By Alabama Public Radio
Mobile, AL – It is also the latest in two years of increased state payments for storm-related emergencies. By law, states must pay one-quarter of the cost of the Federal Emergency Management Agency program that provides grants to cover disaster-related medical expenses, clothing replacement and other needs. FEMA spokesman Jay Eaker says Alabama's total bill was about 33 million dollars between September and early November in the aftermath of Katrina. He says around 2 million more dollars have been spent through the program since then. The bill goes to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and will be paid with money from the state's General Fund.