Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

February 5, 2021                                                       202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a $4 million grant for VITEMA from FEMA for Management Costs to pay Hazard Mitigation staff:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $4,275,629.39 in federal funding to the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency for State Management Costs. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee in administering a grant award.  This grant is provided at a 100% cost share.

“Currently the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) has a total of 13 full time employees, six (6) on St. Croix and seven (7) on St. Thomas. There are now currently five open positions with the possibility of additional resources being needed as grant projects continue through to approval. Additionally, the funding is used to cover the need by the team as it pertains to equipment, software, supplies, training, travel both within and outside the Territory. State Management Costs also cover professional services for Contractors.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding. The United States government continues to have an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure and provide critical humanitarian assistance.”

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