Categories: Breaking NewsDisastersEconomyNews

St. Petersburg Set to Receive $160 Million in Disaster Recovery Funding

Community engagement and council members discuss plans for utilizing disaster recovery funding in St. Petersburg.

News Summary

St. Petersburg is poised to receive $160 million in disaster recovery funding from the HUD’s CDBG-DR program to address storm recovery needs and enhancements. Approximately $139 million will focus on unmet recovery necessities, benefiting low to moderate-income households, while $20.85 million will support vital mitigation projects. The city has engaged professional services firm Horne for strategic allocation and community input to ensure maximal impact. Council members anticipate a robust action plan, with public engagement opportunities scheduled to solidify community contributions to the recovery efforts.

St. Petersburg Set to Dive into $160 Million in Disaster Recovery Funding

St. Petersburg is gearing up to receive a whopping $160 million in disaster recovery funding, thanks to a recent meeting of the City Council and some savvy consultants. This significant boost is coming from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which aims to help cities recover from past storms and build resilience for the future.

Allocating Funds for a Brighter Future

Out of the $160 million, St. Petersburg is tasked with the important job of allocating $139 million for those pressing unmet storm recovery needs and an additional $20.85 million for crucial mitigation efforts. One key point to remember is that at least 70%, or about $112 million, has to directly benefit low to moderate-income households. This means families earning around 80% or less of the area median income—roughly $74,000 for a family of four—are at the forefront of this funding initiative.

Professional Services on Board

To ensure that the funds are utilized in the most effective way, the city selected the professional services firm Horne. This firm will help develop an action plan that outlines how the funds will be spent. They were chosen through a competitive process, which speaks volumes about the city’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.

Workshops and Community Engagement

On March 13, during a Committee of the Whole meeting, council members discussed various vital topics related to this funding, including program timelines, how the funds can be used, and the potential impacts of any presidential changes. Councilmembers are buzzing with optimism as they see this initiative not just as a way to recover but as a chance to build a more resilient future for everyone in St. Petersburg.

Horne is currently on the ground, gathering public feedback to identify the “highest and best use” of the funding. They’re also conducting an unmet needs assessment to make sure that no stone is left unturned. Residents can expect an action plan to be submitted to HUD by July, with hopes of securing a binding grant agreement by fall.

Potential Changes in Federal Guidelines

Recently, federal officials have made some changes to guidelines, including rescinding several previous presidential executive orders that could affect how disaster funding is distributed. While this has raised some concerns among council members regarding uncertainties, the city remains committed to prioritizing housing and infrastructure projects. There’s even talk about using some of the funding for workforce development training, especially around home elevation techniques—something that can be critical when facing severe weather.

Time is of the Essence

The clock is ticking, as the city has six years to utilize the allocated funds, and up to $8 million can be set aside for administrative costs. The funding will support up to 25 eligible activities, covering everything from housing and infrastructure to economic development, hazard mitigation, and public services.

Community Feedback Opportunities

To keep the lines of communication open, an upcoming community survey is set to launch on March 24, part of the Sunrise St. Pete initiative. This is a golden opportunity for residents to weigh in on how to best utilize the funding. Plus, there will be a public feedback session on March 26, hosted by Mayor Ken Welch, where residents can voice their thoughts and concerns directly.

Look Ahead with Hope

As the city moves forward with its plans, St. Petersburg is not just waiting for funds to trickle in; it is proactively engaging with the community. While there certainly is some chatter about federal uncertainties, the focus remains on what can be done within the funding framework to build a stronger, more resilient community for all.