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Making Strides with Public Projects: Update on PA Top Ten

EATONTOWN, N.J — One of the largest public assistance projects in the history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently received final approval for funding.

The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission’s Newark Bay Treatment Plant is the fifth-largest sewage treatment facility in the nation. The plant, which is situated on a low-lying 140 acres at the edge of Newark Bay, treats wastewater, municipal sewage sludge and drinking water sludge from 3.43 million combined residents of New Jersey and New York, serving approximately 25 percent of New Jersey’s population and 15 percent of New York City’s.

Forty-six separate project worksheets were associated with the plant. The FEMA-obligated cost of PVSC’s combined projects is $348,680,241.44, topping the list of New Jersey public assistance applicants.

The facility sustained more than $90 million of damage to everything from generators and internal wiring to support vehicles on the grounds. In addition to the repairs, PVSC plans to build a flood wall that will protect the entire facility from a similar future disaster. That project will require approximately one year to design and 5-6 years to build.

Debris removal was the most costly expense in the days immediately after Hurricane Sandy, and FEMA has obligated more than $203 million to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for Sandy-related remediation and expenses, including $161.4 million for debris removal expenses. The third-highest application total for PA grant funding is the Middlesex County Utilities Authority at $93.7 million.

In New Jersey, FEMA Public Assistance grants for Hurricane Sandy recovery work pay 90 percent of the eligible costs not covered by insurance payouts. FEMA provides the funding to the State of New Jersey for reimbursement to the applicants. Any remaining costs are paid for by the applicant.

Grants also can be used to pay for the repair, reconstruction or replacement of eligible public facilities and infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

As of October 3, 2014, FEMA has obligated nearly $1.5 billion for public assistance projects related to Sandy in New Jersey.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

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Making Strides with Public Projects: Update on PA Top Ten

Michigan Residents Warned of Fake Building Contractors

WARREN, Mich. – With more than $69.3 million in disaster recovery assistance approved for Michigan homeowners and renters, fake building contractors are angling to get their hands on some of it, state and federal officials warned.

Scam artists and other criminals often prey on survivors who have received money to repair their storm-damaged homes. Authorities in Michigan have already received isolated reports of people doing just that.

“In times of crisis, Michiganders pull together and help each other when it’s needed most,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Unfortunately, there are some people who will try to take advantage of disaster survivors. We strongly recommend that individuals take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.”

Homeowners and renters may be anxious to repair their homes as quickly as possible, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges them to first check the credentials of anyone offering to do repairs.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) offers valuable resources to help determine whether a contractor is a legitimate professional:

For residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors, an online license search is available at www.michigan.gov/licenselookup or by calling the LARA’s Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing Bureau at (517) 373-8376.
Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Mechanical contractors must also have the proper license classification. To verify license information, go to www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or call (517) 241-9313.

“In every disaster, there are always a few individuals who want to profit from the recovery effort,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “Asking just a few questions can save people from a lot of heartache.”

It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse contractors to repair homes. FEMA housing inspectors do not determine eligibility for assistance.

When hiring a contractor:

Ask the individual to show you his or her “pocket card,” which will contain the license number.
Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
Get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
Select only contractors that carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.

The most common post-disaster fraud practices involve not only fraudulent building contractors, but phony housing inspectors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Those who suspect fraud may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.

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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

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Michigan Residents Warned of Fake Building Contractors

Deadline Approaching for Governments and Nonprofits to Apply for Federal Assistance

WARREN, Mich. – Local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are eligible to apply for federal disaster funds due to the severe storms and flood damage that occurred from Aug. 11-13.

The major federal disaster declaration for severe flooding and storms requested by Gov. Rick Snyder and granted by President Obama on Sept. 25 makes public assistance available in the form of grants to those affected local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations.

Projects covered include debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of public facilities and infrastructure, such as schools and roads.

Those applicants that are eligible and want to apply for aid must complete and submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) by Oct. 25.

After the MSP/EMHSD receives the RPA form, state and federal agencies will provide one-on-one assistance to discuss damages, assess needs and put a plan of action in place.

“We want to make sure all eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to complete and submit this form,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “It only takes a few minutes to complete.”

Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont further emphasized, “The application is a necessary first step in receiving the dollars communities need to recover and rebuild.”

Last week, representatives from the MSP/EMHSD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted applicant briefings with community officials throughout the affected disaster areas in southeast Michigan. These meetings addressed application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program eligibility.

Public officials and other eligible applicants who want to file an RPA form on behalf of their community or private nonprofit organization should go to www.michigan.gov/miflood for more information.

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

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

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Deadline Approaching for Governments and Nonprofits to Apply for Federal Assistance

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

FEMA Encourages Participation in Oct 16 Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

With earthquakes possible in most states, all Americans should practice what to do.

Over 40 U.S. states are at risk of an earthquake—yet fewer than 1 in 3 adults participated in an earthquake drill within the past year, according to a recent survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To increase earthquake preparedness, FEMA encourages all Americans to participate in this year’s Great ShakeOut earthquake drill this Thursday, October 16, at 10:16 a.m. local time.

“Past practice and previous participation in a drill can make all the difference in an emergency,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “Everyone should know how to drop to the ground, cover themselves under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. It needs to happen with enough regularity so that it becomes second nature during an actual earthquake.”

People who have mobility disabilities and cannot drop should still cover and hold on. They should then stay put and not try to transfer during the shaking. Everyone who is staying put should cover their head and neck with their arms or a pillow until the shaking stops. People who use wheelchairs should lock their wheels.

Nearly 25 million people worldwide are expected to participate in this year’s Great ShakeOut—including over 13 million students and nearly 1 million businesses. Anyone can register their involvement and learn how to participate for free at www.shakeout.org.

FEMA supports the Great ShakeOut as part of America’s PrepareAthon!, which is a community-based campaign that asks everyone to take an action—such as a disaster drill or group discussion—to increase their preparedness. Information on America’s PrepareAthon! is available at www.ready.gov/prepare.

Additional tips for preparing for earthquakes are also available www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

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The Great ShakeOut is an annual public earthquake drill coordinated and supported by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). NEHRP is a partnership of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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FEMA Encourages Participation in Oct 16 Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

FEMA Awards $1,510,942 Grant to Lake County: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish nine flood prone structures

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $1,510,942 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Lake County, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of nine residential structures in the floodplain. Following demolition, these properties will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The acquisition and demolition of these structures permanently removes them from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant is good news for Lake County and residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The residents can now move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses, and local response agencies will no longer need to wage costly flood fights.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $2,014,589 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $503,647, will be provided by Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

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.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $1,510,942 Grant to Lake County: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish nine flood prone structures

Former Readington Firefighter Jeffrey Scheurer To Be Honored at Sunday’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

EMMITSBURG, MD. — Jeffrey Scheurer of Flemington, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, will be one of 107 fallen firefighters to be honored at the 2014 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 12.

The service will take place at 10 a.m. at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. Scheuerer, 35, a member of the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, was on duty conducting a controlled burn along Route 629 near Round Valley Reservoir in Clinton Township when he was struck by a vehicle and killed.

Mr. Scheurer was also a 21-year member of the Readington Volunteer Fire Company, in which he had served since he was a teenager. Further information about Mr. Scheurer can be found on the Fallen Firefighter Honor Roll at http://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/jeffrey-scheuerer/

His name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.

More than 5,000 people, including members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters are expected to attend.

Families of the fallen heroes will receive memorial flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national tribute.

Mr. Scheurer was one of two New Jersey firefighters who lost their lives in 2013. Hightstown Fire Police Lieutenant David C. Lidke, 51, of Hightstown Engine Company No. 1 died after returning from an emergency call on December 23, 2013.

The annual tribute for fallen firefighters is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration.

The event is open to the public. Live streaming information—including satellite coordinates—is available at http://media.firehero.org. The media contact is Tom Olshanski at 202-400-0029 or Thomas.Olshanski@fema.dhs.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Former Readington Firefighter Jeffrey Scheurer To Be Honored at Sunday’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

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

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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

Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $51 Million

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that more than $51.8 million in federal disaster grants and loans has been approved for Michigan survivors of the Aug. 11-13 storms and flooding.

As of close of business Oct. 9:

58,845 Michigan residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne registered for federal disaster assistance;

More than $35.9 million has been approved for housing assistance, including rental assistance and home repair costs;

More than $11.1 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses, lost personal possessions and child care;

More than $4.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;

More than 100 disaster survivor assistance specialists are strategically positioned throughout the affected communities to explain the types of disaster assistance available;

1,159 residents have visited four disaster recovery centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties;

430 housing inspectors in the field have completed more than 41,005 inspections of damaged properties; and

209 people have received rebuilding advice from mitigation specialists located at four home improvement big-box stores in the affected communities.

Residents can register at 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

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Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $51 Million

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