Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement announcing a $6,479,880 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) federal grant for the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands associated with rebuilding from the result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria:

“Today, I am pleased to announce that FEMA has awarded the U.S. Virgin Islands an important $6,479,880 million grant that will not only fund but promote building code compliance to address public health and safety. The creation of the Post Irma/Maria Code Enforcement Unit is consistent with the goal of enhancing the understanding of natural hazards and the risks they pose. This project aligns with property protection objectives and will implement mitigation programs that protect critical facilities and services, promoting reliability of lifeline systems to minimize impacts from hazards, maintain operations and expedite recovery in an emergency.

“The Federal Government must serve a critical and ongoing role in supporting the people of the Virgin Islands as we recover from and persevere through the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma and Maria. The catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Irma and Maria demands massive amounts of aid for our territory if we are to address the overwhelming needs of the countless victims who face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.”