Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

February 25, 2020                                                        202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OVER $4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR THE VI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ST. CROIX ANIMAL WELFARE CENTER AND THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing three grants awarded to the VI Department of Education, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center and the VI Department of Public Works from FEMA totaling over $4 million:

“FEMA has awarded a $1,450,883.45 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) for temporary repairs to Ulla Muller Elementary School. This new funding will allow the Department to begin the process of educating our students in facilities conducive to their educational growth.

“FEMA also awarded $1,286,206.87 in federal funding to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center for building and site restoration. The mission of the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center is to provide and promote the humane treatment of animals on St. Croix through humane education, animal protection and community service.

“FEMA also awarded $2,104,122.50 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works for State Management Cost. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee or subgrantee in administering a grant or subgrant award.  Eligible Applicant or sub applicant management cost activities may include:

• Solicitation, review, and processing of sub applications and subgrant awards;

• Sub application development and technical assistance to sub applicants regarding feasibility and effectiveness, BCA, and EHP documentation;

• Geocoding mitigation projects identified for further review by FEMA;

• Delivery of technical assistance (e.g., plan reviews, planning workshops, training) to support the implementation of mitigation activities;

• Managing grants (e.g., quarterly reporting, closeout);

• Technical monitoring (e.g., site visits, technical meetings);

• Purchase of equipment, per diem and travel expenses, and professional development that is directly related to the implementation of HMA programs; and

• Staff salary costs directly related to performing the activities listed above.

“We must be prepared and become more resilient to disaster. Funding for these entities give each group the resources to best serve our children, pets and technical needs they help each fulfill their mission in the event of future emergencies.”

###