FEMA approves $97M for Florida disaster recovery projects

LAKE MARY, Fla. (WINK)—FEMA announced nearly $97 million in funding to support recovery for past disasters in Florida for Public Assistance projects.

Through Public Assistance, FEMA empowers state and local communities to recover following a major disaster, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or replacement of public infrastructure damaged by recent disasters. This funding is part of the $1.2 billion that FEMA announced for more than 200 large Public Assistance projects nationwide.

The lapse in appropriations has drastically depleted the Disaster Relief Fund, FEMA's primary source of funding for responding to and supporting recovery from Presidentially declared disasters.

FEMA recently approved more than $19 million to reimburse costs for power restoration and distribution systems, including $11.2 million for Lee County Electric Cooperative for Hurricane Ian, $4 million for Sumter Electric Cooperative following Hurricane Milton, and $1.1 million for Central Florida Electric Cooperative for Hurricane Helene. 

More than $17.3 million was approved for countywide debris removal following Hurricane Ian in Sarasota County.

Nearly $12.3 million was allocated to the City of Tallahassee for debris removal and emergency response following severe storms in 2024. Nearly $9.4 million was approved for permanent repairs or replacement of parks, recreational equipment, buildings, docks, and facilities, including $2.2 million for Dunedin East and North Marina seawalls and $4.1 million for Brevard County south beaches dune repair and restoration for Hurricane Milton.

More than $4.1 million was allocated to the City of Clearwater to repair beach walkways, seawalls, and parking areas for Hurricane Helene. The Florida Department of Corrections received $3.7 million, the Florida Department of Transportation received $2.7 million, and the Florida Department of Health received more than $1.8 million for emergency protective measures for Hurricanes Helene and Ian.

Nearly $3.6 million was allocated to Tampa General Hospital to support emergency measures that protect public safety following Hurricane Milton.