Funds Allocated for Disaster Relief Initiatives in Coastal Alabama
MOBILE, Ala. — In a significant move toward long-term recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Sally and Zeta in 2020, Baldwin County, Mobile County, and the city of Mobile have each been awarded a $1 million grant. These preliminary grants are just the tip of the iceberg, paving the way for more substantial financial support aimed at rebuilding and fortifying these Alabama communities.
Administered under the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program, these initial grants serve as vital stepping stones. They will enable local governments to conduct a thorough assessment of the lingering damages and unaddressed needs. Once these assessments are complete, each of the three governments will craft detailed recovery action plans, which they will submit to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for approval. Upon acceptance of these plans, additional funding will be unlocked, providing the resources necessary for a comprehensive recovery effort.
Governor Kay Ivey emphasized the ongoing struggles many communities and individuals face, stating, “Hurricanes Sally and Zeta wreaked havoc on our coastal areas and beyond, leaving scars that many counties, cities, towns, and residents are still grappling with. This program aims to bring closure and much-needed relief to those whose lives were upended by these natural disasters.”
The forthcoming action plans are expected to address a wide array of needs. Low-income homeowners and landlords with rental properties will receive special attention, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable residents are not left behind in the recovery process. But the vision extends beyond immediate restoration. The plans will also include key initiatives for infrastructure improvements and economic development projects. Moreover, they will outline proactive strategies to minimize the damage from future storms, fortifying these communities against the ever-present threat of natural disasters.
With these grants serving as a launching pad, Baldwin County, Mobile County, and the city of Mobile are better positioned to not just recover, but to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities for the future.
