The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to support communities recovering from recent disasters. A combined $4.9 million was awarded to the City of Albany following tornadoes and straight line winds on Jan. 2, 2017 and to Macon-Bibb County and Excelsior EMC (Electric Membership Cooperative) for Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

The grants are provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance program which reimburses eligible applicants on a cost sharing basis up to 75 percent for actions taken in response to and recovery from a disaster. The remaining project costs are covered by non-federal sources.

FEMA provides funding for these projects directly to the state to be administered through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. Following the state’s review process and upon receipt of appropriate documents from the applicant, the state will distribute the funds on a reimbursable basis.

Below is a breakdown of the FEMA grants:

City of Albany: More than $2.7 million for debris removal.

The President declared a major disaster declaration on Jan. 25 that included seven counties. To date, FEMA has approved more than $12.6 million for the state under the Public Assistance Grant Program. More information is at www.fema.gov/disaster/4294.

Macon-Bibb County: Nearly $1.2 million for debris removal.

Excelsior EMC: More than $1 million for facilities repair. The EMC serves customers in portions of Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins and Tattnall counties.

The President’s major disaster declaration included 159 counties due to the extent of damage caused by Hurricane Irma. To date, FEMA has approved more than $92 million for the state under the Public Assistance grant program as a result of damage from Hurricane Irma. More information is at www.fema.gov/disaster/4338.