FEMA Grants $21.54 Million To Austin For Housing Katrina Evacuees
Release Date: November 17, 2005
Release Number: 3216-079
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AUSTIN , Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA) announced today the approval of a $21.54 million Public Assistance grant to the City of Austin to reimburse the city for costs of providing interim housing to evacuees from Hurricane Katrina.
The grant provides 100 percent reimbursement for costs associated with providing 4,500 unit rentals; utilities; transportation for evacuees and salaries for project monitors. Move-in costs will include furniture purchase, housewares and start-up of basic food supplies.
"We applaud the City of Austin and the State of Texas for doing a remarkable job in welcoming and caring for Gulf Coast evacuees who so desperately need help," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman, FEMA's top official for disaster recovery operations in Texas . "We recognize the need and importance of moving these funds as soon as possible," she added.
"Texas is proud of its efforts to help hurricane victims," said State Coordinating Officer Frank Cantu, representing the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management. "We're especially grateful to Austin ."
The federal funds are made available under the FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The State of Texas administers the program under which eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government units.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-Nov-2005 09:49:56