Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is expecting to receive $6 million in federal funds to address the migrant surge the region is experiencing.
On Tuesday, Dec. 14, FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program advised the City that its National Board approved $6 million for the City’s expenses regarding the migrant crisis. The City is now pending the formal award letter and payment.
REIMBURSEMENT UPDATE
The City has also received notice that FEMA has identified nearly $3.8 million as partial reimbursement for the City’s third-quarter expenses (July-Sept). The total reimbursement request is $5.13 million. FEMA is evaluating the remaining $1.34 million reimbursement. The City is now pending the payment.
The City has begun working on the reimbursement application for the fourth quarter (October to December). The total estimated cost for the fourth quarter is $4.11 million, however, FEMA did provide $2 million in advanced funding in mid-October for fourth-quarter expenses bringing down the estimated fourth-quarter expenses to approximately $2.11 million.
The City and OEM continue ongoing migrant support and preparing for the end of Title 42, as a new wave of migrants arrives at the border. We continue to work with local NGOs, federal partners, and nonprofits to respond to this unprecedented migrant crisis.
STATE SUPPORT
The City is also working with state partners including Texas Senator Cesar Blanco to request state resources, in the absence of an emergency declaration.
“We are extremely grateful to Sen. Blanco for his support and all of our partners including the NGOs, the County, State, and Federal leaders who understand the extraordinary collaborative lift that is required to overcome this federal humanitarian crisis,” said Deputy City Manager Mario D’Agostino.
The City is also in communication with the Texas Division of Emergency Management on resource requests to ensure our community is prepared for the possible lifting of Title 42.
OEM and City officials, along with our County partners, have been looking to identify possible sites that NGOs, state and federal partners can utilize, and the City and OEM staff can augment.
The City and OEM staff continues to monitor the fluid situation and are preparing to respond accordingly.
