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Ige signs bill providing $125M to flood recovery

ASSOCIATED PRESS

In a photo provided by the County of Kauai, officials survey damage from a recent storm on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

Gov. David Ige has signed a bill setting aside $125 million for flood recovery efforts on Kauai and Oahu.

The Legislature sent SB 192 to the governor’s desk, designating $100 million for Kauai and $25 for Oahu.

“The floods have been devastating to families, individuals and businesses on Kaua‘i and Oahu,” Ige said in a press release. “We have moved quickly to start relief and recovery efforts. This funding will help take us to the next level.”

Heavy rain socked East Oahu and parts of Kauai from April 13 to 16, producing widespread flooding and triggering mudslides that caused damage to homes, business and highways. The $125 million will be used for public facilities repairs, including roads, bridges, county parks and infrastructure.

A presidential disaster declaration was approved on Tuesday, making Kaui and Oahu eligible for federal emergency aid. While the state’s request for federal assistance for individuals was denied, the decision is being appealed.

Ige previously made $500,000 available for emergency response efforts, and an additional $10 million to speed up work to reopen roadways.

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