Sylvia R. Garcia
Commissioner
For Release: February 19, 2009
Contact: Mark Seegers
(713) 755-6220
(713) 444-2255
Pasadena to Get More CDBG Funds for Ike Relief
Pasadena and other hard hit areas of Harris County will get more federal money for Hurricane Ike relief as the result of a new formula for funding presented by the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC).
At one of two public hearings on the allocation of the $814-million the region will receive in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Commissioner Garcia presented data provided by Harris County’s Community Services Department supporting claims that should increase the amount distributed to Harris County.
“Clearly this first round of money is not enough for everybody’s needs, but there is more to come and it was important that the formula for allocating this money more accurately reflects the areas of greatest need,” Garcia said. “Precinct Two gets hit first and we get hit hardest and, I wanted to make certain that our cities and unincorporated areas get the most out of this allocation.”
In the first proposal, Harris County would have received $85.5 million. The new Method of Distribution presented by Commissioner Garcia and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett will bring just over $140.5 million.
The amount that the City of Pasadena and the other cities in the county will receive will be based on claims already presented to FEMA. That amount is yet to be determined.
Pasadena Mayor, Johnny Isbell says that staff will be working with the County to determine its fair share of the reimbursement for in excess of $381 million in storm damage.
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“By greatly expanding what was initially offered, Harris County now has a significant funding pool to assist communities in rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Ike. Commissioner Garcia’s vigilance will translate into more dollars for Pasadena, as well as other hard-hit areas of the county,” Isbell said. “With the damage in our community to both city structures as well as residences, this news couldn’t have come at a better time. We’re pleased the strong partnership between the county and Pasadena is going to translate into more help right where it is needed.”
The allocation method provides that 40 percent of the money ($56.3 million) be spent on housing and that 60 percent ($84.4 million) be spent on public infrastructure.
“It is important to remember that this is only the first round of funding that will come to this region,” said Garcia. “We don’t know how much more will come our way from the federal government, so it is important that east Harris County stands together now to ensure that the areas of greatest need get their fair share of funding.”
The process to determine the exact amount of infrastructure money each city and Harris County will receive is expected to take several months. Then that money will be disbursed to each government entity.
All claims for funds to repair homes will be handled by Harris County’s Community Services Department.
Information on that program can be obtained by calling (713) 578-2100 or online at http://www.csd.hctx.net.
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1001 Preston Suite 950
Houston, Texas 77002
713-755-6220