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President Declares Disaster for Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Washington to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding and mudslides beginning on March 22, 2014, and continuing.

This assistance is in addition to the support provided under the Presidential Emergency Declaration granted on March 24, 2014.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Snohomish County, including the Sauk-Suiattle, Stillaguamish, and Tulalip Tribes.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work due to flooding and mudslides in Snohomish County, including the lands associated with the Sauk-Suiattle, Stillaguamish, and Tulalip Tribes.

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

Due to the localized impacts of the disaster, FEMA will work closely with residents, tribal members, and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area on a one on one basis.

Michael J. Hall has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Hall 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 www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

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President Declares Disaster for Washington

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.

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The FEMA and State Public Assistance Funding Process

New Jersey Ahead Of Schedule On Public Assistance Closeouts

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey in October 2012, the damage it wreaked created the need for thousands of necessary projects ranging from debris removal to bridge reconstruction. Sixteen months later, New Jersey’s progress in managing the projects stemming from the impact of the storm has exceeded expectations.

Doug Westermann, Public Assistance Branch Chief at the FEMA New Jersey Sandy Recovery Field Office, says that New Jersey is ahead of schedule on closing out projects on a disaster of this magnitude. New Jersey is planning the final group of projects and working with the state Office of Emergency Management to start closing completed projects.

“This has really only been made possible by the efforts put forth with the State OEM and our Sandy Recovery Office to move forward and not delay the process,” Westermann said.

The closeout process begins when a project is funded and completed. The applicant must certify to the State that the work is finished and all of the allocated money was spent. Small projects are often bundled together under one applicant and can be closed as a group when they are all complete. Large projects must be closed individually. The Final Inspection Report (FIR), which consists of reconciliation of costs for the work performed in dealing with large projects, is initiated. Supporting documents are audited and added to the report, and amendments may be written after overages and/or shortfalls are reconciled. After the report is reviewed by the applicant and grantee, it is then entered into the Emergency Management Mission Integrated Environment (EMMIE) grant tracking program. After that process, the project will be closed, if requested by the grantee.

The Public Assistance FAQ at www.fema.gov defines a large project as any incident with damage costs greater than $68,500. Of the estimated 5,103 Public Assistance projects in the system in New Jersey, 1,534 are considered large projects.

Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA grants state governments the funds to reimburse municipalities, county governments and eligible private nonprofit agencies for the repair or replacement of damaged roads and bridges, water-control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities, and parks and recreation areas. It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster. FEMA reimbursed these applicants 90 percent of the eligible cost.

Nearly $1.1 billion in Public Assistance grants have been obligated in New Jersey since Sandy struck. Emergency projects, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, have accounted for $729.25 million, while permanent repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities and buildings, have cost $359.5 million.

Westermann said FEMA has received 63 projects from the State that are ready to be closed.

Many of the completed projects were short-term emergency projects in which the money was allocated and governmental issues were addressed. Westermann says that Congress mandated several critical changes that have affected how much time applicants have to spend allocated funds, placing greater emphasis on getting the money to them. The Applicants’ Handbook at www.fema.gov/applicant-handbook states that applicants have six months to complete emergency projects and 18 months for permanent projects.

“In order to keep money flowing to the applicants, it is critical to work on closing things out so the state can release the funds that FEMA had obligated during the project development phase,” he said.

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

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

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New Jersey Ahead Of Schedule On Public Assistance Closeouts

How is responding to a disaster different in the State of Alaska?

A large earthquake in Alaska, especially in winter, would require a different type of response than most areas of the nation. FEMA Region X is participating in a series of exercises that will test the ability of the federal government to respond to major disasters in Alaska.

The largest of the exercises is Alaska Shield 2014. This full-scale emergency response exercise, occurring in late March of 2014 that will test the plans and actions of the State of Alaska, FEMA, territorial governments, private sector companies, international partners, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions and its partners.

“We do not know when the next earthquake or tsunami will take place, but it will depend on our collective and individual preparedness to reduce our vulnerability.” said FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. “It is imperative that we work together in advance of an event to make sure that all of our systems are working together smoothly and seamlessly”.

This exercise will coincide with 50th anniversary commemoration events of the 1964 Great Alaskan Earthquake. The earthquake scenario is designed to be of sufficient complexity to disrupt the States essential services, making it difficult for communities to obtain outside assistance but allow life safety activities to resume.

A Full-Scale Exercise tests plans and actions during the initial response phase of a disaster. It also tests the ability to stabilize the situation and meet immediate essential needs during a major disruptive event, as well as ensure recovery efforts can begin.

For more information about the exercise follow #AKShield, @AlaskaDHSEM and @FEMARegion10 on Twitter.

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How is responding to a disaster different in the State of Alaska?

Five Months Remain Before Travis County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New maps for specific areas of Travis County, Texas will become effective on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. Local and federal officials encourage everyone in the affected area to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider buying flood insurance before then.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Wherever it rains, it can flood,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Five Months Remain Before Travis County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

Four Months Remain Before Flood Maps For Specific Areas of Dallas County, Texas Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps for specific areas of Dallas County will become effective on Monday, July 7, 2014. Local and federal officials encourage everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance before then.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they do not have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events.

“Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator. An interactive mapping portal is also available. FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts are available to answer questions and can be reached by phone and email:

• To view the maps on an interactive flood information portal, visit http://maps.riskmap6.com/TX/Dallas
• To view the Preliminary Interactive Flood Map Index online visit http://www.riskmap6.com/documents/Meeting_263/48113CIND0D.pdf
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon

Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Residents can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to find an agent near them.

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Four Months Remain Before Flood Maps For Specific Areas of Dallas County, Texas Become Final

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Carolina Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of South Carolina.

Assistance for State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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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Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Carolina Declaration

FEMA Awards $7.6 Million to Texas for Relocation of Lone Star Flight Museum

DENTON, Texas – More than $7.6 million is being awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to relocate the Lone Star Flight Museum out of a flood zone in Galveston to Ellington Field in Houston.

The FEMA grant was approved after it was determined that it would be better to relocate and construct a new complex, managed by the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, instead of repairing the Galveston-based museum and replacing damaged aircraft and/or contents.

The new facility would be comprised of a 125,000-square-foot building that will include hangar space for aircraft display and storage, an auditorium, exhibit hall, library, gift shop, and cafeteria.

The relocation of the Long Star Flight Museum is considered an Alternate Project. Learn more about this option at http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-project-formulation-cost-estimating/alternate-project.

The mission of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program is to provide assistance to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president.

Through the PA Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations.

Learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance program online www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards $7.6 Million to Texas for Relocation of Lone Star Flight Museum

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Georgia Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Georgia.

Assistance for State, Tribal, and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Georgia Declaration

FEMA, Arizona Host Leadership Conference to Discuss Emerging Trends in Emergency Management, Collaborate with Public, Private Sector before Next…

For Immediate Release: February 19, 2014

Media Contact: Mary Simms, mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov

FEMA, Arizona Host Leadership Conference to Discuss Emerging Trends in Emergency Management, Collaborate with Public, Private Sector before Next Disaster
Microsoft, Verizon, Facebook to Attend along with Many More

Phoenix, Ariz., — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in concert with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) will today host its third annual FEMA Region 9 Public-Private Sector Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Perception vs. Reality.”

“Engaging with partners to share thoughts and tactics on how to improve government and private sector collaboration benefits community preparedness while also protecting economic resilience,” said Nancy Ward, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 9. “The ability to initiate and strengthen linkages to the often untapped resources of the ‘Whole of Community’ is of paramount importance.”

The Public-Private Sector Leadership Conference affords representatives of the public, private and nonprofit sectors the opportunity to network, share best practices, and generally learn and benefit from the emergency management experiences of the “Whole Community.” Administrator Ward and ADEM Director Wendy Smith-Reeve will deliver this year’s keynote addresses.

“Events like this conference are an important outreach to our present and future partners,” said Director Smith-Reeve. “We want to inspire the public, private and nonprofit sectors to actively engage in Whole Community emergency management.”

“Whole Community” is an approach to emergency management that reinforces the fact that FEMA is only one part of our nation’s emergency management team; that we must leverage all of the resources of our collective team in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from and mitigating against all hazards; and that collectively we must meet the needs of the entire community in each of these areas. This larger collective emergency management team includes, not only FEMA and its Federal partners, but also local, tribal, state and territorial partners; non-governmental organizations like faith-based and non-profit groups and private sector industry; to individuals, families and communities, who continue to be the nation’s most important assets as first responders during a disaster.

Today’s conference aims to improve public and private sector capabilities to integrate, collaborate and work together. Another primary goal is to provide a networking framework in order to develop relationships prior to a crisis throughout Region 9.

The event is being held today, Feb. 19, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Allen Readiness Center, 5636 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008.

For those unable to attend the conference in person, Cisco WebEx will webcast the event at https://fedgov.webex.com/fedgov/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=994177562. The password to attend the event is: welcome.

To view the agenda and additional event details please visit: http://goo.gl/NuyCz6. The event hashtag is #PPP2014AZ.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femaregion9.

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FEMA, Arizona Host Leadership Conference to Discuss Emerging Trends in Emergency Management, Collaborate with Public, Private Sector before Next…

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