FEMA Grants Ala. $11.2M for Hurricane Katrina Debris Removal

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a total of $11,165,419 in public assistance for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). The funds will offset costs for the removal of wet debris caused by Hurricane Katrina, and are awarded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program.

The Public Assistance award is a total of four individual debris cleanup projects. The high winds, rain and storm surge associated with Hurricane Katrina resulted in wet debris being deposited on water bottoms in the area known as Grand Bay, the area known as Oyster Reef and Portersville Bay and in Dauphin Island Waters. The underwater debris created hazards that were a threat to navigation, public health and safety.

FEMA’s program provided 100 percent of funding for these projects since the work was completed by the Oct. 27 deadline. Funding for any work after that date reverts to the standard 75 percent federal and 25 percent non-federal cost-share arrangement for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

To be eligible for the grants, the cost to repair a particular site must exceed $1,000 and the work must be required as a result of the disaster and located within the designated disaster area. The repair and restoration must be necessary to protect life and property and is the responsibility of the agency applying for the grant.