Pinellas seeks input for spending $813 million in storm recovery funds
Pinellas County is about to get $813 million in federal storm recovery funds and it wants the public's help deciding how to spend it.
Why it matters: The county, which shouldered back-to-back hurricanes last year, is now getting the largest federal payout in the state, which can help rebuild homes and businesses and repair damaged infrastructure.
Zoom in: The money comes from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to support long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia in 2023, and hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
The grant will serve residents in all cities countywide, except for St. Petersburg, which received its own allocation, per a press release.
It can be used toward repairing damaged buildings, upgrading infrastructure to boost storm resilience and providing worker assistance.
Driving the news: Pinellas has launched an online survey and will host public meetings in April and May to help shape its spending plan — a requirement from HUD.
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