Local Governments Team Up For Hurricane Grants

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — Baldwin County and local municipalities have agreed to work together on federal grants for hurricane recovery that could total more than $43 million, Gulf Coast Media reported. County commissioners and Baldwin County mayors agreed to ask the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to oversee the program to provide relief funds for unmet needs from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta. The money would come through Community Development Block Grants. According to Commission Chairman Jeb Ball, it would be more efficient to have ADECA, instead of the county, oversee the funding. Kathy McHugh, county grants administrator, said Baldwin County is eligible for approximately $43 million in funding, approximately $19 million of which would be for housing and $23 million for mitigation, economic development and infrastructure. Under the program, Baldwin County would receive 30% of the money available for the region, the City of Mobile would receive 40%, and Mobile County would get 21%. The remaining funds would go to other counties affected by the storms.