Lynn Haven approved for $7.3 million to reimburse debris removal costs

Lynn Haven, Florida  — FEMA has approved $7,284,609 for the state of Florida to reimburse the city of Lynn Haven for debris removal costs following Hurricane Michael. Disaster-generated debris posed a threat to public health, safety, natural resources and tourism.

The city was previously awarded nearly $10 million for emergency debris cleanup activities in July 2019. To date, nearly $17.3 million has been approved for the city’s debris-related expenses.

The grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects after final approval.

Once a project is obligated by FEMA, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.