FLORIDA — The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs is getting new help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. 

FEMA has approved more than $1.3 million for Irma expenses.  The money has been allocated to "defray the costs" of emergency protective measures taken for the 2017 storm. 

Eligible applicants can apply to be reimbursed for items like debris removal and other replacement and restoration projects. 

Once applicants have been approved by FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA obligates funding for the project. 

FEMA's Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governement, and certain types of private non-profit organizations including some houses of worship.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project—up to 25 percent—is split with the sub-recipients like local and county governments.