The Hawaii County Department of Public Works and the state Department of Education have applied for the largest shares of some $20 million in federal funding for lava disaster relief, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Kelly Hudson, FEMA external affairs officer, said Monday that so far, the top two most costly projects are the work clearing Chain of Craters Road and setting up temporary school facilities and moving students and equipment.
On Nov. 3 a presidential disaster declaration made assistance available for efforts undertaken by the state, county and certain nonprofits to protect public safety during the lava flow. All eligible applicants would be reimbursed on a cost-share basis, with federal funding expected to cover 75 percent of costs.
The other 25 percent of the costs would be at the expense of the applicants.
Donalyn Dela Cruz, DOE director of communications, said the department is seeking about $3.5 million.
In October the DOE announced its plans to close schools ahead of the lava flow as students and employees prepared for relocation. The decision affected about 1,700 students and 300 employees.
One school, Keonepoko Elementary School, remains closed.
The Department of Public Works estimated the cost of work on Chain of Craters Road is about $12 million to $15 million. It would be the third alternative access route used if lava severs roads in and out of the area.
The Hawaii County Council has authorized a sale of up to $20 million in bonds to pay for emergency roadwork needed for the lava flow. The funds would allow the county to cover costs if it is unable to get federal funding for the work.
Deputy Finance Director Deanna Sako said the bonds would not be issued until the money is needed, and the county expects FEMA to pay for a good portion of the total cost.
The county also spent about $3 million to connect Railroad Avenue between Hawaiian Beaches near Pahoa and Hawaiian Paradise Park as another possible route out of the area.
The DOE did not return a call to say how it plans to pay for its 25 percent share.
Eligible agencies were to submit their requests for public assistance through the state on Dec. 3, 30 days from the date of the disaster declaration. Once the process is finalized, the state will be in charge of distributing the approved funds to the applicants.
Meanwhile, lava has not advanced downslope in about two weeks. However, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that many breakouts continue upslope.
The inactive tip of the lava flow remains about 550 yards from Highway 130 in an area west of the Pahoa fire and police stations.
