FEMA 2014 Funding for Texas Exceeds $211 Million

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $211 million in 2014 funding to the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and community partners for disaster recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

“FEMA, in partnership with TDEM, continues to provide funding to assist communities recovering from and mitigating against future damage,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are committed to helping Texas residents strengthen their resilience.”

The $211 million includes more than $262,000 from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, $26.9 million in Public Assistance dollars for repair and replacement of infrastructure after a disaster, $57.7 million in Hazard Mitigation, and more than $126.6 million in Preparedness funding to mitigate damage from future disasters.  

The 2014 federal funding covered numerous projects in Texas including:
•    More than $14 million to assist in the construction of a new high school in West, TX which included the construction of a tornado shelter within the school.
•    Over $23.1 million was awarded through the Operation Stonegarden preparedness program.  The intent of this program is to enhance coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to secure the borders.   
•    $1.8 million was provided for the construction of two safe rooms in Quanah, TX. When completed, these safe rooms will provide protection to 1,757 nearby residents during the threat of tornadoes.

In addition to providing federal funding, FEMA’s Mitigation Division has taken steps to improve the on-line resources for communities. In 2014 the Risk Communications Guidebook was updated to include the most recent information on the National Flood Insurance Program reform.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.