Blue roofs remain six months later
by Ginger Jenkins, Managing Editor
With little more than two months before hurricane season begins again, damage from last year remains county wide.
An influx of $20 million in Office of Rural Affairs money has been allocated to Liberty County with a recommended a 60 percent to go toward low-income housing damaged in Hurricane Ike and the balance to be used for local infrastructure.
Judge Phil Fitzgerald said the county is currently deciding upon a method of distribution and criteria for any housing assistance.
In about a month, a process should be set and the money will be disbursed to homeowners and municipalities and the county for recovery.
The Liberty County Long Term Recovery Committee, in place since Hurricane Rita, and seeded with donations from officials such as the judge and County Treasurer Kim Harris, as well as grant funds and church monies, is actively working to access the needs of those in the county.
Director Phil Graham said the committee is evaluating those residents that have "fallen through the cracks" with FEMA and insurance and helping them get a sturdy roof over the heads again.
Fitzgerald said the committee has been a part of the ORCA planning and he hopes they will continue to be a part of the recovery.
"I think our money goes a lot further when we include them," said the judge.
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