GULF SHORES, Ala. — After a second and final appeal regarding federal disaster assistance grants to the city of Gulf Shores, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has directed that $3.9 million be added to help the city recover from Hurricane Katrina. An earlier appeal regarding the grants had been denied.

The FEMA action came in a decision which largely granted the city of Gulf Shores’ appeal from determinations by a FEMA Regional Administrator disallowing $4.6 million of the city’s costs.

After an investigation, it was concluded by the regional official that the work done by the city to restore sand that had been removed by Hurricane Katrina from West Beach, nor its work to remove sand from private property, was eligible under FEMA programs.

As a result of the second appeal, FEMA found that both kinds of work were eligible in announcing the grants.

“We appreciate FEMA’s listening to our case and considering all the issues. A special thanks to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency for their help and support in this appellate process,” Mayor Robert Craft said. “This is an important decision for the city of Gulf Shores.”

Craft, along with Councilman Philip Harris, Coastal Engineer Al Browder and City Administrator Steve Garman met Jan. 15 with Gov. Bob Riley and the District 4 FEMA representative for the city’s second appeal.

The city was appealing for the entire $4.6 million, and is currently reviewing its options, but is very pleased that FEMA has now agreed to fund more than 85 percent of the city’s total cost for sand removal and replacement.

The city hired Ernest B. Abbot, an associate of FEMA Law Associates, to plead their case for reimbursement of needed work done to the beaches after hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. Abbot has been working since January to help the city gain the $4.6 million reimbursement.

Abbot has been receiving a flat rate $350 hourly charge for his services. He worked for FEMA from 1997 to 2001 with the general counsel.