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U.S. Department of Commerce Announces $200 Million in Disaster Relief Funding

FOR IMMEDIARE RELEASE
Thursday, March 29, 2012
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson today announced the availability of $200 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding to help communities that received a major disaster designation in fiscal year 2011 with long-term economic recovery and infrastructure support. 

“The Obama administration is committed to helping rebuild communities impacted by natural disasters,” Bryson said. “With this $200 million, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration will support long-term economic recovery in critical regions and invest in job creation to ensure our economy is built to last.”

Successful projects will support long-term economic recovery, not initial clean-up or rebuilding efforts; demonstrate a nexus between the project scope of work and applicable disaster; demonstrate that the project will foster job creation and promote private investment; align with a relevant strategic, economic development, or disaster recovery plan; and demonstrate the incorporation of disaster resiliency.

Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be evaluated against all other eligible applicants. Those who can apply include: states or subdivisions of states (i.e., town, county, etc.); public or private non-profit organizations or associations; district organizations (i.e., Economic Development Districts, Regional Planning Commissions, etc.); institutions of higher education; and Indian Tribes. For this Disaster Relief Opportunity, EDA will consider applications submitted by eligible applicants located in or acting on behalf of disaster-affected regions.

The Department of Commerce is the coordinating agency under the National Disaster Recovery Framework for Economic Recovery Support Function. The National Disaster Recovery Framework provides guidance that enables effective federal recovery support to disaster-impacted states and other jurisdictions, and focuses on how best to restore, redevelop and revitalize the health, social, economic, natural and environmental fabric of the region.

For more information on how to apply for the disaster relief funds, click here.