Florida Secures $480 Million in FEMA Funding for Disaster Recovery Initiatives, Announces Senator

Across the Sunshine State, various agencies and local governments are being awarded fresh grants to mitigate the financial burdens caused by recurrent natural disasters over the past ten years.

Florida Senator Ashley Moody revealed that the federal government has sanctioned approximately $480 million in grants to support over 500 public assistance initiatives statewide.

“I’m thrilled to share that after a highly productive meeting with the Department of Homeland Security, we’ve secured a pledge for nearly $500 million in FEMA public assistance funding. This funding is crucial for our communities as they recover from the devastating storms we’ve faced in recent years. I am committed to striving for a Stronger, Safer Florida,” Moody stated.

Moody noted that the grant package encompasses projects related to 14 declared disasters, some of which have been pending for years. Notably, on the First Coast, two projects stemming from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 will finally receive their requested funding.

The largest of the grants is more than $81,000 for Leon County related to Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Northeast Florida is receiving about $40 million in support of several projects. About half of that goes toward the North Ponte Vedra Beach Restoration Project in St. Johns County.

• City of Jacksonville – Emergency Support: $3,682,943.62
  Declaration Date: 9/29/2022 (Hurricane Ian)
• Jacksonville Port Authority: $1,611,725.15
  Declaration Date: 8/10/2024 (Hurricane Debby)

The Jacksonville Port Authority said the funding is reimbursement for berth maintenance dredging completed by JAXPORT following Hurricane Debby. 

“Maintenance dredging removes accumulated silt and sediment to ensure JAXPORT’s berths remain at their federally authorized depths,” a JAXPORT spokesperson said in a statement to First Coast News. “Maintaining berths at their authorized depths ensures that vessels can continue to transit to JAXPORT safely and without restrictions, supporting ongoing maritime commerce and port operations.”

• Ponte Vedra Beach North Beach Replenishment: $19,786,690.41
  Declaration Date: 10/11/2024 (Hurricane Milton)
• City of St. Augustine – Lift Stations: $2,138,250.00
  Declaration Date: 10/8/2016 (Hurricane Matthew)

• Alternate Project – Shands Bridge Fishing Pier – Fire Station No. 24: $2,320,141.73
  Declaration Date: 10/8/2016 (Hurricane Matthew)

• Florida Department of Transportation – Bradford County Off System Roadways: $2,079,805.00
  Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 (Hurricane Helene)

• Florida Department of Transportation – Union County Off System Roadways: $1,268,832.50
  Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 (Hurricane Helene)

• Dune Restoration Project: $2,291,325.30
  Declaration Date: 9/29/2022 (Hurricane Ian)
• Dune Restoration Project: $2,447,540.25
  Declaration Date: 12/13/2022 (Hurricane Nicole)