Ashley Moody steers $1.5B in federal funding to Florida for disaster recovery reimbursements
U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody says she has secured more than $1.56 billion in federal relief funding to help pay for disaster costs in Florida over the past several years.
The relief money is coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Moody said there are more than 500 state projects that will be reimbursed with the FEMA funds.
The money will be used to help pick up the tab for projects already completed, such as debris removal in several counties after hurricanes, infrastructure repairs, power restoration and stormwater projects. The recovery projects involve other weather-related events such as drought, fires and freezes.
“I came to Washington to fight for Florida’s best interest, which is why I’m proud to announce the successful recovery of more than $1.5 Billion in FEMA reimbursements for Florida communities hit hard by disasters,” Moody said in a news release. “This is money that has been slow walked and tangled in our federal government, I’m cutting through bureaucracy and getting things done for Florida.”
The funding is coming from FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs.
Moody said she has been working with recently-appointed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to secure the funding. Mullin said he appreciates Moody’s persistence.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, FEMA is committed to cutting red tape and getting resources directly to the American people and communities who need them most,” Mullin said.
“Sen. Moody has been a great partner in our efforts to slash bureaucracy, strengthen accountability, and ensure rapid, effective recovery for Floridians. I want to thank her for fighting alongside us to get this disaster recovery funding across the finish line.”
Some of the higher-profile projects that are earmarked for the federal reimbursements include:
— $17.2 million for Sarasota countywide contracted debris removal.
— $6.6 million for Tallahassee citywide debris removal.
— $4.1 million for Brevard County dune engineering.
— $4.1 million for Clearwater beach walkways and seawall projects.
— $2.2 million for Dunedin marina seawall projects.
— $721,822 for Columbia County power restoration.
— $617,987 for Madeira Beach parking lot repairs.
— $617,068 for Lynn Haven Waste Water Plant repairs.
— $167,955 for Seminole County roads and stormwater projects.
