Distaster grants total $740,000 for county years ago
Reimbursements from state and federal funds for damages caused by this past summer's storms will total nearly $740,000.
Michele Abbott-Becker, Marion County Director of Communications and Emergency Management, reported Monday to Marion County Commission the reimbursement requests included Marion County, Hillsboro, Marion, and Florence.
Abbott-Becker had worked with the municipalities within the county and FEMA in organizing tours and compiling necessary information for reimbursements.
The State of Kansas will provide 10 percent and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) will provide 75 percent of the total submitted as a result of additional cost for manpower, debris removal, road and culvert repair, and equipment.
The county's projects totaled $818,646 for a total of $695,849 expected in reimbursements.
Florence applied for $27,794 and should receive $23,624; Marion applied for $15,029 and should receive $12,774; and Hillsboro applied for $7,782 and should receive $6,614.
Abbott-Becker said three percent of the total amount will be used for administrators' fees. The government entities are responsible for 15 percent, with most matching being in-kind services.
County funds will be reimbursed proportionally to appropriate budget funds.
Abbott-Becker was not sure when the funds will be received.
A second check for $889 has been received as a result of the newly established Wireless Enhanced 911 Act that created grant funds for counties with populations under 75,000 and cities within the counties.
A 25-cent per month fee was imposed on each wireless service account in the state with an additional 25-cent local fee imposed on all wireless user accounts in the state.
Commissioner Howard Collett noted the amount seemed low. Abbott-Becker agreed and said the state had not yet established an accurate accountability system but was required by statute to issue checks.
Monthly emergency communications statistics were distributed by Abbott-Becker.
In September, there were 668 911 calls of which 516 were from cell phones.
