infrastructure - femacontract.com

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Clearwater Complex Lawyer Branch Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Clearwater Complex Lawyer Branch Fire burning in Lewis and Idaho counties, Idaho.
FEMA Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state of Idaho’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 1:13 a.m. MDT on Aug. 14, 2015.

At the time of the request, the fire was immediately threatening 650 homes in and around the community of Kamiah. Approximately 600 of the threatened homes are primary residences while others are secondary homes. The fire was also threatening a power substation, two medical clinics, an assisted living facility, two water treatment plants, a sewage treatment plant, city hall, a police station and a senior citizen center. Additionally, the fire threatens Clearwater watershed, salmon and steelhead spawning areas and the Nez Perce Reservation. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations were issued for approximately 1,200 people.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Idaho’s eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

FMAGs are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

Link –

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Clearwater Complex Lawyer Branch Fire

FEMA, New York State & New York City Sign Off on 78 Hurricane Sandy Public Assistance Recovery Agreements

Agreements Total $9.9 Billion in Recovery Funding Since 2013; Funding Provided Under New Public Assistance Pilot Program

NEW YORK – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, New York State, and New York City announced they have reached final agreements for 78 Public Assistance projects in New York City and Long Island since 2013. The agreements, known as Letters of Undertaking (LOUs), support repair and restoration work totaling $9.9 billion. This includes 33 LOUs for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) which support $2.9 billion of work at more than 250 buildings.

The funding for these projects was made possible by FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work (Section 428) – a new authority provided by the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013. The pilot program allows FEMA to improve the delivery of public assistance funds by providing financial incentives for timely and cost effective completion of projects. The pilot program also provides FEMA with increased flexibility in the administration of public assistance while streamlining support to state, local, tribal governments or nonprofit groups.

“These agreements are a major step forward in helping our region recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy,” said Region II Administrator, Jerome Hatfield. “This new authority has improved FEMA’s ability to support our state, local and tribal partners as we work together to not only help New York recover from this disaster but also build back safer and stronger than ever before. Our working relationship with New York State and New York City has been invaluable.”

“The vital support provided to New York City through the 428 program is allowing us to rebuild stronger and more resiliently across the five boroughs — from our public housing and hospitals to our boardwalks and open spaces,” said Bill Goldstein, Senior Advisor to Mayor de Blasio for Recovery, Resiliency, and Infrastructure. “The flexibility provided by the program has been a huge help to the City and the New Yorkers who rely on this critical infrastructure. Thank you to FEMA for their continued partnership.”

Some key highlights:

· The 78 LOUs represent an estimated $9.9 billion, with an anticipated $8.9 billion in federal share funding. To date, FEMA has obligated $5.7 billion of its federal share.

· Of the 78 LOUs, 63 represent New York City projects for an estimated $5.9 billion with an anticipated $5.3 billion federal share funding. To date, FEMA has obligated $2.2 billion of the federal share for these NYC projects.

· 33 LOUs pertain to New York City Housing Authority developments and represent an estimated $2.9 billion with an anticipated $2.6 billion in federal share funding. To date, FEMA has obligated $10.2 million of the federal share.

A significant portion of eligible FEMA funding for NYCHA projects will be applied toward mitigation measures to help disaster-damaged buildings better withstand future disasters, including dry flood-proofing of structures and certain utilities, elevating equipment and providing backup power generators to certain damaged facilities.

Traditionally, Public Assistance funding is provided based on estimates and reimbursed at actual cost of completed projects. Under the Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work, eligible applicants may request this fixed cap grant funding for repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the disaster-damaged facility. The grant amount is capped once FEMA, the State and the applicant agree on the damage, scope of work and estimated cost. Work must be finished within the established time period, including approved time extensions, and managed by the applicant to ensure it is completed for the capped amount. Additional funding is not available if an applicant spends more than the fixed estimate. If the completed project is finished for less than the capped amount, the applicant may use the excess funds for other eligible Public Assistance projects.

The Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work is just one of several Public Assistance initiatives authorized by the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act; more information can be found at FEMA.gov.

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.

###

Originally from –

FEMA, New York State & New York City Sign Off on 78 Hurricane Sandy Public Assistance Recovery Agreements

Texas Receives More Than $1.1 Million for Repairs Following the 2013 Halloween Flooding

DENTON, Texas – The state of Texas has received more than $1.1 million for repairs to roads and other facilities in the aftermath of the 2013 Halloween flooding.

Overflow from Onion Creek damaged Falwell Lane in Austin, washing away parts of the asphalt road, shoulders and slope embankments and other infrastructure at seven different locations.

Of the total funding, which is made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program, $925,076 covers necessary repairs at those sites, as well as measures to mitigate against future damage.

In Travis County, the flooding from Onion Creek caused damage to and the accumulation of mud, silt and other types of debris within multiple water control facilities. These facilities are constructed to serve as a buffer during periods of heavy rain, reducing the amount and intensity of storm water runoff that would otherwise occur.

The FEMA PA funding, $187,776, covers repairs at the Howard Lane Detention Pond, the Northeast Metro Park Storm Water Outflow and the Gattis School Road Detention Pond, as well as measures to mitigate against future damage.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $10.1 million in Public Assistance funding in relation to the 2013 Halloween floods.

The funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

###

Original article:

Texas Receives More Than $1.1 Million for Repairs Following the 2013 Halloween Flooding

FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $47 Million

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $47 million in 2014 funding to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and community partners for disaster recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

“FEMA, in partnership with ADEM, continues to provide funding to assist communities recovering from and mitigating against future damage,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are committed to helping Arkansas residents strengthen their resilience.”

The $47 million includes more than $7 million from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, $23 million in Public Assistance dollars for repair and replacement of infrastructure after a disaster, $6 million in Hazard Mitigation, and more than $11 million in Preparedness funding to mitigate damage from future disasters.

“We at Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and all Arkansans affected by disaster appreciate the partnership we have with FEMA,” said ADEM Director David Maxell. “This relationship allows governmental entities and individuals to better protect themselves before an emergency and then begin down the road to recovery if a disaster occurs.”

The 2014 federal funding covered numerous projects in Arkansas including:
•   More than $7 million to individuals for rental and lodging expenses, home repair, and replacement for those who suffered damage during the April severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding.
•   Over $3 million was used to either replace or repair bridges and low water crossings destroyed or substantially damaged during the declared events.
•   $2.2 million was provided for school safe rooms throughout the state increasing the capacity to protect students, faculty/staff and residents.

In addition to providing federal funding, FEMA’s Mitigation Division has taken steps to improve the on-line resources for communities. In 2014 the Risk Communications Guidebook was updated to include the most recent information on the National Flood Insurance Program reform.

Continue reading here:

FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $47 Million

Federal Assistance Expanded in Washington State to Kittitas County

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency today announced it is expanding disaster assistance to Kittitas County.

The disaster aid helps the county pay for repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of public facilities, roads and bridges, water facilities and other infrastructure damaged or destroyed by wildfires that occurred between July 9 and Aug. 5.

Kittitas County has been added to the major disaster declaration of Aug. 11, which provided assistance to Okanogan County and the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in a designated county are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.

A briefing for local officials will be held where procedures for requesting federal assistance will be explained by FEMA and state officials.

The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division is responsible for administering federal disaster recovery programs on behalf of the state. The Department’s mission is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment, and the economy of Washington State; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

Excerpt from –

Federal Assistance Expanded in Washington State to Kittitas County

Be Disaster Aware. Take Action to Prepare. National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

CHICAGO –September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to make disaster preparedness a priority.

“National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that we all need to prepare for disasters and emergencies,” said FEMA Region V acting regional administrator, Janet Odeshoo. “Make disaster readiness manageable by taking one step at a time— start by learning your specific risk, then gather supplies for an emergency kit, and finally develop a family communications plan. By taking these small, but critical, steps, over time you can be prepared for disasters.”

Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have disastrous impacts. Already this year, the Midwest has experienced several waves of destructive severe storms, including the severe flooding in parts of Minnesota. Additionally, other parts of the country are currently fighting flooding and other emergencies that threaten the infrastructure people depend on every day. Whether at home or on the go, everyone should learn the steps necessary to make preparedness part of their everyday life.

“As a nation we are seeing disasters increase in their size and complexity, and they are occurring with greater frequency,” said Odeshoo. “The impacts of these events are a reminder that everyone should be prepared for the hazards faced in their communities or even while traveling. Make preparedness a priority for your family today and help encourage a culture of preparedness in your community.”

Throughout the month, FEMA will offer tips to help you be disaster ready, including ways you can stay safe during a disaster and steps you can take to protect yourself and your family when traveling. Follow FEMA Region V online at twitter.com/femaregion5 and www.facebook.com/fema, to receive the latest preparedness updates.

For detailed information about how to be ready for severe weather in your area, including a list of items you will want to have in your emergency kit, visit http://www.ready.gov/, or our Spanish site at www.listo.gov.

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.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf (312) 408-4455

###

View post:

Be Disaster Aware. Take Action to Prepare. National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

Coffee and Collaboration: FEMA and NEW JERSEY Share Office Space at SRO

EATONTOWN, N.J. – When the NJ-Sandy Recovery Office moved from their previous facility in Lincroft to new office space in Eatontown last June, FEMA’s state partners moved their offices, too.

FEMA’s key partners in the state Office of Emergency Management work just down the hall from their FEMA colleagues in the new facility.

That proximity is a big plus when it comes to sharing expertise and working together to resolve any potential stumbling block.

Captain Geleta is seated in front of the flags at the SRFO Captain Joseph Geleta“There is a collaborative spirit between FEMA and the state government, working on behalf of all of the applicants who require assistance,” said N.J. Recovery Bureau Chief Captain Joseph Geleta following a recent Command Staff meeting at the SRFO.

“You still have FEMA and state teams mirroring each other to help many who were affected by Sandy. It’s not just the state doing something or FEMA doing something, it’s working together.”

Captain Geleta, a veteran of many previous disasters in New Jersey, said the successful collaboration between FEMA and New Jersey is inspired by a mutual commitment to the mission.

“The SRFO is a key component in sustaining the Sandy recovery efforts here in New Jersey,” Captain Geleta said.

“Having FEMA and the State working together under one roof creates a single, comprehensive approach to fulfilling Public Assistance, Mitigation, and Individual Assistance missions.”

Laura Connolly at work at her desk at the SRFO Branch Director Laura ConnollyThe close collaboration has also helped to build trust and forge friendships. “We have all created personal relationships with our program counterparts here at the SRO,” Captain Geleta noted.

For State Individual Assistance Branch Director Laura Connolly, working closely with her FEMA partners at the SRFO offices has helped the recovery mission operate more efficiently across the board.

“The SRFO is a key component in sustaining the Sandy recovery efforts here in New Jersey,” Connolly said. “FEMA and the State working together under one roof creates a single comprehensive approach to fulfilling Public Assistance, Mitigation, and Individual Assistance missions. We have all created personal relationships with our program counterparts, which fosters continued interested participation during this phase of the disaster. The free coffee is an amazing perk as well!”

Public Assistance Unit Head for the state of New Jersey Lt. Patrick Gorman, works closely with his FEMA counterpart, Infrastructure Branch Director Doug Westermann.

Lieutenant Patrick Gorman takes a moment for a pose at his desk. Lieutenant Patrick Gorman“The relationship has been phenomenal. It’s kind of like we’ve developed total quality management. In a lot of states, it’s the state against FEMA. But when you’re face to face with people who are like-minded in solving problems, it’s just much easier.”

“That kind of relationship is a win-win for the people of New Jersey,” said Captain Geleta.

“The relationship that we have with Pat and his group has been second to none,” said PA Branch Director Westermann. “Without the state’s cooperation, we might have been going down two different paths, but with their cooperation, we are going down a single path.”

“The incredible partnership that has been built here will benefit the people of New Jersey for many years to come,” said NJ-SRO Director John Covell.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

Coffee and Collaboration: FEMA and NEW JERSEY Share Office Space at SRO

The FEMA and State Public Assistance Funding Process

DENVER — FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides assistance to state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofits.

When flooding struck Colorado in September 2013, emergency life-saving measures and debris cleanup were the most immediate needs. This emergency work is usually the first to be reimbursed.

Later, in the recovery phase, more permanent repair work gets underway. Roads and bridges are repaired or replaced; major utilities and other infrastructure are brought back on line.

FEMA determines eligibility, conducts environmental and historic preservation review, approves projects and obligates the federal share or 75 percent of the project cost. FEMA obligates funds to the state, which reviews receipts and other documentation to make sure the job is done well and taxpayer money is well spent.

In Colorado, local governments and the state each pay 12.5 percent of the remaining project costs but private nonprofits pay all of the remaining 25 percent. For state agencies, the cost share depends on the category of work.

For small projects (up to $67,500 for this disaster), an initial payment is made based on the estimate and the state reimbursement process is as follows:
- Once a Project Worksheet is approved and obligated by FEMA, the state makes an initial payment for the entire amount of the federal share and one-half of the state share. Once the state receives a completed and signed certificate of completion from the subgrantee, the state will pay the remaining half of its share.

For large projects ($67,500 or more for this disaster), reimbursement is made on documented actual costs and the state reimbursement process requires additional documentation:
- The state sends a grant agreement to the subgrantee for signature by an authorized official, who then must mail two signed hard copies back to the state.

After the agreement is executed by Division and Department Controller, one hard copy is mailed back to the subgrantee.
As work is completed the subgrantee requests reimbursement from the state. The state will review documentation (invoices, receipts, labor records, equipment records, contracts) to substantiate costs included in the reimbursement requests and make payments for documented and eligible costs. The last 10 percent is paid upon project closeout.
The state also agrees to reimburse a subgrantee from an unpaid invoice to help maintain its cash flow needs.

To help applicants understand the Public Assistance document process, the State of Colorado created a Public Assistance Technical Guidance and emailed it to each subgrantee. It includes information on the reimbursement process as well as grants management requirements. The guidance document and forms can be downloaded from corecovers.info.
Questions about the process used by the state for disbursing funds to applicants should be addressed to Scott Baldwin, State Public Assistance Group Supervisor, at Scott.Baldwin@state.co.us.

More here:

The FEMA and State Public Assistance Funding Process

November Is Critical Infrastructure Security And Resilience Month

WILLISTON, Vt. – It usually takes a disaster like Tropical Storm Irene – which knocked out roads, electricity, water, and communications – to remind us how important our infrastructure is to our communities and our way of life.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging Vermonters to become more aware of critical infrastructure and the need to protect it from disasters or other hazards.

President Barack Obama has declared November Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, and officials say disasters like Irene and this year’s flooding events demonstrate the importance of expanding and reinforcing critical infrastructure security and resilience.

“The memory of Irene is still strong in Vermont,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “Now is a good time to think about how important our transportation, communication, and utility infrastructure is and what we can do to protect it.”

Critical infrastructure is the systems that form the backbone of America’s national and economic security, including the electric grid, communications structures, transportation systems, and utilities like water and sewer, as well as the cyber-security of these systems.

“In this day and age, protecting critical infrastructure means more than safeguarding electric substations or bridges,” said Ross Nagy, Deputy Director of the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “It also means ensuring that the control systems for these facilities are safe from cyber-attack or human error that could disrupt crucial networks.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security – FEMA’s parent agency – urges all Americans to do their part in ensuring critical infrastructure security and resilience by doing the following:

Learn about steps you can take to enhance security and resilience in your businesses and communities and how to handle certain events.
Make a plan with your families to keep your loved ones safe.
If you run a business, make a plan to keep your employees and community safe and enhance your ability to recover operations quickly. If you are an employee, ask your management whether there are plans in place and get a copy.
Report suspicious activity.

To learn more visit: http://www.dhs.gov/critical-infrastructure

###

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Link –

November Is Critical Infrastructure Security And Resilience Month

Get Ready: National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

CHICAGO –September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to act now and make their families’ preparedness for disasters a priority.

“National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that we all need to prepare for disasters and emergencies,” said Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Make disaster readiness manageable by taking one step at a time— start by learning your specific risk, gathering supplies for an emergency kit, and developing a family communications plan. By taking these small, but critical, steps over time, you can be prepared for disasters.”

Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have disastrous impacts. Already this year, the Midwest has experienced several waves of destructive severe storms, including the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma. Additionally, other parts of the country are currently fighting intense wildfires, flooding and other emergencies that threaten the infrastructure people depend on every day. Whether at home or on the go, everyone should learn the steps necessary to make preparedness part of their everyday life.

“As a nation we are seeing disasters increase in their size and complexity, and they are occurring with greater frequency,” said Velasquez. “The impacts of these events are a reminder that everyone should be prepared for the hazards faced in their communities or even while traveling. Make preparedness a priority for your family today and help encourage a culture of preparedness in your community.”

An emergency supply kit should have at least three days of basic emergency supplies, such as water, food, flashlights, batteries and medications that you or your family may need on a daily basis. You can make collecting these items more affordable by gradually adding supplies to your kit until it is complete.

Throughout the month, FEMA will offer tips to help you be disaster ready. Follow FEMA Region V online at twitter.com/femaregion5 and www.facebook.com/fema, to receive the latest preparedness updates.

###

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, FEMA, 312-408-4455

Source:

Get Ready: National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

Page 2 of 3 « 1 2 3 »