DES MOINES, Iowa – August 8, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Chet Culver and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) will receive $3.3 million in FEMA grants.
“I am proud of the work of Iowa Homeland Security throughout this disaster,” said Gov. Culver. “Their tireless efforts helped countless Iowans throughout the last three months. That is why I am proud to join with FEMA in announcing these new federal resources. These dollars will help Iowa Homeland Security continue its mission of helping to rebuild our state stronger and better than before.”
The money compensates the state agency for its cost to administer and manage federal funds flowing into Iowa to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 25, 2008, and continue.
“Iowa’s HSEMD has skillfully managed the large sum of assistance aid for victims of recent disasters,” praised FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel.
State Coordinating Officer Pat Hall agreed. “The success of Iowa HSEMD shows the strength of this state in managing recovery efforts after disasters.”
Eighty-two of Iowa’s 99 counties are currently eligible for federal Public Assistance funding that HSEMD manages. FEMA pays 75 percent of the costs of rebuilding disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Certain private, non-profit agencies that provide public services also are eligible for Public Assistance.
In the Iowa disaster, FEMA is paying 90 percent of emergency and protective measures typically incurred during the disaster event itself.
FEMA Public Assistance funding is awarded on a project-specific basis as a result of applications by county and local governments and non-profits. The money is then given to the state to be managed by HSEMD on behalf of the federal government.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
