"The typical life-cycle of any disaster involves a quick response to provide for basic needs, followed by long-term, large-scale Public Assistance funding to help city and county governments get back on their feet," said Scott R. Morris, FEMA's director of Long-Term Recovery in Florida. "That large-scale effort is well underway throughout the areas impacted by Wilma."
Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA grants state and local governments and eligible nonprofit agencies funds to repair or replace damaged roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities and parks and recreation areas. It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster. For the 2005 hurricane season, FEMA reimburses the applicant 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state and/or applying agency covers the rest of the cost.
All levels of government have a role in getting the grant money to the applicant for Public Assistance projects. For every applicant, a team with one FEMA member and one state member shepherds the applicant's project or projects through the process. The state is the grants manager and local officials must take an active role by requesting approved grant money from the state.
FEMA dispursements by hurricane and state
