The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has been awarded $1,404,336.27 in federal funding to support management costs related to disaster recovery efforts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, provided under FEMA-DR-4485-TX, was announced by the Office of the 18th Congressional District of Texas.

The grant, authorized under Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Act and amended by Section 1215 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA), aims to enhance the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to oversee disaster-related projects effectively. The amendment broadens the scope of management costs to include both direct and indirect administrative expenses, ensuring comprehensive financial support for disaster recovery operations.

HISD utilized the funding for various management cost-related activities, such as tracking, charging, and accounting for expenses directly linked to eligible projects associated with the COVID-19 disaster declaration. The awarded amount falls within the allowable 5% cap for all eligible obligated projects, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines.

This financial support is part of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides crucial aid to local governments and organizations to facilitate disaster recovery efforts. The funding is expected to enhance HISD’s administrative efficiency while allowing the district to continue serving students and educators effectively.

For further information regarding this award and other federal funding initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Office of the 18th Congressional District of Texas.