OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California combat the Summit Fire in Riverside County.

On May 1, the state of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Summit Fire. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 450 homes in and around the city of Cherry Valley with a population of roughly 6,362. It was reported that the fire was also threatening transmission lines in the area and at one point burned in excess of 1,500 acres of state and private land.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible costs covered by the grant can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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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.

 

 

 

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California Receives FEMA Funding To Help Fight The Summit Fire In Riverside County

HARRISBURG, Pa. — More than $3.8 million in funding has been awarded thus far for Hurricane Sandy recovery, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

The total amount thus far, $3,816,521, will be funded by PEMA and FEMA on a cost-sharing basis through the Public Assistance program. FEMA has obligated $2,862,391, or 75 percent. The Commonwealth will cover $954,130, or 25 percent.

The majority of these initial funding awards are for emergency protective measures and debris removal due to Hurricane Sandy.   

 Examples of Public Assistance projects include work to recover public roads, bridges, culverts and other elements of the infrastructure. The program may also fund the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities and certain private nonprofit organizations.

The projects that are being funded are eligible because they are a direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

“We continue to work with FEMA on the review of each Public Assistance application to determine which projects are eligible for assistance from Hurricane Sandy,” said PEMA Commonwealth Coordinating Officer Glenn M. Cannon.

More funding is forthcoming as PEMA and FEMA continue to review applications for projects to help return roads, bridges, utilities and other storm-impacted elements of the infrastructure to as close to their pre-Hurricane Sandy condition as possible.

“As Hurricane Sandy recovery continues, we remain in partnership with the Commonwealth to ensure each Public Assistance project receives the full amount of funding for which it is eligible,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool.

FEMA manages the Public Assistance program, approves grants and provides technical assistance to the Commonwealth and applicants. The Commonwealth educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants and managing each project funded under the program.

Eighteen counties are designated in the Major Disaster Declaration that President Obama signed on Jan. 10, 2013 to help Pennsylvania recover from Hurricane Sandy. The 18 counties include: Bedford, Bucks, Cameron, Dauphin, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Montgomery (added on Jan. 17, 2013), Northampton, Philadelphia (added on Feb. 13, 2013), Pike, Potter, Somerset, Sullivan and Wyoming.

The deadline for new applicants to request Public Assistance was on April 10, 2013. Under significant mitigating circumstances, additional applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All counties within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Mitigation funding may cover costs of eligible projects to lessen the impact of future disasters.

Visit FEMA.gov for more information on the Public Assistance program, including a complete list of Public Assistance categories.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Excerpt from:

Latest Funding for Hurricane Sandy Brings the Total for Pennsylvania Recovery to $3.8 Million

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, today on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) blog, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate called on tribal communities to take part in consultations regarding changes to the disaster assistance process. The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 included a provision to amend the Stafford Act allowing tribes direct access to federal disaster relief. FEMA is consulting with tribal governments, tribal leaders, and tribal stakeholders to consider these changes and provide feedback.

Full text of Fugate’s blog post below and online here: https://www.fema.gov/blog/2013-04-08/getting-it-right-indian-country

 

Getting it right for Indian Country

Posted by: Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator

When you’re tackling a new and challenging topic, starting from a solid foundation is crucial to success.  Right now, there is an opportunity to change how the federal government provides disaster assistance and we’re looking for tribal leaders to help set a solid foundation for those changes.

When President Obama signed into law the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013, he amended the Stafford Act to recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments, and this was a big step in the right direction to better meet the unique needs of Indian Country after disasters.   However, there’s still work to be done to shape disaster assistance programs and processes most effectively.  That’s where we are now — we are consulting with tribal governments, tribal leaders, and tribal stakeholders to consider changes to a range of federal disaster assistance processes and topics:

  • Input on the major disaster declaration process, 
  • Criteria to declare a major disaster, 
  • Program delivery, and 
  • The unique aspects of Indian culture that might not be currently considered by the rules. 

I encourage our tribal partners to join us in developing rules through consultation.  You’re invited to join a series of upcoming tribal consultation calls, provide ideas to FEMA’s online collaboration community, or send an e-mail to tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov.  Now is a great time to make sure the unique needs of Indian Country are considered throughout the federal disaster assistance process.

Why are we looking for input from the community?  Up to this point, FEMA has established rules around the disaster declaration process, assistance programs, and other aspects of federal assistance to meet the needs of state governments and individuals in those states.  Now, with the recent amendment to the Stafford Act, we have an opportunity to change those rules with regards to the sovereignty of tribal nations. 

In a little more than two months since the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act became law, the President has already signed two disaster declarations directly for Indian Country. The new changes have already resulted in federal disaster assistance going directly to tribal communities.

But there’s still much to be done. That’s why we’re having these consultation calls, gathering feedback online, and asking for e-mails. Once the consultation concludes, FEMA will draft proposed rules. Learn more about how to join this discussion by visiting FEMA’s online collaboration community, or send us an e-mail at tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.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.

Original article – 

ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Calls for Tribal Input on Disaster Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Oklahoma to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of February 24-26, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and snowstorm in the counties of Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Major, Noble, Roger Mills, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.

In addition, assistance is available to the state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Dewey and Ellis counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Coachman said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at 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. 

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.

From:

President Declares Disaster for Oklahoma

San Juan, PR – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $1.62 million to the Puerto Rico Ports Authority for the rehabilitation of the Terminal Cargo Ramp in Culebra. The funds were made available under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to enhance the resilience of the sole cargo ramp in the Island Municipality, which provides normal daily services, as well as during emergency situations.

“For years, when hurricanes and tropical storm events affected Culebra, the residents and visitors of the municipality remained isolated for days. This project assures the continuity of port services, for which most residents depend on for their daily routine. The services will continue without major interruptions during and after disaster events,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro De La Campa. “More than 1,800 Culebra residents will benefit from this mitigation measure, as well as thousands of tourists that visit the Island on a yearly basis.”

Past hurricanes and continuous wave action have deteriorated the concrete cargo platform at Bahía de Sardinas, in Culebra’s Dewey Ward. If the platform is left unattended, it may collapse eventually. Also, seawaters surrounding Culebra (up to three nautical miles) and its neighboring islands and cays are designated critical habitat for the green sea turtle. These elements were taken into consideration while choosing the structural mitigation measure to apply: improving the structure with the lowest impact on the adjacent ocean environment.

A project of this nature involves the structural evaluation of the terminal cargo ramp, its designing phase and the construction phase of the structure. The rehabilitation activities includes the partial demolition of the existing concrete platform, removal of the concrete debris outside the platform area, construction of a new concrete platform with new reinforcing steel, and concrete deposit with corrosion inhibitor additives. The total project cost is $2.16 million, with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico providing $542,269, which represents the 25% State share.

FEMA’s HMGP provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

State officials interested in heading up such projects to mitigate public facilities may learn more about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program by going online to FEMA’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Division section on the Federal Emergency Management website at http://www.fema.gov/fima/mitgrant.shtm.

 

FEMA News Desk: (787) 296-3554, (787) 296-3560

 

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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.

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FEMA Approves $1.62 Million for Mitigation Project in Culebra

SMYRNA, Del. — More than $1.2 million in federal funding has been awarded thus far for Hurricane Sandy recovery in Delaware, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

As DEMA and FEMA continue to partner in Hurricane Sandy recovery, additional funding will be forthcoming following state and federal review and approval.

Recent obligations include projects totaling more than $816,877 in Public Assistance funding, bringing the total amount of FEMA dollars awarded thus far to $1,266,857.  

Public Assistance is for infrastructure recovery. Public Assistance covers eligible emergency protective measures and restoration of damaged roads, bridges, utilities and other elements of the infrastructure. 

Public Assistance was made available for the counties of Kent, New Castle and Sussex on Nov. 16, 2012 when the President declared a Major Disaster for Delaware due to Hurricane Sandy.

Visit FEMA.gov for more information on the Public Assistance program, including a complete list of Public Assistance categories.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

View this article: 

Latest Funding for Hurricane Sandy Brings the Total for Delaware Recovery to $1.2 Million

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

Mentmore, NM – The signing of a precedent setting formal agreement to implement federal disaster assistance directly with the Sovereign Navajo Nation will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Navajo Division of Transportation complex.  The ceremony, conducted with representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and tribal leadership, reflects the working partnership developed to assist the Navajo Nation with their recovery from severe freeze that occurred December 15, 2012 to January 21, 2013. 

This is the first FEMA-Tribal agreement implemented west of the Mississippi since the amendment of the Stafford Act that provides federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a major disaster declaration without going through a state government.

“We are thankful that we are taking a step to further strengthen our sovereignty as the Navajo Nation. This agreement recognizes the government to government relationship we have with the federal government. We look forward to working together to help our people,” Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said.

The Presidential disaster declaration for this severe freeze event made FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs available to the tribe.  “I am pleased to partner with the Navajo leadership in addressing their disaster-related needs,” said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward.  “Our team of public assistance and mitigation specialists will continue to work closely with Tribal members to document all eligible costs and damages and to make funds available to assist with repairs and improvements.” 

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental funding to state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to help them recover from disasters.  It partially reimburses eligible applicants for extraordinary costs incurred while responding to a disaster and costs related to restore damaged infrastructure.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to supplement those of eligible applicants to undertake projects that build resilience and eliminate or reduce damage in future hazardous events.

 

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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.

 

Original article: 

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

BATON ROUGE, La. – State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofits in Louisiana parishes hit hard by the Jan. 8-17 storms and flooding have about two weeks to file their official requests for federal assistance.

The deadline to file a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is March 25.

Filing such a request with the state is the first step in the process of applying for federal reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

Applicants must file RPAs within 30 days of a presidential disaster declaration. President Obama issued Louisiana’s major disaster declaration on Feb. 22 for Acadia, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Madison, St. Landry, and Vermilion parishes.

“We urge all eligible applicants to make their requests for assistance quickly,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “The sooner they do so, the sooner we can start the process of getting their eligible costs reimbursed, which helps get communities back on track.”

The grants are obligated to the state to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and repairing public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, private nonprofit organizations may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, nonprofits may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources; and communications systems.

Details of the PA program are on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

Excerpt from – 

Deadline is March 25 for Applicants to File Requests for Public Assistance

PURVIS, Miss. – In the month since thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding caused widespread destruction across the Pine Belt, the federal government has approved more than $3.2 million to help Mississippians respond to and recover from the storms.

On Feb. 13, the president declared a major disaster and ordered federal aid to individuals and households and to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms. Counties either initially declared eligible for assistance or added later are Greene, Forrest, Lamar, Jefferson Davis, Marion, Perry and Wayne.

The response to the storm and flooding damage has involved the whole community: federal, state, and local agencies, the private sector, faith-based and voluntary agencies.

The Mississippi disaster at a glance:

(As of close of business March 10)

  • 2,816 people contacted FEMA for help or information.
  • $2.4 million distributed to individuals and households. This includes:
    • $1,754,997 in housing assistance.
    • $623,595 in other needs assistance.
  • 1,706 homes inspected.
  • 1,581 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers in five different locations. Two centers currently are in operation Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
    • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg.
    • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive Hattiesburg.
  • Small Business Administration:
    • 1,390 applications issued to homeowners, businesses, and renters.
    • $747,400 approved.
  • 29 FEMA community relations specialists have met face-to-face with hundreds of storm survivors. Paired with MEMA specialists, teams have delivered vital recovery information door-to-door, to community and faith-based organizations and to people with special needs.
  • 1,081 customers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Economy Supply and Marvin’s spoke with FEMA mitigation-outreach experts on how best to repair and rebuild safer and stronger.
  • Nine FEMA Corps team members have assisted in all phases of the disaster recovery process.

Assistance to individuals and households is only part of federal disaster-recovery assistance.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, an estimated $6.1 million may be available to reimburse state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for their response and recovery efforts.

Additional funds for eligible hazard-mitigation measures will be made available to the state of Mississippi to help prevent damage from future disasters.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

SMYRNA, Del. — Nearly $500,000 in federal Public Assistance funding has been awarded for Hurricane Sandy recovery thus far in Delaware, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

This is the initial allocation of Public Assistance funding for recovery of roads, bridges, utilities and other elements of the infrastructure. Additional funding is forthcoming following state and federal review and approval.

The majority of the funding for Hurricane Sandy recovery in Delaware, $449,980, is awarded for category B Public Assistance, which covers emergency protective measures. The remainder of the funding is for costs associated with debris removal and repair of damaged facilities.

Federal Public Assistance was made available for the counties of Kent, New Castle and Sussex on Nov. 16, 2012 when the President declared a Major Disaster for Delaware due to Hurricane Sandy.

Visit www.FEMA.gov for more information on the Public Assistance program, including a complete listing of Public Assistance categories.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Awards Nearly $500,000 in Hurricane Sandy Relief for Infrastructure Recovery in Delaware

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