EDA's post-disaster assistance program after Hurricane Andrew : final report.

Bibliography: p. 113-128

Following Hurricane Andrew in South Florida in 1992, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) helped communities and organizations by providing over $50 million in planning grants and revolving loans; infrastructure projects and building renovations and improvements; and training and technical assistance programs. This report evaluates the effectiveness of these programs, asking two important questions: can appropriate economic assistance help communities regain their former condition and even enhance their quality of life? and, does such assistance have implications beyond the immediate disaster area? Researchers examined the effectiveness of projects in attaining specified goals, the appropriateness of each project to the needs created by the disaster, the economic impacts of the projects, and the social impacts on and benefits to target populations. They discovered that EDA projects have a regional impact, projects do stimulate economic growth, and EDA was generally effective in maintaining an ongoing relationship with local officials and potential grantees