The state has $37 million dollars allocated for 44 projects through funds that came from a March presidential disaster declaration for all states in light of the pandemic.
“We have to date been able to recapture some expenses that either the state or qualified nonprofits have put in for,” said A.J. Schall Jr, director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, said Tuesday during the state’s weekly COVID-19 press conference.
The state also has received a presidential disaster declaration for public assistance because of the damage done in August when tropical storm Isaias shot up the state, spinning off tornadoes in Kent County.
That money will help pay for the response of the state, utility services, nonprofit utility companies and public infrastructure damages.
“We did not have the magnitude for individual assistance,” Schall said.
The state also had applied for disaster aid and public assistance for New Castle County, which just a few days after Isaias saw tornadoes and bad winds knock down thousands of trees in the Hockessin area, blocking roads and damaging property.
It was denied, but Schall said the state has appealed that ruling to try to recoup some of the costs incurred by the county, municipalities, state police, Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.