17/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 16 December, European Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and French Secretary of State with responsibility for Overseas Departments and Territories Yves Jégo signed an implementation agreement, confirming the grant of almost €13 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to Martinique and Guadeloupe, after the damage caused by Hurricane Dean in August 2007 (see EUROPE 9766). The aid will cover emergency expenditure in: - restoring infrastructure and energy installations (€0.25 million), water and sewerage (€1.5 million), street lighting (€1.1 million), road works (€4.6 million), work to be carried out to the coast and ports (€0.1 million); - temporary accommodation for those made homeless (€2.16 million); - securing infrastructure and measures to protect the cultural heritage (€1.2 million); - clean-up operations of affected areas, including natural zones (€1.8 million). 90% of the aid will be put to use in Martinique and 10% in Guadeloupe. (O.L./transl.rt)