Florida to Receive over $318 Million for Recovery from 2005 Hurricanes

Florida will receive over $318 million in federal assistance to fund recovery efforts from the 2005 Hurricane Season, according to Gov. Charlie Crist. The federal legislation authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay the entire cost of certain hurricane recovery projects.

“This supplemental funding will encourage the people of Florida,” said Crist. “I am grateful to President Bush, the Florida Congressional Delegation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for addressing this critical issue.”

After the 2005 Hurricane Season, FEMA set the match requirement between federal and non-federal (state and local) funds at 90/10 for Hurricane Wilma and 75/25 for Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. House Resolution 2206, recently signed by President Bush, eliminates the cost share for these storms. FEMA will reimburse $151 million for recovery funding already contributed by the State of Florida and local governments. Additionally, FEMA will cover 100 percent of recovery projects yet to be completed – saving Florida $167 million.

“We are pleased to be able to recoup these vital funds,” said Director Craig Fugate of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Many communities are still recovering from the 2005 storms so every dollar helps tremendously.”

FEMA has committed over $1.6 billion for Florida’s recovery from the 2005 Hurricane Season.

Source: Office of the Governor of Florida