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President Declares Disaster for Kansas

Release Date: May 24, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-037

» More Information on Kansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of Kansas and ordered and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of April 14-15, 2012.

Federal funding is 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 storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in the counties of Edwards, Ellsworth, Harper, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kiowa, Mitchell, Osborne, Rice, Rush, Russell, Sedgwick, Stafford, and Sumner.

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

Stephen R. Thompson has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Thompson 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 blog.fema.gov, 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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-May-2012 12:54:30

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President Declares Disaster for Kansas

State, FEMA Seek Public Input On Waterbury Office Rebuild Plan

Release Date: May 22, 2012
Release Number: 4022-081

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. — Governor Peter Shumlin and Vermont lawmakers have weighed in, and now state and federal officials want to hear the public’s thoughts on plans to rebuild the flood-damaged state office complex in Waterbury.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and State of Vermont will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Waterbury seeking public input on the state’s proposal to re-occupy the Waterbury State Office Complex as well as add new buildings at the site.

“We’re asking for feedback on the potential effects of the proposed work on historic and environmental resources, including the planned demolition of some buildings and some new construction,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo, the head of FEMA’s operations in Vermont.

The hearing, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. in Thatcher Brook Primary School cafeteria on Stowe Street, will be preceded by an open house starting at 6:30 p.m. where the public will have the opportunity to view general information and talk directly to federal and state representatives.

“We are proposing to remove some buildings and take other steps to reduce future flooding and restore the floodplain,” said Rob Evans, River Corridor and Floodplain Manager with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. “We’re hoping to hear the public’s thoughts on the impact to the historic campus, as well as on the floodplain.”

Public comments are being sought as part of FEMA’s development of an Environmental Assessment as part of the review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

A preliminary copy of the Draft Environmental Assessment is available at the Waterbury Municipal Offices, 43 South Main Street from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and the Waterbury Public Library, 28 North Main Street from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

After the meeting, public comments will continue to be accepted until 4 p.m. on June 15, 2012, and can be mailed to Peter Thomas, FEMA Essex Junction Joint Field Office, 30 Allen Martin Drive, Essex Junction, Vermont, 05452.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-May-2012 09:41:16

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State, FEMA Seek Public Input On Waterbury Office Rebuild Plan

FEMA Will Give Vermont 90 Percent Funding for Irene Repair Work

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Release Number: 4022-080

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. — The State of Vermont, municipalities, and some non-profit groups will be getting more federal money to reimburse them for costs incurred during Tropical Storm Irene and the subsequent clean up and repairs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that President Obama has approved Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin’s request for the federal government to reimburse applicants for 90 percent of the eligible costs to repair or restore infrastructure damaged by Irene instead of the standard 75 percent.

“This announcement marks a major milestone in our recovery from Tropical Storm Irene,” Governor Shumlin said. “It will mean significant savings for municipal budgets across the state, and for the state budget as well. We are incredibly grateful to President Obama and the Congressional Delegation, and also to FEMA for this welcome news.”

“We hope that this will help the state and its communities in their ongoing recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo, the head of FEMA’s mission in Vermont. “We know that Vermont and its towns and cities are working as hard as they can to repair damage, and we’re working hard to get them their money.”

The FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program provides funding to repair roads and bridges, put water systems and electric utilities back in order, rebuild libraries and replace damaged books, repair hospitals and emergency services, rebuild schools and universities, and pay for other infrastructure restoration statewide.

It also reimburses communities and certain private non-profits for expenses associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures like search and rescue operations, and the cost of eliminating public safety or health hazards, like removing animal carcasses or demolishing unsafe buildings.

FEMA’s PA program typically reimburses 75 percent of the eligible cost of these projects, with the state and municipality sharing the remainder.

However, according to FEMA’s regulations up to 90 percent reimbursement is permitted if actual federal aid to a state for a disaster, minus FEMA’s administrative costs, meets or exceeds $127 per person.

With a population of 625,741 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that means if the actual cost of FEMA aid to the state exceeds $79,469,107 the state becomes eligible for 90 percent reimbursement, at the discretion of the president.

So far FEMA has obligated, or paid to the state, approximately $64.7 million in reimbursement for Public Assistance projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, as well as $22 million in Individual Assistance to individuals and families for losses.

The increased reimbursement will be provided to both completed projects and those in process. It will not apply to projects related to the spring 2011 flooding.

To learn more visit: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-May-2012 17:49:03

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FEMA Will Give Vermont 90 Percent Funding for Irene Repair Work

Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line

Release Date: May 11, 2012
Release Number: 4059-066

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Even though there are no longer any state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia, the FEMA Help Line is still in business. Counties whose residents might be eligible for assistance are Lincoln, Logan, Harrison, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

For those disaster survivors who have already registered for federal assistance, the Help Line is the place to follow the progress of your case, get answers to questions and help in navigating the assistance process. Just call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

The operators can register those with disaster related damages. You can also sign up online at DisasterAssistance.gov. For TTY users, the number is 800-462-7585. With a Web-enabled smart phone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

“We are ready to help anyone who qualifies,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “Assistance is not dependent on your income or ability to pay. We can provide assistance to whoever is eligible.”

The Help Line has operators who speak a wide spectrum of languages. An applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen to register as long as he or she is in the country legally.

Those affected by the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 have until May 15 to register with FEMA for assistance. For those who suffered loss or damage from the flooding of March 15 through March 31, the deadline to register is May 21.

Last Modified: Friday, 11-May-2012 10:55:44

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Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line

Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-062

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The state and federal Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, operating from the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan, will close Friday, May 11, at noon, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Since its opening March 24, more than 650 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Center to check on the status of their FEMA applications, SBA loans or to seek additional information from program experts. The disaster period focuses on the floods of March 15-31. As of May 1, more than 760 residents in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties have registered for FEMA assistance. More than $2.25 million has been approved to help applicants with their recovery efforts.

The DRC closing will not affect disaster survivors’ ability to register for federal assistance in recovering from any damages sustained during the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 and the floods of March 15 through March 31.

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

“The process is fast and simple,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “If you are unsure that you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

Deadlines for registering with FEMA are May 15 for those affected by the storms and floods of February 29-March 5 and May 21 for those affected by the floods of March 15-31.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 09:47:03

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Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

FEMA Dollars Begin Flow Into Washington Disaster

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: 4056-006

» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

LACEY WA (May 1, 2012) – When the severe winter storms dubbed ‘Snowmageddon’ hit Washington State in January of this year, airports, roads and schools closed, cars crashed, and trees and tons of debris blocked roads and knocked out power to more than 275,000 customers across the state.

Governor Christine Gregoire’s request for disaster funding after the storm estimated damage at more than $32 million.

As of today, more than $354,800 has been approved for 21 of some 800 recovery projects. FEMA will pay 75 percent of that, nearly $266,000 in Public Assistance (PA) disaster relief dollars; the State and local governments will match 25 percent.

Reimbursement dollars have begun flowing.

“Without a doubt, having these dollars begin flowing into these disaster-struck communities will help them with budget shortfalls,” said Kurt Hardin, Washington Emergency Management Division’s state coordinating officer. “The massive January disaster response hit these already strapped local governments hard.”

Following the March 5, 2012 Presidential disaster declaration, the State Emergency Management Division (EMD) and FEMA began processing public assistance applications throughout the 11 disaster declared counties. Projects in Seattle, Lacey, Renton, the Shelton School District, the Cedar River Water and Sewer District, as well as others, were among the first applicants to be approved.

“Our primary goal is to get to ‘yes’ on projects so we can help these Washington communities recover as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Karl at FEMA’s Lacey-based field office. “This initial funding approval is the first of many to come.”

Eligible counties include Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, and Wahkiakum. FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned facilities.

Under the PA program, the state is able to forward federal funds to eligible state, local and tribal governments as well as certain private non-profit organizations providing essential community services that incurred disaster-related costs.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 10:14:00

FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-032

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today announced that current FEMA Region VI Administrator Tony Russell was selected to become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) effective May 6.

EMI is the emergency management community’s flagship training institution, and provides training to emergency managers at all levels of government, volunteer organizations, and the private sector as they work to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the potential effects of all types of disasters and emergencies. EMI trains more than two million students annually, and is located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md.

“I’m confident that Tony is the right person to take on this important role,” said Fugate. “The emergency management training that takes place at EMI is critical to the FEMA mission and with Tony’s leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to educate and train the country’s finest emergency managers.”

Russell was appointed as the FEMA Region VI Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office and as a Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Region VIII.

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as the Region VI Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas. He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornadoes and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region VI Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 13:35:24

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FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute

FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition

Regional Administrator Tony Russell Will Depart for New Post

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-079

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Office is preparing for a transition in leadership.

On May 6, current Regional Administrator Tony Russell will become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Russell was appointed as FEMA Region 6 Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the

Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO) and as a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for FEMA Region 8.

“It is very difficult to leave a job that is so meaningful and rewarding,” said Russell. “I am honored to have served with our federal, state, local, tribal, non-governmental and private sector emergency partners and look forward to working with them further, but now, on a national level.”

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as FEMA Region 6 Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas.

He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornados and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 25-Apr-2012 11:34:39

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Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: 4025-138

» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Storm Lee
» More Information on Pennsylvania Hurricane Irene

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Federal assistance continues to support Pennsylvania’s recovery from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The aid now focuses on supporting whole community recovery and preparing for future disasters.

Disaster assistance to date totals more than one-half billion dollars.

“Our emphasis now is on longer-term solutions,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool. “Important infrastructure is being repaired, and efforts are being made to make communities more disaster-resistant.”

Rebuilding infrastructure
More than $47 million in Public Assistance (PA) funding has been reimbursed to repair or replace taxpayer-owned infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools, and similar facilities.

There are an estimated 6,000 PA projects from among 1,900 applicants that could result in federal funding of more than $200 million.
Of the nearly 3,000 projects completed to date, about 725 have shared more than $3 million in additional funding to lessen the effects of future disasters. The effort is known as mitigation. FEMA is expected to provide more than $30 million in mitigation funding to the commonwealth when all eligible projects are complete.

Long-Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) rely on local volunteers and donations which provide assistance to individuals that helps repair, replace, and rebuild those households whose needs are beyond the legal capacity of government assistance.

These committees have been established for 20 counties: Adams, Berks, Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuykill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wyoming, and York.

Providing for the whole community
Long-Term Community Recovery teams have been organized in the hardest-hit areas of the commonwealth. Their objective is to help focus local goals and match the whole community’s efforts with available federal, commonwealth, and community resources.

The community recovery teams have been organized in Shickshinny, Athens, and the Wyoming Valley and Swatara Valley areas.

Other statistics to date:

94,385 persons registered for assistance
83,936 damage inspections were completed
$141.8 million in Individual Assistance grants were disbursed:
- $128.6 million in housing assistance including temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property losses and
- $13.2 million in dental, medical, and funeral costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
- $18.1 million in maximum grants were awarded to 601 applicants
$98 million in low-interest disaster loans were approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration
$322 million in claim payments were paid through the National Flood Insurance Program
$874,400 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance was distributed
Recovery officials continue to transfer residents displaced by the storms from temporary to more permanent housing
- 249 temporary housing units in nine counties remain occupied

“The strength of the partnership between FEMA and the commonwealth has helped make the best of a bad situation,” said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr. “Working together effectively has paid off for the residents of Pennsylvania.”

The ongoing recovery efforts continue with 247 FEMA employees and 73 from the commonwealth or other federal agencies. Sixty-five commonwealth residents were hired by FEMA to support the ongoing recovery

At the height of the recovery, there were 782 FEMA and 198 commonwealth and/or other federal agency employees working fulltime and overtime
- Additionally, more than 550 employees of the commonwealth, representing approximately 15 agencies, helped staff the temporary Disaster Recovery Centers. They answered questions on a number of issues, including mental health counseling, driver’s license replacements, emergency food program resources, farm damage, and much more
In addition to the Joint Field Office in Harrisburg, temporary FEMA/commonwealth operating facilities were opened in Sayre and Wilkes-Barre

“FEMA remains committed to the commonwealth,” said McCool. “We’ll be here until all available recovery resources have been provided.”

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 09:12:12

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Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4061-040

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State and federal officials have announced that residents of two more counties in the state are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the March 15-31 flooding.

Help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is now available in Lincoln and Mingo counties. Disaster survivors in these counties who suffered losses during the flooding may apply for temporary housing assistance and housing repair, among several other benefits.

Residents of Lincoln County who suffered losses associated with the February 29-March 5 tornadoes and flooding must reapply to FEMA if they suffered losses directly from the March 15-31 flooding.

“The way to get started is to immediately register with FEMA,” said Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “You must register to find out if you are eligible for assistance. Having alerted or spoken to local authorities doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses should apply for disaster assistance as soon as possible by calling the FEMA Hotline at 1-800-621- 3362 or TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Multilingual assistance is available. This toll-free line is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Other West Virginia counties that have been similarly designated are Harrison, Logan, Marion, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

The deadline for registering with FEMA for affected residents in the added counties is May 21.

Also available are U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for individuals, renters and businesses to repair or replace damaged property.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 16:34:11

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Lincoln, Mingo Counties Designated For Federal Assistance For Flooding

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