Martinez Announces more than $63 Million in Disaster Relief for Florida

WASHINGTON, DC – June 10, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today announced that Florida will receive $63,606,850 for areas affected by natural disasters during 2008. The funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, are for expenses related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure, housing, and economic revitalization in the state.

“Last year homes were lost, businesses were destroyed, and communities were devastated by hurricanes and flooding in the state,” Martinez said. “These funds will go a long way in assisting in the recovery and revitalization efforts to meet the needs of impacted areas. I thank HUD for prioritizing Florida and assisting to repair and rehabilitate our communities.”

Under the terms of the grant, funding will be used for, among other things, reconstruction of affordable rental housing and projects that reduce the risk of damage from future disasters. CDBG grant funding will be allocated to the State of Florida. Counties declared disasters by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and Tropical Storm Fay can contact the State of Florida to apply for funding. HUD provided grants to 11 states that are recovering from disasters in 2008.