FEMA has approved nearly $119 million for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation projects in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, including repairs to electric systems, roads, bridges and public infrastructure.
The package includes $109 million through FEMA's Public Assistance program and more than $9.5 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the agency announced Friday.
Public Assistance funding reimburses states and local governments for recovery work such as restoring public buildings, repairing roads and critical infrastructure and covering costs tied to public health and safety after disasters.
Among the largest awards is more than $25 million for permanent repairs to the Omaha Public Power District's transmission and distribution infrastructure in Nebraska. City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri, will receive more than $9.5 million for permanent repairs to its electric transmission and distribution system.
Lyon County, Iowa, was awarded more than $5.3 million to repair or replace roads and bridges, while Linn County, Kansas, will receive more than $1.2 million for roads and culverts.
The separate hazard mitigation funding supports projects intended to reduce damage from future disasters. Eligible work can include buying hazard-prone homes and businesses, elevating structures, improving drainage, building safe rooms and upgrading utilities and other infrastructure.
Urbandale, Iowa, will receive more than $3.3 million for property acquisitions, and Correctionville, Iowa, will receive more than $670,000 for similar work. Mountain View, Missouri, was awarded more than $149,000 for a generator.
The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District in Nebraska will receive more than $142,000 to update its hazard mitigation plan. FEMA said it coordinates directly with states on all hazard mitigation projects, with recovery efforts led by state and local governments and supported by federal funding.
The agency said the awards are part of its ongoing assistance to communities recovering from hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes, wildfires and other natural disasters while preparing infrastructure for future events.
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