FEMA approves more than $33 Million for Hurricane Matthew recovery

ATLANTA, Ga. (FOX 35 WOFL) - FEMA has announced that they have approved more than $33 million to reimburse the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Transportation, as well as Indian River County for debris removal expenses after Hurricane Matthew in 2016. 

They say that of the total, $23 million will go to the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will receive more than $9.5 million and more, and then $1 million will reimburse Indian River County. 

These grants are provided through FEMA's Public Assistance program, which reimburses communities on a cost sharing basis for actions taken in response to and recovery from a disaster. Public Assistance grants reimburse at least 75% of the cost of each project. The remaining amount comes from nonfederal sources.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and FEMA work together to ensure all eligible costs are reimbursed for projects related to Hurricane Matthew throughout disaster designated areas in Florida. These grants were provided directly to FDEM; following their review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will distribute the funds.

In Florida, 18 counties were designated for Public Assistance funding under the Presidential declaration due to damage caused by Hurricane Matthew. To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $313 million to Florida under the Public Assistance program.