Alabama City Facing Equipment Replacement Costs

Tuscaloosa officials say it will cost about $1.3 million to replace 47 vehicles and other pieces of equipment that were destroyed or damaged in the April 27 tornado.

They say city taxpayers will be responsible for about $760,000, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurance covering the rest.

The City Council’s Finance Committee approved a $750,935 expenditure on Tuesday to help meet the expenses.

The vehicles and equipment involved are critical to a department’s operations or necessary to restore a department to its level before the storm.

FEMA is covering 75 percent of replacement costs if a piece of equipment or vehicle is not insured for replacement.

If the city has replacement insurance, FEMA is paying 75 percent of the $1,000 deductible for each item.