PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved two projects totaling more than $11.9 million for the state of Florida to reimburse Gadsden District Schools and the city of Tallahassee for Hurricane Michael recovery work.
Gadsden District Schools is receiving $1,404,477 for permanent repairs to Shanks Middle School campus, including removing and replacing hurricane-damaged roofing, insulation, windows and lighting fixtures. Additionally, funds cover the costs of hurricane-damaged contents at Shanks Middle School, such as athletic equipment.
Tallahassee is receiving $10,561,390 for repairs to its hurricane-damaged electrical grids. Funds cover repairs to electrical power poles, power distribution lines and transformers throughout the city caused by high winds, rain and flooding.
These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.