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St. Petersburg Initiates Robust Hurricane Recovery Plan

Community members engage in discussion about hurricane recovery plans in St. Petersburg.

News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida, is set to enhance its recovery efforts for the upcoming hurricane season, receiving a $159.8 million grant from HUD. This funding will primarily address housing shortages and infrastructure improvements following Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. Mayor Welch emphasizes community involvement in the recovery strategy, with public hearings scheduled to gather feedback. This initiative is part of the city’s broader ‘Sunrise St. Pete’ program aimed at resilience and preparedness for future storms.

St. Petersburg, Florida is gearing up for the upcoming hurricane season by initiating a robust recovery plan with substantial federal support. The city has been awarded a $159.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. This funding will serve as a crucial financial boost, separate from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, and is a key component of the city’s long-term “Sunrise St. Pete” initiative aimed at improving resilience and preparedness.

St. Petersburg stands out as one of only two cities in Florida to receive this significant grant, reflecting its urgent need for recovery and development post-disasters. Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the importance of this funding, underscoring the successful collaboration with HUD and the impact it will have on the community’s future stability.

A meticulous 140-page report has been created to strategize the allocation of the grant funds. The distribution is as follows:

66% of the total funds will be directed towards addressing the critical shortage of rental and affordable housing. This initiative aims to alleviate an estimated $1.5 billion in damage caused by recent storms.
16% will be allocated for infrastructure mitigation efforts, focusing on flood prevention measures to safeguard the city against future natural disasters.
12% will support public services and non-profits that provide essential resources to the community.

The recovery plan comprises four significant programs:

Residential recovery and home elevation initiatives will enable homeowners to rebuild and elevate their properties above flood levels.
Voluntary buyouts in areas prone to flooding will be offered to residents, assisting them in moving away from high-risk zones.
Additions of affordable housing will help meet the demand created by the loss of homes in the wake of recent hurricanes.
A new home buyer assistance program will support individuals looking to purchase homes in the area.

30-day comment period to collect feedback from the community.

Public hearings regarding the recovery plan are scheduled for June 3 (to be held virtually) and June 12 at the City Council. The official proposal will be submitted to HUD in July, marking a significant step towards securing the future resilience of St. Petersburg.

As part of its commitment to resilience, St. Petersburg demonstrates a focused approach through the strategic use of federal funds not only to recover from past hurricanes but also to prepare for imminent challenges posed by future storms. This initiative plays a pivotal role in re-establishing the city’s safety and providing essential support for its residents in the face of climate change and natural disasters.