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Nearly $700,000 Awarded in FEMA Public Assistance Grants for Northern Idaho

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Federal grants to help northern Idaho communities recover from severe winter storms late last year have reached nearly $700,000, according to officials with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This figure is expected to continue to grow. The grants were made available under major presidential disaster declarations for a November windstorm and severe storms in December.

The grants come through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program, which reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible disaster-related expenses. Funding may cover emergency protective measures, debris removal and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged infrastructure.

“Northern Idaho counties suffered significant damage and upheaval following a late November wind storm, followed just weeks later by a severe winter storm event,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “Over these past few months, IBHS and FEMA have forged a strong partnership with our PA applicants in order to expedite the approval process.”

The FEMA grants obligated to the state for eligible applicants include:

$171,970 to Kootenai Electric Cooperative for debris removal, power restoration and emergency protective measures;
$133,083 to Inland Power and Light for power restoration;
$76,039 to the City of Plummer for debris removal, electric distribution and emergency protective measures;
$65,604 to Kootenai County for debris removal;
$64,518 to Northern Lights, Inc. for debris removal;
$50,528 to the Lake Highway District for debris removal;
$41,692 to Clearwater Power Co. for electrical distribution repairs;
$36,791 to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for emergency protective measures, damaged buildings and contents, and Internet utility repairs; and
$30,552 to the Worley Highway District for debris removal.
Smaller grants totaling about $19,000 for building and equipment repairs have been obligated to towns, school districts and water and sewage plant work.

“Although PA dollars go to governments and nonprofits after a disaster, they benefit everyone in a community,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “The money helps protect people and property, clean up neighborhoods, haul away disaster debris, put utilities back in order, and repair roads and bridges that residents use every day.”

The Dec. 23, 2015, major disaster declaration for the Nov. 17, 2015, severe storm and straight-line winds provides assistance to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The Feb. 1, 2016, declaration for the Dec. 16-27, 2015, severe winter storms provides assistance for applicants in Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai counties.

Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses eligible applicants for at least 75 percent of their eligible and documented expenses, while the remainder is the non-federal share. FEMA pays the federal portion directly to the state, which administers and disburses the grants.

Both disaster declarations provide cost-share grants for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property during future disasters.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and http://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/PublicAssistance.aspx.

Additional information for the specific disasters, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4252 .

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Nearly $700,000 Awarded in FEMA Public Assistance Grants for Northern Idaho

Deadlines Approaching for FEMA’s Public Assistance and Mitigation Programs

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Help is available for state agencies, local and tribal governments and eligible private nonprofits affected by storms in December that knocked out power, blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. Applicants in Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai counties have until March 2 to apply for assistance from the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Grants are available to eligible applicants under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The deadline to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) or an HMGP Letter of Intent to IBHS is March 2.

Potential applicants needing more information on the PA program may phone IBHS Recovery Coordinator Jarod Dick at 208-258-6515. For help concerning the HMGP, potential applicants may call Idaho State Hazard Mitigation Officer Susan Cleverley at 208-258-6545.

“The PA and HMGP programs are designed to help communities rebuild in ways that will make them more resilient,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “FEMA and IBHS are working closely with our state, local and tribal partners so that together, we can build a stronger Idaho.”

Assistance to Idaho is available under President Obama’s February 1 major disaster declaration for the Dec. 16-27, 2015, severe winter storms. Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses 75 percent of eligible expenses for protecting citizens during the storm, and cleaning up and repairing afterwards. The other 25 percent is the non-federal share. As the HMGP program administrator, IBHS evaluates applications and then works with FEMA to award grants on a cost-sharing basis.

Additional information about FEMA Public Assistance, PA in Idaho, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and HMGP in Idaho is available online. More information about the FEMA response to the disaster, including funds obligated when they are approved, is available online here.

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Deadlines Approaching for FEMA’s Public Assistance and Mitigation Programs

February 8 Deadline Approaching in First Step for Grants to Strengthen Communities

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is seeking applicants wanting grants to help build stronger, safer communities.

As a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration for Idaho, cost-share grants will be available under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for approved projects aimed at saving lives and property and promoting community resilience in future disasters.

“The best way to protect ourselves against some of nature’s disastrous consequences is to take action to reduce vulnerabilities in areas we know are prone to damage,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “With FEMA’s help, Idaho is supporting smart investments in projects to keep people and communities out of harm’s way. IBHS will prioritize projects designed to reduce the impact of known hazards in Idaho, including improving infrastructure resiliency, and mitigating wildfire and flood risks.”

Projects in the disaster-designated counties of Boundary, Bonner, Benewah and Kootenai, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, will be considered first, but HMGP grant opportunities may be extended to entities statewide if all available funds are not committed, Richy said.

To be considered for assistance under the HMGP, state agencies, local and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Monday, February 8. Anyone with questions about the program, eligibility or the application process may contact State Hazard Mitigation Officer Susan Cleverley at 208-258-6545.

IBHS, as the program administrator, will evaluate applications and then work with FEMA to award grants on a cost-sharing basis. FEMA provides 75 percent of the total costs, while the remaining 25 percent is the nonfederal share. FEMA obligates its share of the funds directly to the state, which awards the money to successful applicants.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program underscores FEMA’s dedication to preparedness,” said Dolph Diemont, federal coordinating officer for the Idaho recovery. “By helping to fund mitigation projects, we not only save lives and safeguard property, we prevent the costly cycle of damage, repairs and then repeat damage.”

More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available from FEMA here and from the IBHS here.

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February 8 Deadline Approaching in First Step for Grants to Strengthen Communities

Idaho Receives Second Major Disaster Declaration in Six Weeks

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Local crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear roads after severe winter storms in December brought heavy snow and frigid temperatures to northern Idaho. As a result of President Obama’s February 1 disaster declaration, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be working to reimburse eligible applicants for costs incurred in keeping citizens safe and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit utilities in Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai counties may be eligible for funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program as a result of the declaration for the Dec. 16-27, 2015, storms.

This is the second federal disaster declaration for northern Idaho in about six weeks. On Dec. 23, 2015, the president issued a major disaster declaration making federal Public Assistance available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. That declaration was the result of the severe storm and straight-line winds in the area on Nov. 17, 2015.

“Our first responders and utilities worked day and night, and at great expense, to keep folks safe during those back-to-back storms late last year,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “We are working closely with FEMA to help reimburse applicants for their costs for the November storm, and we will do the same for the December events.”

Under the Public Assistance program FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

“IBHS has been an outstanding partner in support of applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “With the personnel and processes already in place, we will be able build on those relationships and provide prompt assistance to all eligible applicants.”

In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds. This program provides supplemental financial assistance to public entities and certain private nonprofits to reduce the risk to life and property in future disasters.

Additional information is available online at FEMA Public Assistance, PA in Idaho, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program-FEMA and HMGP in Idaho.

Additional information for the December storms, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster4252. For the latest on the severe storms that occurred Nov.17, 2015 go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

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Idaho Receives Second Major Disaster Declaration in Six Weeks

Deadline is Friday to Submit Requests for Public Assistance following November Storm

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – State agencies – along with local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit agencies – affected by the Nov. 17, 2015, severe storm in northern Idaho have until Friday to submit the paperwork needed to request reimbursement grants.

Submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) is the first step in applying for funds under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

President Obama’s Dec. 23, 2015, disaster declaration provides aid under the Public Assistance (PA) program for eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. They have 30 days from the declaration date to submit RPAs.

The program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the storm as well as in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

“Those entities that sustained damages or had emergency expenses because of the November storm are encouraged to submit their requests for assistance by the Friday deadline,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “FEMA is working closely with us to help you recover much of your eligible expenses.”

Any applicant or potential applicant seeking information on the RPA procedure or the PA program may call IBHS Recovery Coordinator Jarod Dick at 208-258-6515.

The November 17 storm and straight-line winds left thousands without power, blocked roads with downed trees and other debris and caused significant damage to public infrastructure.

FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The state has elected to target the four designated counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for HMGP assistance, although grant opportunities may be extended to other entities statewide if any available funds remain.

“Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA is providing additional funds to Idaho to help communities implement critical mitigation measures aimed at reducing the risk of loss of life and property in future disasters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA.

Potential HMGP applicants must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Feb. 8, 2016.

More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program and http://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/HMGP.aspx.

Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

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Deadline is Friday to Submit Requests for Public Assistance following November Storm

IBHS/FEMA Inform Applicants of Potential Assistance Grants following November Storm

BOISE, Idaho – Emergency management specialists from the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), completed a briefing Thursday in Coeur d’Alene as a first step in getting assistance dollars to local and tribal governments and nonprofit utilities affected by the November 17 severe storm and straight-line winds in four northern Idaho counties.

IBHS and FEMA are working in partnership as a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration stemming from the Nov. 17, 2015, windstorm that left thousands without power for extended periods of time. The declaration makes FEMA Public Assistance (PA) grants available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Also available are grants under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Potential applicants have until Jan. 22, 2016, to file a Request for Public Assistance with IBHS to initiate a claim under the disaster declaration.

“Thursday’s applicant briefing was an excellent start to the process of getting Public Assistance grants to those entities that worked so hard to protect local citizens, get power restored and clear roads during and after the storm,” said Brad Richy, director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “We welcome FEMA’s partnership as we move into the next phase of working directly with each of the applicants.”

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the storm, and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

“We are committed to working closely with our Idaho state partner to expedite grants to eligible applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA. “Our goal is to support the communities and utilities that took steps to ensure people’s safety during the storm and to make repairs afterward.”

Meetings will be held between applicants and project managers from IBHS and FEMA to discuss which types of expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. Discussions include the process of rebuilding structures to resist damage in the future. These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars to the applicants.

Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the non-federal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs. The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds.

Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

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IBHS/FEMA Inform Applicants of Potential Assistance Grants following November Storm