FEMA Awards S. Utah $11 Million for Flood Damage

Federal authorities now say nearly $11 million is being allocated to southern Utah communities recovering from winter flood damage.

The Spectrum of St. George says the increased aid follows a revised Federal Emergency Management Agency assessment.

Initially FEMA approved just $6 million in flood repair projects.

President Barack Obama declared the region a disaster area in February after flooding in December damaged bridges, parks, sewer lines and trails, particularly in St. George.

Washington County Administrator Dean Cox calls FEMA’s revisions good news. He says the money will cover 75 percent of costs. Cities and the county still have to provide matching funds.

St. George officials say they’ll need to find nearly $2 million in the city budget for recovery work and may shelve other planned projects.