Governor Bush Announces $82.9 Million in Grants For Hurricane Recovery

Governor Jeb Bush announced this week thatFlorida will receive an award of $82.9 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund critical recovery needs following a second unprecedented hurricane season. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster relief funds are a portion of the $11.5 billion allocated nationwide by the federal government following destructive Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

"I thank President Bush and the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Homeland Security for continuing to support Florida's recovery efforts following a record eight hurricanes in 15 months," said Governor Bush. "These funds will assist our local governments to rebuild impacted communities and ensure Florida's healthy economy continues to grow."
Using HUD criteria for the allocation of these recovery funds, the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will work with partner agencies to recommend a plan for distribution. Based on careful analysis of hurricane damage assessment data, DCA will recommend actions to Governor Bush that address the needs of Florida's most impacted communities.

"In partnership with HUD and local governments, we will continue to move recovery funds quickly into the hands of Florida's hardest-hit communities," said DCA Secretary Thaddeus Cohen. "Disaster recovery is a challenging process, and DCA is committed to working with state and local leaders to ensure our communities are rebuilt stronger and more resistant to future damage."

Last year, Florida received $100.9 million in HUD disaster relief grants - more than 67 percent of all funds awarded nationally -- to rebuild from the devastating 2004 Hurricane Season. Funds were distributed to the fifteen hardest-hit counties to aid ongoing recovery efforts. To date, 160 CDBG recovery projects throughout Florida are underway, including a new special needs shelter, repaired and improved wastewater facilities, economic development projects, new affordable housing and mitigation initiatives.

Recently, Governor Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings announced new hurricane preparedness, response and recovery budget recommendations. Governor Bush has marked establishing a "Culture of Preparedness" as a top priority this year, ensuring Floridians and Florida local governments take necessary safety measures to prepare for the 2006 Hurricane Season.