Gov. Robert Bentley joined representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today for the formal award of $49.1 million in supplemental disaster funding. HUD awarded the money to assist with Alabama’s ongoing recovery from tornado damage incurred in April 2011.

"Alabamians have made great progress in recovering and rebuilding — not just their houses, but also the communities they call home,” Gov. Bentley said. “This funding will go a long way in helping families and communities complete the long-term recovery.”

HUD notified the state in late March that funds would be allocated in response to requests by Gov. Bentley and Alabama’s congressional delegation for additional assistance. HUD then published regulations governing the use of the funds and Alabama submitted a finalized action plan describing how the money would be expended. Today’s formal award follows HUD’s approval of the state’s plan.

The supplemental assistance will help with needs unmet by other funding. Projects expected to be funded include housing and business rehabilitation and infrastructure.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, which is administering the funding, will conduct a workshop tomorrow (Thursday, June 13) at 10 a.m. at Cullman City Hall to help communities that wish to submit grant applications.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. ADECA has set a preliminary deadline of July 22 for receiving applications and expects to announce awards by late summer.

Soon after the April 11 tornadoes, Gov. Bentley assigned ADECA the task of coordinating the state’s long-term recovery efforts.

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Contact Jim Plott or Larry Childers

Photo available: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeca/9026929232/sizes/o/
Cutline: Gov. Robert Bentley is presented with disaster funding from HUD officials during the Cordova ceremony. Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office