infrastructure.
More than 100 HSEM and FEMA personnel are working with applicants out of the Duluth, Minn. Joint Field Office.
Of the $24 million already approved, more than $1,754,254 has been designated in Hazard Mitigation improvement projects designed to reduce the impact of future disaster damage. The Public Assistance program is based on a partnership between HSEM, FEMA and local officials.
Local governments identify their disaster-related costs and submit applications. The state ensures compliance and helps prioritize projects. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants and providing technical assistance on projects to the state and its applicants.
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