Maui Wildfire Recovery: $1.6B in HUD Funding
Maui County secures a monumental $1.6 billion in federal funding, a Community Development Block Grant, dedicated to wildfire disaster recovery. This crucial financial injection, finalized June 20, will directly support housing initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, adn the vital economic revitalization of the island. The funds, allocated by HUD, represent a beacon of hope nearly two years after the devastating wildfires. This critically important investment, primarily focused on housing programs and infrastructure projects on Maui, showcases a concerted effort to help survivors rebuild. with intake for housing programs slated to begin in mid-August, those affected should start gathering essential documents. News directory 3 delivers you the latest as the island community rebuilds.Discover what’s next for Maui’s recovery.
Maui Awarded $1.6 Billion for Wildfire Disaster Recovery
Maui County and teh U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) finalized a $1.6 billion Community Development Block grant Disaster Recovery on June 20. The funds are earmarked to bolster wildfire recovery efforts across the island,addressing critical needs in housing,infrastructure,and economic revitalization.
The agreement unlocks federal funding, bridging financial gaps in the ongoing recovery.The U.S. Congress appropriated the grant in 2024, with HUD allocating it to Maui County in January.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said the agreement marks a meaningful milestone. He added that nearly two years after the wildfires, the county is ready to disburse the funds to help survivors rebuild stronger and safer.
The grant, the largest single allocation of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds to a local municipality, will primarily support critical housing programs and infrastructure projects. It will also aid economic revitalization and mitigation programs.
The county’s Action Plan, developed with community input from public hearings in February and March and submitted to HUD in April, details the distribution of funds by program type. HUD approved the plan June 4.
Bissen extended his gratitude to those who facilitated the agreement.
The county anticipates intake processes for housing programs to begin in mid-August. While official aid requirements are pending, officials advise those who lost homes or were displaced to gather documents such as tax returns and pay stubs.
John Smith, administrator of the county’s Office of Recovery, said distributing the funds will be a significant undertaking. He added that the county is committed to ensuring the funds deliver maximum benefit to the community.
What’s next
Those impacted by the Maui wildfires should begin preparing necessary documents, such as tax returns and pay stubs, to facilitate the aid application process, which is expected to begin in mid-August.