alabama - femacontract.com

FEMA Has Provided More Than $1.1 Million to Governments for Alabama Storm Repairs, Response Costs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The federal government has already put more than $1.1 million in the hands of state, county, and local governments to reimburse them for their costs associated with the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance (PA) program provides states, counties, municipalities, federally-recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations with funding for clean-up, repairing public infrastructure and the cost of responding to declared disasters.

“We are working as hard as we can to get these funds out to the affected communities,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, the head of FEMA’s disaster recovery mission in Alabama. “But we have to follow the process and its safeguards to ensure that the taxpayers’ money is spent properly.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funding to repair roads and bridges, put water systems and utilities back in order, and pay for the cost of emergency response as well as debris removal in some cases.

Of the funding obligated so far, roughly half of it – $491,982 – has been allocated for debris removal. Another $169,104 will cover expenses related to responding to the storms, and $259,019 has been obligated for reimbursement of infrastructure repair work.

The total PA costs for the state of Alabama are estimated at just under $30 million.

“Obviously, it will take some time to process the paperwork for the more than 300 projects we expect to receive applications for,” Lewis said. “FEMA will be here for the duration and we hope the state, counties and municipalities will be patient as we continue our work.”

FEMA’s PA program typically reimburses 75 percent of the eligible cost of these projects, with the state and local government sharing the remainder.

“Our staff is working as diligently as our partners at FEMA to get these funds out the door to the organizations, counties and towns that need them,” said Alabama’s State Coordinating Officer, Jeff Byard.

The PA funding program process includes the following steps:

Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) are conducted by local, state and federal officials after a disaster has struck.
The governor requests federal assistance.
The president then grants a disaster declaration for counties within the affected state.
The state holds applicant briefings to explain eligibility
The public entity makes a formal request to the state for Public Assistance (RPA).
At the “Kick-off” meeting, FEMA assigns a Public Assistance Coordinator (PAC) to work with the applicant to prepare project worksheets.
FEMA coordinates with the State’s Office of Emergency Management and Regional Planning Commissions to schedule applicant meetings and site visits.
FEMA documents the damage, identifies the scope of work and estimates the costs.
FEMA then reviews the project to ensure it complies with program eligibility guidelines and is cost effective.
If the project is approved, federal funds are obligated to the state which in turn provides funding to the applicant.
There is a closeout process that reviews the entire project to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

You can learn more by visiting: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit

Originally from:

FEMA Has Provided More Than $1.1 Million to Governments for Alabama Storm Repairs, Response Costs

Federal Aid for Alabama Reaches More Than $29 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More than $18 million has been approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individuals and Households Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $11 million through its low-interest disaster loan program.

The following numbers, compiled June 19, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved

$15 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$3.4 million for Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$11 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters or business owners.

Survivor Recovery

14,035 damaged homes and property have been inspected (99 percent of requests).
4,592 visits have been made to the 11 Disaster Recovery Centers located in designated counties. (All centers have closed; five have transitioned to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, operated by the SBA.)
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.
21 counties designated for Public Assistance.

FEMA works with many volunteer agencies and the private sector to speed the recovery effort. Those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding need to register with FEMA for disaster assistance.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance status, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Operators are multilingual. TTY 800-462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	1,863	$7,009,138.94	$1,228,108.08
Blount	24	138,544.00	9,189.78
DeKalb	24	70,327.76	20,674.77
Etowah	55	423,654.46	52,307.04
Jefferson	407	1,047,685.38	185,538.87
Lee	52	262,661.60	54,150.10
Limestone	286	889,358.37	475,760.43
Mobile	3,668	4,904,206.19	1,364,776.16
Tuscaloosa	59	270,328.58	66,951.64
Total:	6,438	$15,015905.28	$3,457,456.87

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process. This is especially true during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration.

Affected survivors and business owners in the nine designated counties may apply for assistance from FEMA and/or the SBA. Those counties are: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, operated by the SBA to assist survivors with questions about federal loans, are located in Baldwin, Jefferson, Limestone and Mobile counties. The locations are:

Elberta Town Hall, 10352 Main Street, Elberta, AL 36540.
Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532.
Graysville Public Library, 315 South Main Street, Graysville, AL 36073.
Ripley Woodmen Of the World Hall, 11281 Ripley Road, Athens, AL 35611.
Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL 36608.

These facilities, which also are staffed with a FEMA specialist, are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until further notice.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, July 1.

Source:

Federal Aid for Alabama Reaches More Than $29 Million

Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some survivors of the recent Alabama storms may not have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples:

I didn’t know there was assistance available.
FEMA tries to let everyone know about disaster assistance, but some people miss the message. Please be sure to spread the word among your co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FEMA provides housing grants and other programs such as help with medical, dental and funeral expenses that are not income dependent. Anyone in a designated county with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA, because I have insurance.
Everyone with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured costs.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to apply since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I thought FEMA only made loans. I don’t want a loan.
FEMA does not make loans, only grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid. The United States Small Business Administration does make loans to cover disaster damage to uninsured or under insured property for homeowners, renters and business owners.

I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FEMA makes grants to help renters with temporary housing and help with disaster-related losses of personal property.

I’m going to register just as soon as I can find the time to get all the paperwork done.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes about 20 minutes. Don’t wait, because the deadline is July 1.

I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
If you had damage from a previous federally declared disaster and you had damage from this declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

Other people need the help more than I do.
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors. You will not be taking from others, if you register for aid.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

See the article here –

Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

Alabamians Can Go To Home Depot, Lowes For FEMA Advice On Rebuilding Stronger

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As recovery continues from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that hit Alabama, federal officials are offering help on how to rebuild “stronger and safer” for the next disaster.

Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores around Alabama to offer residents information about rebuilding their flood- and wind-damaged homes to make them better able to withstand future disasters.

“When you’re picking up after a disaster, preparing for the next one is sometimes the last thing on your mind,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer, Albie Lewis. “But our mitigation specialists can show you easy ways to make your home or business ‘better and safer’ the next time tornadoes, flooding or high winds hit.”

Mitigation advisors can provide valuable information on how to reinforce structures against flooding and other hazards, how to construct a safe room, and information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

They can also offer advice on mold and mildew cleanup, rebuilding structures to resist high winds, and how electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances can be protected from flooding. Free publications on a variety of rebuilding and recovery topics will also be available.

“Here in Alabama, we know that making our homes, businesses, and communities more resilient just makes sense,” said Alabama’s State Coordinating Officer, Jeff Byard. “If there are cost-effective ways to make you, your family and your property safer the next time a disaster strikes, why wouldn’t you do it?”

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores on the following dates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

June 20-21, June 23-25

Jefferson County

Home Depot

6405 Flintridge Drive

Fairfield, AL 35064

Lowe’s

1201 19th Street North

Bessemer, AL 35020

Mobile County

Home Depot

755 Schillinger Road South

Mobile, AL 36695

June 27-28, June 30

Lee County

Home Depot

2190 Tiger Town Parkway

Opelika, AL 36801

Baldwin County

Home Depot

2899 S McKenzie Street

Foley, AL 36535

In addition to the mitigation advisors, an Individual Assistance representative will also be on hand to provide general information about assistance to survivors. For specific case information, survivors can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

To download materials on a variety of topics about strengthening property against tornadoes, flooding or other hazards, visit:

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster or

Link to original:

Alabamians Can Go To Home Depot, Lowes For FEMA Advice On Rebuilding Stronger

Recovery Centers Have Closed but FEMA Still Here to Help Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Closure of the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers in Alabama does not mean FEMA has left Alabama.

All the assistance services available at the Recovery Centers are easily accessible online and by phone. There also is a FEMA representative at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, many of which are in the same location of the Recovery Centers.

“FEMA is available to help folks in Alabama get their lives back together,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, who heads the federal disaster recovery effort in Alabama. “People can call the FEMA helpline, or go to FEMA’s website.”

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Survivors also can meet with the FEMA representative at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. SBA is operating Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in many of the same locations as the Recovery Centers.

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

When applicants register with FEMA, they are given a unique “registration number” which identifies them in the FEMA system. When calling with a question, applicants should have this number handy.

Applicants can reach the helpline by dialing 800-621- 3362 – the same number they called to register.

Applicants may use the helpline to find out when a housing inspector will arrive, check the status of their assistance applications, change their applications to include additional damage, inquire about additional assistance or review their right to appeal FEMA decisions on eligibility or compensation.

“Closing the recovery centers does not mean we are closing down registrations for disaster assistance,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Art Faulkner, “Alabamians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the recent storms have only until July 1 to register with FEMA. If you have not registered, do it today.”

See the article here:

Recovery Centers Have Closed but FEMA Still Here to Help Alabama

Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance

Main Content

Release date:

June 16, 2014

Release Number:

NR 041

Montgomery, Ala. – Alabamians who had damage from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding have just two more weeks to register for FEMA assistance.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Tuesday, July 1. To register:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Those wishing to apply for a low-interest U.S. Small Business loan also must do so by Tuesday, July 1. Call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to apply.

What you need to register with FEMA:

Before starting your application, you, your co-applicant or a minor in your home must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security number, please apply for a Social Security number, then visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to complete your disaster application. Your household may still be able to receive assistance if there is a minor in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien with a Social Security number.
Insurance Information. Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have, such as homeowners, flood, automobile, mobile home insurance, etc.
Damage Information. Describe your damages caused by the disaster, including the type of disaster (flood, hurricane, earthquake) and type of dwelling (mobile home, house) or vehicle (car, boat).
Financial Information. Provide your family’s total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
Contact Information. Give FEMA the address and phone number where the damages happened and the address and phone number where you can be reached after the disaster.
Direct Deposit Information (optional). If you are approved for assistance and want your funds deposited directly into your bank account, provide your banking information. This includes:
- Bank name
- Type of account (ex: checking, savings, etc.)
- Routing number
- Account number

After registering, you can:

Track your application. Be sure you keep your FEMA registration number and other pertinent information on hand when you contact FEMA.
Notify FEMA of changes to your mailing address, phone number or email address.
Update FEMA if you receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

Last Updated:

June 17, 2014 – 12:04

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region IV

Related Disaster:

Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

Link:

Two Weeks Left To Register For Disaster Assistance

Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Child care costs following a presidential disaster declaration have been added as a reimbursable expense in some cases.

The child care program falls under the Individuals and Households Program within Individual Assistance. Child care costs will be subtracted from the applicant’s total grant amount.

To be eligible, survivors must live in a declared county and use a licensed child care service (center-based, group home, in-home or other provider). The children can be up to age 13, disabled children, as defined by federal law and who need assistance in caring for themselves, may be up to age 18. They also must be occupants of the household, are listed on the Application for Disaster Assistance and are dependents of the applicant.

Costs per child may be awarded for a total of eight weeks, which may or may not be consecutive. Eligible expenses include child care expenses, one-time registration fee, plus health inventory fee if the applicant must change child care providers.

“We know that many households rely on child care and that it can take a big chunk out of their budget,” said Albie Lewis, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama. “If you have a disaster-related impact on your income, you may want to explore child care assistance.”

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1.

For more information or to register for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Applicants who apply for the benefit will receive a letter outlining documentation FEMA needs to evaluate the request for disaster-related child care assistance.

Continue reading here:

Disaster Survivors in Alabama may be Eligible for Child Care Assistance

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama storm survivors should register for disaster assistance even if they may believe insurance will cover their losses from the recent storms.

“Insurance is an important part of the recovery process,” said Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama storm recovery, Albie Lewis. “But, insurance may not meet all your needs, so registration with The Federal Emergency Management Agency and staying in touch with FEMA is very important.”

After an insurance claim has been paid, there could be uninsured losses that could be eligible under disaster assistance programs or SBA loans.

“It is important to know what your policy covers,” said Art Faulkner, Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. “For example, if insurance does not include the expense of being displaced from your home, FEMA disaster housing assistance may help,” Faulkner said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration offer assistance programs for homeowners, renters, and business owners in nine Alabama counties designated for Individual Assistance.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for uncompensated losses. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Link:

Disaster Survivors Advised to Register with FEMA even if Insured

Recovery Center in Jefferson County to Close June 6; Re-Opens June 7 as an SBA Center

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Disaster Recovery Center at Lawson State Community College in Jefferson County will re-open as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the same location on Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m. The Center will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, then, Monday through Thursday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The SBA Center will have both SBA and FEMA staff on hand.

The Disaster Recovery Center is located at Lawson State Community College, 1100 Ninth Ave. SW, Bessemer, AL. The Recovery Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, June 6.

After the center closes, survivors will still be able to contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Survivors may also visit any of the open Recovery Centers.

The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is July 1, 2014.

Recovery Centers in Alabama are currently open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following locations:

Baldwin County

Elberta Town Hall,10352 Main St., Elberta, AL 36530
Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532

Jefferson County:

Maurice C. West Community Center, 171 Second St. SW, Graysville, AL 35073
Lawson State Community College, 1100 Ninth Ave. SW, Bessemer, AL 35022
(An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center opens Sat., June 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. through Thu., June 12.)

Limestone County:

Ripley Woodmen of the World Hall, 11281 Ripley Road, Athens, AL 35611

Mobile County:

Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile, AL 36608

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace uncompensated losses. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Loans to businesses, including non-profits are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. The deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is February 2, 2015.

See the original article here –

Recovery Center in Jefferson County to Close June 6; Re-Opens June 7 as an SBA Center

Two Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Public Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in two additional Alabama counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses.

Houston and Washington Counties were added Monday to the May 2 major disaster declaration issued by President Barack Obama for the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

The two additional counties are now eligible to apply for all seven categories (Categories A-G) listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures such as search and rescue and provision of shelters or emergency care, while categories C through G include more permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and contents, as well as water facilities, public utilities and parks.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses applicants a minimum of 75 percent of their eligible expenses. The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

The twenty total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

Credit:

Two Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Public Assistance

Page 2 of 4 « 1 2 3 4 »