The City of Franklin joins Southampton and Isle of Wight counties on a list of localities approved for federal disaster assistance related to recovery from Hurricane Irene.

The money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is designated as a cost-share reimbursement program which includes: debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities and parks and recreation.

Typically, the federal share of total eligible costs is 75 percent with state and local agencies paying the remaining 25 percent.

The Public Assistance program is open to state, local and tribal government agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations. Examples of eligible private nonprofit facilities are electric and water utilities, custodial care and medical organizations, and educational institutions.