County Gets New Money for Katrina Housing Victims

Posted on: Mar 31st, 2010 | Announcements

Mobile County?s Hurricane Katrina Housing Assistance Program has received another $850,000 to help victims of the 2005 storm. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs notified the County this week that it will be providing an additional $700,000, as well as turning over to the County $143,339 in unused funds from the post-Katrina renovation of Grand Bay Middle School. ?Every dollar helps as we want to benefit as many people as possible,? said Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean. The Hurricane Katrina Housing Assistance Program has helped more than 300 families repair, renovate, or replace their storm-damaged homes. Recipients live throughout Mobile County. Mobile County has received $18.4 million in federal funds for the program. So far, $17.5 million has been spent or committed. The County had approximately $900,000 remaining before being awarded the additional funds. ?We have committed the resources of the county to those who are truly in need, and our efforts have turned around lives,? said Commissioner Stephen Nodine. The Mobile County Commission has also lobbied Congress for more Katrina recovery funds and has supported efforts of non-profit and advocacy groups to get additional money for hurricane victims. ?We have been hearing from our constituents that the needs still exist, so we are very grateful for the response from ADECA,? said Commission president Merceria Ludgood. ###