Gulf County will soon receive $18 million in federal aid to reimburse Hurricane Michael recovery costs.
The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance grant program, which local governments and non-profits rely on to pay for costs following a major natural disaster. Michael was a Category 5 hurricane when it made landfall about 12 miles east of the county more than two years ago.
More than $15 million will cover costs to protect Indian Pass, St. Joseph Peninsula and St. Joe Beach from "extensive dune erosion," according to a recent FEMA news release. The funding will pay for emergency berms and temporary levees to prevent flooding.
After the storm, part of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was breached, cutting off access to hiking trails and cabins. According to the park’s website, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is working to deposit sand in the area, allowing for the restoration of dunes and the construction of an access road.
The county also recently received $3.1 million from FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program for other hurricane-related recovery expenses.
