The legislation raising the spending caps also provided $89.3 billion to help communities recover and rebuild from natural disasters occurring in 2017. The package provided $28 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, $23.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund, $17.39 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and $1.65 billion for the Small Business Administration disaster loan program. Of the CDBG-DR funds, $16 billion will be used to address unmet needs in disaster areas — including at least $11 billion for areas damaged by Hurricane Maria, and $2 billion for repairing and improving the electric grid in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The other $12 billion will be used for mitigation activities that will be awarded to prior CDBG-DR grantees in proportion to CDBG-DR grants awarded in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Up to $15 million of the appropriation will be used for capacity building and technical assistance to help states and local governments more effectively rebuild and administer disaster resources — the first time Congress has dedicated technical assistance for recipients of CDBG-DR.
Congress Passes $89 Billion Disaster Aid Package
Published by Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing
The vision of OCAH: That all Oklahomans have the opportunity to live in safe, healthy and affordable homes. Our Mission: To lead the movement to ensure that all residents of the state of Oklahoma flourish in safe, affordable homes and to help communities develop safe and affordable housing options for all of their residents. We reach our mission through advocacy, education and practical training to foster the production and maintenance of affordable housing throughout the state. View all posts by Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing
