FEMA approves $5.6 million for Bay County area

Panama City, Florida — FEMA has approved three projects totaling nearly $5.6 million for the State of Florida to reimburse Bay County, Bay District Schools and Community Charter Academy for emergency protective measures taken after Hurricane Michael.

Bay County is receiving $2,478,054 in reimbursement funds for actions to remove the immediate threat to public health and safety, such as taking flood fighting measures to protect the water treatment plant, as well as supporting search and rescue operations.

Bay District Schools is receiving $1,813,245 in reimbursement funds for the cost of leasing temporary classroom space to continue school operations after the 2018 hurricane.

Community Charter Academy is receiving $1,283,329 in reimbursement funds for the cost of leasing temporary classroom space to continue operations while making repairs to the permanent location as well as using moving and packing supplies to transfer equipment and supplies to the temporary locations.

These grants are 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.