By Alabama Public Radio
Washington, D.C. – President Bush has approved Governor Riley's request for the federal government to reimburse local governments for 90 percent of the cost of Hurricane Ivan. The money will go toward debris removal and to repair or restore damaged public infrastructure. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby is commending the President's announcement. Shelby says in most disaster situations, the federal government covers only 75 percent of the cost and leaves the rest up to state and local governments. The change comes after disaster damages have exceeded a per capital threshold in the state. FEMA and the state have already obligated more than $120 million to public assistance projects in 51 counties.