FEMA Assistance Tops $1 Billion for Florida Hurricane Irma Survivors

ORLANDO, Florida, April 19 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

Federal assistance to help individuals and families recover from Hurricane Irma now tops $1 billion, seven months after the Sept. 10, 2017 disaster declaration.

The $1 billion, approved through FEMA's Individuals and Households Program includes $693.4 million in Housing Assistance--$503.8 million to help pay rent for those whose homes were not habitable after the storm and another $180.8 million for home repairs. Nearly $307 million was approved for Other Needs Assistance, which helps with other losses and disaster expenses that can make it hard for people to get back on their feet, such as transportation to and clothes for work, childcare and disaster-related funeral expenses.

In addition to the $1 billion for individuals and families, federal funding continues through the Small Business Administration and the National Flood Insurance Program. The SBA has approved about $1.4 billion in low-interest disaster loans for homes and businesses. The NFIP has paid, to date, about $893 million in 28,375 claims.

Help continues through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, which reimburses state and local governments and some Private Nonprofit organizations for storm-generated debris removal, the cost of preparing for and responding to the disaster, and the repair or replacement of eligible infrastructure including roads, bridges, buildings and utilities. To date, nearly $40 million has been approved through the PA Program.

The disaster declaration made Florida eligible for Hazard Mitigation Assistance throughout the state. HMGP provides grants to states, and tribal and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. The grants provide funding for mitigation measures to be implemented according to local and state priorities. This month, about $2 million in HMGP funds was awarded to Pasco County to strengthen the Pasco County Wiregrass Sports Arena--awaiting construction in Wesley Chapel--above and beyond building codes to withstand winds up to 170 mph.

The federal share of Public Assistance and HMGP in Florida's Hurricane Irma recovery is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the remaining nonfederal cost share is paid.

For more Hurricane Irma recovery information, visit www.FEMA.gov/IrmaFL, follow FEMA on Twitter @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and go to FEMA's Facebook page at Facebook.com/FEMA.

Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.