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Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

WARREN, Mich. – State and federal officials report more than 92,000 Michigan residents affected by the August floods have been approved for more than $110 million in federal disaster assistance. Survivors are strongly encouraged to register for federal assistance before the Nov. 24 deadline.

Applications must be received by the November date to be considered for assistance from the FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline only refers to the last day survivors can apply. Disaster funds will continue to flow beyond that date.

“One month may seem like a long time but it’s surprising how fast it can slip by, especially at this time of the year,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Michiganders who have not registered should do so today, so we can see how we may help.”

Storm-affected homeowners and renters in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses including essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

“Thousands of Michigan residents are putting state and federal recovery assistance to good use toward their recovery,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “We urge survivors who have not registered to do so before the deadline.”

Homeowners are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged primary homes.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for loans up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property including automobiles.
Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.
Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for working capital loans.

Residents can register for Individual Assistance or check the status of their registrations online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors who have questions regarding the registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, Business Recovery Center or recovery support site, or contact FEMA at 800-621-3362.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and ZIP Code to 43362, and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Originally posted here:

Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

FEMA Says Disaster Recovery Centers Are One-Stop Shops

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages disaster survivors to visit one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to learn about the many paths toward recovering from the August severe storms and flooding.

The recovery centers are one-stop shops where disaster survivors can register for assistance, discuss types of disaster assistance programs with specialists, receive the status of their existing application and obtain other information.

The advantage of already being registered before visiting a recovery center is that FEMA staff can look up an applicant’s case and tell how it is progressing. The same information is available at FEMA’s toll-free number, but the face-to-face experience at the centers makes it easier.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives at the recovery centers can explain the several different kinds of low-interest, long-term disaster assistance loans available. Not only businesses and private nonprofit organizations, but homeowners and renters can apply for SBA disaster recovery loans.

Rebuilding stronger and safer homes is the specialty of FEMA’s mitigation specialists. They are at the centers and can explain how to protect property against damaging winds and floods, and reduce damages from future events.

The centers should not be confused with the recovery support sites located throughout neighborhoods in southeast Michigan. The support sites are open for a short period of time and are staffed with FEMA personnel who can help survivors register and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

It is not necessary to go to a recovery center to register for the various federally-funded recovery programs that can be accomplished better by phone or on the web.

Register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call 1-800-462-7585.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 24, 2014.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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FEMA Says Disaster Recovery Centers Are One-Stop Shops

Disaster Survivors Have Options to Access Federal Disaster Assistance

WARREN, Mich. – Storm survivors in Michigan counties affected by the August floods and storms have plenty of options when it comes to registering for federal assistance and learning about programs to help them recover.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specialists are staffing four Disaster Recovery Centers, numerous recovery support sites and several informational areas at home improvement stores in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

At the Disaster Recovery Centers, survivors can meet face-to-face with specialists from various federal agencies and other organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs. They can register for FEMA disaster assistance, check the status of their application and learn about other programs.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives at the centers can explain low-interest loans available for homeowners, renters, businesses and certain private nonprofit organizations. FEMA mitigation specialists can offer free rebuilding advice. They have publications and information to help homeowners, renters and business owners protect their properties against damaging winds and floods, which may reduce the risk of damage from potential future hazards.

Disaster survivors also can visit recovery support sites located throughout the three counties to register for disaster assistance, learn the status of their existing applications and receive other disaster assistance information. FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance teams staff the sites. The best way to find a location since the sites are temporary and open on different days and at different times is to visit FEMA’s disaster-specific web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4195.

Anyone can go to certain home improvement big-box stores to get publications and information on how to rebuild to reduce the risk from future storms. FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance specialists at these stores also can help disaster survivors register for federal disaster assistance.

The Disaster Recovery Centers are located in:

Macomb County

Renaissance Unity Church
11200 E. 11 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County

Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois St.
Ferndale, MI 48220

Wayne County

Wayne County Community College Welcome Center
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

Wayne County Community College Education and Performing Arts Center
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180

All Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They will be closed on Sunday.

Mitigation specialists are also available in:

Macomb County

Lowe’s Home Improvement
31140 Van Dyke Ave.
Warren, MI 48093
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 21

Wayne County

Wal-Mart Supercenter
7555 Telegraph Road
Taylor, MI 48180
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 19

Ace Hardware Store
8544 McGraw Ave.
Detroit, MI 48210
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays through Oct. 22

Home Depot
18700 Meyers Road
Detroit, MI 48235
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 22

Future locations where mitigation specialists are available are posted on FEMA’s disaster-specific web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4195.

Survivors also can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users may call
800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Follow this link:

Disaster Survivors Have Options to Access Federal Disaster Assistance

Recovery Centers Open on Columbus Day

WARREN, Mich. – The disaster recovery centers operating in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties will be open during regular hours on Monday, Columbus Day, for survivors of the August floods seeking recovery assistance.

Jointly run by the State of Michigan and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the four recovery centers offer disaster survivors the chance to interact with FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other organizations. Visitors to the centers can register for assistance, discuss types of disaster assistance programs with specialists, check on the status of their existing application and obtain other information.

Disaster recovery center locations are:

Macomb County
Renaissance Unity Church
11200 E. 11 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County
Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois St.
Ferndale, MI 48220

Wayne County
Wayne County Community College Welcome Center
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

Wayne County Community College Education and Performing Arts Center
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180

All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but closed on Sunday.

Residents with losses from the storms and flooding will save time by registering for help from FEMA before going to the disaster recovery centers. This can be done by accessing www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

Recovery Centers Open on Columbus Day

2013 Colorado Floods: Individual Assistance Fact Sheet

Main Content

Release date:

September 9, 2014

Release Number:

R8-14-011

FEMA Individual Assistance Program Overview (as of August 25, 2014)

Individual Assistance Programs

Residents of 11 Colorado counties were able to register for Individual Assistance with FEMA.
Statewide, 28,169 individuals or households registered for assistance in the designated IA counties.
In total, more than $61,628,646 has been provided by FEMA; $56,698,793 for rental assistance and home repair, and $4,929,852 in Other Needs Assistance (ONA). ONA can include such eligible disaster-related expenses as medical and dental expenses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved $109,646,900 in low-interest disaster loans to repair damaged homes and businesses. $80,427,100 was approved for individuals and $29,219,800 for businesses and private non-profit organizations.
Disaster Recovery Centers were in 21 communities and received 22,314 visits from applicants while in operation.
SBA Business Recovery Centers in Estes Park, Greeley, Longmont and Loveland received a total of 933 visits. SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Aurora, Colorado Springs and Golden received a total of 403 visits.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, which is managed by the State of Colorado and funded by FEMA, provided $329,449 in benefits. An additional $125,028 was paid in administrative costs.
A total of $4,929,852.86 was awarded in Other Needs Assistance (ONA). ONA includes services such as Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, disaster-related dental and medical expenses and more.
- $5,749,907 was provided to fund Crisis Counseling grants. Of that amount, $4,058,059 was provided through the Immediate Services Program, which covers the first 60 days of the program.
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program ended on December 14, 2013 with a total cost of $2,345,663. This program allowed displaced residents to stay in hotel rooms until more permanent housing became available.

Direct Housing Mission

Due to lack of available housing resources in and around the declared area, a direct housing mission was initiated.

At peak, 47 households were licensed into 54 Manufactured Housing Units
- 80 commercial pads were leased in 5 different locations.
- 56 Manufactured Housing Units were delivered and installed.

Commercial Sites – FEMA leased space and is currently housing 20 households at commercial sites.

There are currently 24 occupied Manufactured Housing Units (20 households in 24 units).

Boulder County – 9 households in 10 units
Larimer County – 2 households in 3 units
Weld County – 9 households in 11 units

The housing mission in Colorado is expected to last up to 18 months.

FEMA Individual Assistance

County	Applicants	IHP Amount	HA Amount	ONA Amount
Adams	988	$1,251,366.87	$1,114,910.32	$136,456.55
Arapahoe	2,721	$3,580,836.79	$3,285,586.88	$295,249.91
Boulder	15,554	$35,307,807.47	$32,999,595.45	$2,308,212.02
Clear Creek	181	$246,784.23	$244,110.69	$2,673.54
El Paso	1,466	$1,773,591.41	$1,578,068.39	$195,523.02
Fremont	101	$61,302.39	$59,351.99	$1,950.40
Jefferson	912	$1,599,530.57	$1,561,088.80	$38,441.77
Larimer	3,874	$6,991,351.23	$6,594,030.38	$397,320.85
Logan	311	$534,413.76	$491,538.67	$42,875.09
Morgan	56	$92,353.45	$84,061.40	$8,292.05
Weld	2,005	$10,189,307.98	$8,686,450.32	$1,502,857.66
Total	28,169	$61,628,646.15	$56,698,793.29	$4,929,852.86

SBA Total Disaster Loans for Colorado

County	Loans	Dollars
Adams	76	$1,731,200
Arapahoe	200	$4,036,100
Boulder	1,458	$65,716,000
Clear Creek	9	$171,800
El Paso	96	$2,156,000
Fremont	5	$45,400
Grand	1	$81,700
Jefferson	92	$3,112,600
Larimer	377	$20,318,400
Logan	25	$1,491,300
Morgan	3	$65,400
Weld	177	$10,721,000
Total	2,519	$109,646,900

Last Updated:

September 9, 2014 – 00:12

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region VIII

and

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Link:

2013 Colorado Floods: Individual Assistance Fact Sheet

2013 Colorado Floods: By The Numbers

1 Joint Field Office established to coordinate recovery efforts (located in Centennial)

11 Number of counties designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program.

15 Applicants FEMA has provided funding for stream clearance

18 Number of counties designated for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

20 Total households that are licensed into Manufactured Housing Units

21 Communities that hosted federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers

47 Households were licensed into 54 MHUs at peak of FEMA housing operation

1,201 FEMA Public Assistance project worksheets

22,314 Individual visits to the many federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers

28,169 Registrations for assistance from the 11 Individual Assistance counties

$4,929,852 Aid provided from FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance* Program

*ONA provides funding for personal property and other items like vehicles and tools

$56,698,793 Repair and rental Aid provide from FEMA’s Housing Assistance Program

$61,628,646 Total FEMA assistance grants under the Individual Assistance Program

$109,646,900 Low-interest disaster loans approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration

$262,193,453 Public Assistance* funding was awarded statewide

*FEMA Public Assistance program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities as well as aid to repair or replace damaged public infrastructure

2013 Colorado Floods: By The Numbers

Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Frances

ATLANTA – September 5 marks 10 years since Hurricane Frances hit Florida and brings timely reminders to be prepared for hurricanes.

Floridians were still recovering from Hurricane Charley as Frances bore down on the east coast of Florida three weeks later. Frances was as big as the state of Texas and twice the size of Charley. As Frances moved slowly over the ocean and approached the coast, orders were given and 2.8 million residents of 41 Florida counties evacuated—the largest evacuation in Florida’s history since Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Frances made landfall on Florida’s east coast as a Category 2 hurricane early on September 5, crossed the Florida Peninsula, and later that night made a second landfall in the Big Bend region.

While Hurricane Frances is remembered for the evacuation, situations requiring people to leave their homes, can happen without warning. Hurricanes may give residents a day or two to move to a safer location, but a fire, chemical spill or transportation accident may require immediate evacuation. Many disasters allow little time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning now is essential.

Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare

September marks National Preparedness Month, and this week’s anniversary of Hurricane Frances is an opportune time to plan how to ‘Reconnect and Reunite with Family Following a Disaster.’ Take time this week to talk with your family about where you will meet and how you will contact each other if separated. Develop plans, including knowing your evacuation zone and routes, ahead of the next severe storm. Information to help you make a family emergency plan is at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Start your plan today! National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30 with America’s PrepareAthon! Check out the information and plan to participate.

Following Hurricane Frances, FEMA provided:

Nearly $412 million in grants to more than 229,500 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance;
Nearly $2.5 million for Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
More than $649 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;
More than $99 million in funding for mitigation projects to help reduce damage from future storms.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided:

More than $227 million in low-interest disaster loans to nearly 11,000 renters and homeowners;
More than $200 million to nearly 2,000 businesses.

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Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Frances

Michigan, FEMA to Start Damage Assessments This Week

CHICAGO –Beginning Tuesday, August 26, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials in the Metro Detroit area will be conducting joint preliminary damage assessments due to the flooding that occurred the week of August 11.

Six teams will be canvassing Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to assess and validate damages and disaster impacts against federal assistance eligibility criteria. MSP/EMHSD, FEMA and SBA team members will be wearing shirts with agency names and logos prominently displayed. Personnel will also have their credentials visible.

When considering eligibility for federal individual assistance—or assistance for homeowners, renters and business owners—damage assessment teams consider a number of factors:

Size and scope of damage as well as threat to public safety. Assessment teams are tasked to collect a description and extent of damages and the impact on individuals in the affected areas. To do so, they will try to talk to as many local officials, renters, homeowners and business owners as possible, taking note of details such as water depth, structural integrity of buildings, damage to mechanical components (i.e. furnace, water heater, HVAC, etc.), insurance coverage in place, length of time floodwater has been in a home, and materials used to build the dwelling. It is not necessary for the teams to visit every home in order to complete the assessment.
Number of primary homes requiring extensive repairs or with structural damage. When collecting this data, teams are looking for failure of major structural components in a building and floodwater depths of more than 18 inches in areas of a residence that meet the federal definition of essential living space.
- It’s important to note: if a presidential declaration for individual assistance is made:
  - Floodwater or sewer backup damages in recreational rooms, unoccupied basements or storage spaces generally do not qualify for FEMA assistance programs. However, disaster-related damages to a home’s mechanical components or those in areas of a residence that meet the federal definition of essential living space—regardless of the location in the home—may be considered eligible for federal assistance.
  - Federal grant funding is made available to eligible applicants as a supplement to local and state resources and insurance payments to help survivors return to safe, sanitary and functional housing. It is not meant to return a home and its contents to pre-disaster conditions.
Duplication of benefits. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits—such as those from insurance, local housing authorities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. If approved, FEMA individual assistance is always supplemental to that assistance.
Number and length of time people are displaced. This information may include number of homes that are not habitable. Teams also attempt to determine whether the community has adequate housing resources to meet the needs of displaced survivors for the time it takes to repair their home.
Ability of the community to recover. Since disasters affect communities differently, teams will collect and document specific characteristics of each—such as demographic and economic data—that may impact their ability to recover. In addition, it is important for the teams to document critical infrastructure that may be unavailable for an extended period of time—i.e. hospitals, schools, utilities and nursing homes—as this could also significantly affect a community’s ability to recover.
Voluntary agency/state program assistance available. Local non-profit, faith-based and community-based organizations contribute substantially to response and recovery after a disaster. Along with local and state governments, these organizations often help survivors immediately after an emergency and, in some cases, have the capability and resources to meet the recovery needs of the affected areas. During the damage assessment, teams document whether, and to what extent, these organizations may be able to meet the essential needs of survivors.
Extent of the business losses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is part of the team and assesses damage to businesses in affected communities. In the event of a federal declaration, the SBA can make low interest loans available to assist businesses as well as homeowners and renters with their recovery costs. FEMA also considers whether the loss of critical businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, or stores that sell building materials and supplies in affected communities could impact recovery.

Once the damage assessments are complete, state officials use the damage totals and impact data to determine whether the disaster meets established criteria and can warrant the governor requesting a federal declaration and assistance.

To find more information about FEMA’s declaration process or disaster assistance programs, visit www.FEMA.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA Media Contact: Sandy Jasmund, 312-213-5291
Michigan MSP/EMHSD Media Contact: Ron Leix, 517-336-6464

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Michigan, FEMA to Start Damage Assessments This Week

Federal Disaster Aid for Alabama Tops $40 Million

Main Content

Release date:

July 18, 2014

Release Number:

NR 071

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Federal aid provided to Alabama residents affected by the April 28 through May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding has reached more than $40 million.

The following numbers, compiled July 17, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved:

$16.5 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$4.1 million for Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$15.4 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses.
$4.4 million for Public Assistance programs. Of that amount, $1.4 million has been allocated for debris removal. Another $500,000 will go toward storm response and $2.2 million has been obligated for infrastructure repair and replacement.

Survivor Recovery

15,951 damaged homes and property have been inspected (99 percent of requests).
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.
21 counties designated for Public Assistance.

FEMA’s mitigation outreach program at nine Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores provided some 1,600 shoppers with information on rebuilding/repairing homes in a safer and more resilient manner. Thank you letters are being presented to participating stores.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

County	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	2,041	$7,514,623.34	$1,422,607.29
Blount	27	$156,231.00	$13,491.06
DeKalb	25	$71,001.00	$20,674.77
Etowah	58	$427,844.51	$60,107.05
Jefferson	435	$1,128,338.93	$205,440.98
Lee	54	$269,887.79	$54,516.18
Limestone	298	$986,713.33	$513,725.46
Mobile	4,195	$5,685,300.76	$1,763,994.47
Tuscaloosa	60	$288,393.02	$69,360.60
Total:	7,133	$16,528,333.68	$4,123,520.71

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.

Last Updated:

July 18, 2014 – 17:18

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region IV

Related Disaster:

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

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Federal Disaster Aid for Alabama Tops $40 Million

FEMA local hires and spending boost Alabama’s economy as tornado recovery continues

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some Alabamians saw their homes and cars destroyed by this spring’s tornadoes and floods while others saw their jobs or businesses demolished.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping put the state’s economy back on track, not only by providing financial assistance to families and state and local governments, but also by hiring Alabama residents to help with the recovery efforts and spending money in the local economy.

The agency has hired 18 Alabamians in various positions around the state, according to Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, the head of FEMA’s recovery mission in Alabama.

“The positions are short-term temporary jobs working in numerous areas of the recovery operation but they are critical to our efforts and to helping the state get back on its feet,” Lewis said. “We take our responsibility to hire local people very seriously and we’re delighted with the quality of employees we’ve found.”

Alabamians have been hired to perform tasks that include performing administrative duties, serving as information technology specialists and couriers, and even assisting with media relations.

In addition, FEMA has roughly 230 personnel working around the state, most of them at the agency’s Joint Field Office in Montgomery where they share offices with U.S. Small Business Administration and state workers.

“This is the equivalent of a medium-sized business locating here in our downtown,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. “The impact on local businesses can’t be understated. It’s a huge boost to our economy.”

“We really want to put local people to work, not only to help Alabama’s economy but to take advantage of their knowledge of the communities in which we are operating,” said Alabama State Coordinating Officer Jeff Byard.

The Montgomery Joint Field Office has already signed contracts with local businesses for more than $500,000 worth of goods and services, as well as purchasing roughly another $48,000 more with cash or charge cards.

“We not only purchase supplies and services from local businesses but our staff rents cars, stays in hotels, shops in stores and eats in local restaurants. They have their families come to visit them,” said Albee. “That adds up to a tremendous economic impact.”

FEMA personnel have been in Alabama since late April and are expected to remain in the state until late summer, though the number of people will be declining as work is completed.

FEMA local hires and spending boost Alabama’s economy as tornado recovery continues

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