Mucarsel-Powell Applauds More Than $10 Million in FEMA Grants for Irma Recovery
Press Release
Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), member of the Economic Development, Public Buildings & Emergency Management Subcommittee of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $10,287,473 to Monroe County and Miami-Dade County resulting from Hurricane Irma.
"Severe weather is becoming more common due to climate change, so it is imperative that the federal government uphold its commitment to local communities after a storm hits, but also as our community prepares for increased extreme weather events," said Mucarsel-Powell. "I'm pleased the federal government continues to help South Florida, and I will continue working with everyone to increase our preparedness and resiliency for the future."
$8,506,848 in federal funding is being awarded to Monroe County for debris removal as a result of Hurricane Irma. Earlier this week Mucarsel-Powell announced another $5.911 million grant for debris removal, bringing the total from FEMA awards this week to $14,418,627.
$1,780,625 in federal funding is being awarded to Miami-Dade County Wastewater Transmission System to harden pump stations that provide wastewater conveyance services to over 811,000 people. The project will be designed to provide protection against a 500-year event. According to FEMA, two of Miami-Dade Wastewater Transmission System's pumps have experienced failures in the past due to loss of power and flood inundation. The actions taken to harden these facilities will minimize impacts to the pump stations resulting from flooding, wind, and power outages.
The award for Monroe County is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. The award for Miami-Dade County is pursuant to theRobert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, and 44 CFR Part 206.434. FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the state. It is the state's responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards.
Source