Mucarsel-Powell Announces Nearly $9 Million FEMA Grant For Homestead's Irma Recovery

Press Release

MIAMI, FL -- Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), member of the Economic Development, Public Buildings & Emergency Management Subcommittee of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $8,538,448 to the City of Homestead, FL for repairs resulting from Hurricane Irma.

Mucarsel-Powell has repeatedly pressed for disaster relief funding and reimbursements that are owed to South Florida following Hurricane Irma. During a subcommittee hearing in March, Mucarsel-Powell pressed FEMA on why South Florida had not received significant amounts of disaster relief funding from Hurricane Irma and implored the agency to release the funds, and she has continued to raise the issue often with FEMA officials.

"I'm proud to have followed through on my commitment to fight for the FEMA funds owed to our communities still recovering from Hurricane Irma's destruction," said Mucarsel-Powell. "These FEMA grants will reimburse Homestead for debris removal and electrical infrastructure repairs. I will continue urging state and federal agencies to release the full funding promised so that we can increase our preparedness and resiliency for future storms."

"Thanks to the outstanding team effort of staff and elected officials from both sides of the aisle, including Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Senator Marco Rubio, and Senator Rick Scott, the City of Homestead will be receiving nearly $9 Million in FEMA Grants resulting from Hurricane Irma," said Homestead Mayor Steven D. Losner. "This comes at a crucial time for us to replenish City Reserves as we continue to face the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

The City of Homestead is being awarded $6,377,462.68 for electric distribution repairs and $2,160,986.90 for debris removal as a result of Hurricane Irma.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the State. It is the State's responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards. Following the State's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide funds to the sub-recipients on a reimbursable basis.

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