St. Petersburg Secures $159.8 Million for Hurricane Recovery

News Summary

St. Petersburg has received $159.8 million in disaster recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding will support long-term recovery efforts, enhance housing, and upgrade the city’s infrastructure following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Idalia. Mayor Ken Welch emphasizes community involvement in deciding how these funds will be allocated, with a strong focus on addressing critical needs like flooding and affordable housing. Additional disaster recovery assistance programs are also being implemented to support affected residents and businesses.

St. Petersburg Secures $159.8 Million for Hurricane Recovery!

St. Petersburg, a vibrant city with a knack for resilience, has just received a significant boost of $159.8 million in disaster recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This aid comes as a much-needed relief for the community following the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Idalia.

This funding is set to pave the way for long-term recovery, crucial housing improvements, and essential upgrades to the city’s infrastructure. Mayor Ken Welch is on a mission, emphasizing that these funds will support substantial investments in the city’s infrastructure. In fact, he is proposing more than $1 billion be dedicated to make sure St. Petersburg is well-prepared and resilient for any future disasters.

Community Conversations

Engaging with the folks in St. Petersburg is high on the agenda! During a recent City Hall On Tour event at The Coliseum, residents were encouraged to voice their thoughts on how the funds should be allocated. This initiative, dubbed “Sunrise St. Pete,” focuses on community involvement, allowing locals to share their insights and concerns.

One resident, Kelly Black, has shared her worries regarding flooding in her Shore Acres neighborhood and is advocating for improved measures to manage street water drainage. Another resident, Doug Martin, echoed these sentiments, calling for critical upgrades to the city’s storm sewers, which faced immense pressure during the hurricanes. The goal is to ensure these systems can handle future weather events with ease.

Affordable Housing on the Radar

Mandissa Marshall, president of the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association, brought attention to the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in light of the hurricanes’ aftermath. As recovery efforts ramp up, city officials are eager to create more pathways for public input. This input will help craft a comprehensive action plan that will be submitted to HUD by July.

The city aims to have projects funded within a swift two years, ensuring St. Petersburg can bounce back stronger than ever.

Disaster Recovery Assistance Programs

$2.2 million. These programs target residents, small businesses, and hardworking city employees affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The goal is simple: to provide support where it’s needed most!

Residents can look forward to financial assistance through the Housing Disaster Assistance program, with eligible households qualifying for grants and loans up to $30,000 to cover storm damage repairs and insurance deductibles. Meanwhile, the Small Business Disaster Assistance program is set to open soon, providing much-needed grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 to help local businesses get back on their feet.

Taking Action with Expanded Support

$10,000. The Rapid Roof Replacement program has been expanded as well, providing qualified homeowners with up to $20,000 for roof repairs and replacements. We Are St. Pete Fund, launched right after Hurricane Helene, aims to provide over $800,000 in extra support for residents, small businesses, and city employees to help them rebuild their lives. It is designed to fill any financial gaps that federal and state programs may leave behind, ensuring that everyone has a chance to recover.

With homeowners eligible for up to $30,000 for various storm-related repairs and support for renters and small businesses also being included, St. Petersburg is really stepping up to make sure its community is taken care of. The future looks brighter for this resilient city!

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Additional Resources

• WTSP News
• The Weekly Challenger
• Fox 13 News
• Fox 13 News
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Recovery