Wow keep us updated on this this is cool.
urricane Prep Will Cost State $400 Million
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By NEIL JOHNSON
njohnson@tampatrib.com
Published: May 11, 2006
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FORT LAUDERDALE - Florida lawmakers set aside more than $400 million for hurricane preparation, including a tax holiday and grants to fortify existing homes.
Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday told the 3,500 delegates at the Governor's Hurricane Conference in Fort Lauderdale that the money will help the state weather another hurricane season.
The largest portion of the money, $250 million, will fund a program to provide matching grants up to $5,000 for homeowners with houses valued at $500,000 or less to protect the structures, including reinforcing roofs, strengthening garage and exterior doors, and protecting windows.
Florida will spend $52 million to give permanent emergency backup power to every shelter for those with medical conditions that require special health care, Bush said.
In addition, $18 million will go to adding 130,000 public shelter spaces statewide.
Hurricanes the past two years showed some buildings housing emergency operations centers were vulnerable, and the state will pay $46 million to reinforce or build centers that can withstand higher winds.
Hurricane Charley in 2004 nearly wrecked Charlotte County's emergency operation center.
From May 21 to the season's start June 1, residents can avoid paying sales tax for hurricane supplies such as flash lights, generators and carbon monoxide detectors.