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Funding Approved For Brattleboro Housing Authority Work

FUNDING APPROVED FOR BRATTLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY WORK

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – A public housing project in Brattleboro that was damaged during Tropical Storm Irene will receive federal funding for subsequent clean up and repairs as well as steps to flood proof the structures for the short term.

The Brattleboro Housing Authority’s Melrose Terrace facility will receive $290,000 through the federal Public Assistance program for the recovery work and steps to make any future flooding less costly for residents there.

“Planning is underway to find new locations for these affordable homes and move them out of harm’s way,” said Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. “The state is grateful for FEMA’s assistance and BHA’s efforts to ensure the buildings are made as safe as possible in the interim.”

Melrose Terrace, built in 1965, is located in the floodplain of nearby Whetstone Brook, which spilled its banks during Irene and inundated the 17 buildings that make up the complex. No one was injured because the Brattleboro Housing Authority (BHA) had evacuated the residents as a precaution the previous day.

While FEMA typically does not invest in repairing or flood-proofing buildings that are as flood-prone as Melrose Terrace, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Vermont Mark Landry said that officials at FEMA’s Region I office in Boston agreed to the plan because not only did BHA have an evacuation plan in place, but it committed to finding a new location for these vulnerable populations as soon as possible.

“We are pleased that we are able to help the residents of Melrose Terrace, many of whom are seniors or people with disabilities, while the Brattleboro Housing Authority seeks a long-term housing solution for these residents,” said Landry.

While BHA’s insurance paid most of the roughly $1 million costs of the repairs, FEMA agreed to contribute $90,000 in uninsured costs through its Public Assistance (PA) program, which provides funding to state, municipalities, and certain non-profits to repair roads and bridges, hospitals and schools, and other infrastructure damaged in disasters.

In addition, FEMA agreed to use its Mitigation program funding, which pays to help make future disasters less costly, to flood-proof the most vulnerable buildings by providing approximately $200,000 for:

Installing aluminum flood shields in the doorways and around exterior electric panels;
Replacing baseboard electric heaters with elevated electric heaters;
Raising both the kitchen stove outlets and electric water heaters a foot above the 100-year flood elevation.

“FEMA recognizes that these are temporary measures, and that relocating these people safely outside the floodplain is the preferred solution,” Landry said. “But until that is accomplished, these steps, coupled with BHA’s evacuation plan, will allow the residents to continue to live in Melrose Place and to avoid the kind of costly property damages if another flood occurs similar in magnitude to Irene.”

So far FEMA has obligated, or paid to the state, approximately $129 million in reimbursement for Public Assistance projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, as well as $23 million in Individual Assistance to individuals and families for losses.

To learn more visit: http://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 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.

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Funding Approved For Brattleboro Housing Authority Work

FEMA Obligates Another Public Assistance Grant For $1 Million+ To Aid In Irene Recovery: Town Of Bethel Projects Approved

FEMA OBLIGATES ANOTHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANT FOR $1 MILLION+ TO AID IN IRENE RECOVERY: TOWN OF BETHEL PROJECTS APPROVED

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated funding for an approved $1.2 million dollar road repair project in the Town of Bethel. Public Assistance funding to the Town now totals $4,601,750 for Tropical Storm Irene damage.

“This money will not only assist the Town of Bethel in its recovery but the entire State of Vermont,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Steve Ward, head of FEMA’s operations in Vermont. “FEMA is committed to working with all impacted communities and providing all the assistance that applicants are eligible to receive.”

As of August 28, 344 Vermont municipalities and other applicants have been approved for Public Assistance funding. FEMA has obligated, or paid to the state, over $125.5 million in PA grants to aid in recovery money to reimburse the state and municipalities for repairs to damaged or destroyed infrastructure like roads and bridges and rescue operations.

There are 74 eligible projects in the town of Bethel. The largest project repairs Gilead Brook Road, a Class Three Town Highway, which was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Irene. Repair work includes reconstructing the road base and replacing culverts that had crossed the road in many locations. FEMA has obligated $1,237,055 in reimbursement funds to cover expenses such as contract labor fees incurred with the repair work. The Town of Bethel partially restored sections of the damaged road to pre-disaster condition and replaced the washed out rip rap, stone and fill on the road embankments.

FEMA obligates funding for Public Assistance projects directly to the State. As announced in May 2012, FEMA is paying 90 percent of Vermont applicants’ eligible costs for Tropical Storm Irene rather than the standard 75 percent. The state and municipality share the remainder of the cost.

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Continued here:

FEMA Obligates Another Public Assistance Grant For $1 Million+ To Aid In Irene Recovery: Town Of Bethel Projects Approved

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Help Louisiana Rebuild after Hurricane Isaac

BATON ROUGE, La. — Federal disaster assistance is available through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program to help Louisiana communities in 55 parishes recover from Hurricane Isaac.

Under the program, FEMA is providing supplemental financial assistance to the state and its agencies, local and federally recognized tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations for their eligible response and recovery expenses.

Although funds are awarded to eligible government entities and nonprofits through the state, the PA program is intended to benefit everyone — neighborhoods, cities and states. PA dollars help clean up communities overwhelmed by disaster-related debris, repair roads and bridges people use every day getting to work and school, put utilities and water systems back in order, repair certain nonprofit hospitals, rebuild or repair public schools and universities and put playground equipment back in public parks.

FEMA PA dollars come to Louisiana communities through a cost-sharing partnership among the state, the applicants and the federal government. FEMA reimburses applicants 75 percent of their eligible costs, and the state and/or applicant pays the remaining 25 percent.

The state of Louisiana, with FEMA support, is holding Applicant Briefings throughout the disaster-affected areas to provide a general overview of the PA program and to answer questions. FEMA/state PA program specialists are then meeting individually with applicants in kick-off meetings to address the applicant’s specific needs, damages and costs incurred.

In an effort to expedite PA assistance to applicants, some kick-off meetings are being held immediately following Applicant Briefings — with the goal of producing formal Requests for Public Assistance.

FEMA obligates federal PA funds directly to the state, which disburses the money to the local jurisdiction or organization that incurred costs.

Two types of work are eligible for reimbursement under the PA program:

Emergency Work
- Removal and disposal of eligible disaster-related debris
- Emergency measures taken to protect lives and property before, during and after the storm
Permanent Repairs to:
- Roads and bridges
- Water control facilities
- Public buildings and equipment
- Public utilities
- Parks, recreational and other facilities

To be eligible for FEMA reimbursement funding, applicants must complete their projects within the established time frame.

Emergency work must be completed within six months of the presidential disaster declaration or designation of the affected parish.
Permanent repair work must be completed within 18 months of the declaration or designation of the affected parish.

Types of entities that may be eligible for Public Assistance include:

State governments and state agencies
Local governments (towns, cities, parishes) and special districts
Federally recognized tribal governments
Certain private nonprofit organizations providing services, such as:

Critical services:
- Hospitals and other medical treatment
- Fire, police and other emergency services
- Power, water and sewer utilities
- Educational institutions

Essential services*:
- Libraries, museums and zoos
- Community centers
- Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities
- Senior citizen centers and day-care centers

*Private nonprofits that provide essential services are eligible for Public Assistance for emergency work. For permanent repairs, they must apply to the Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before applying to FEMA.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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 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 http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Help Louisiana Rebuild after Hurricane Isaac

Public Assistance Helps Ohio Communities Rebuild After Disaster

Dublin, OH – Providing assistance to individuals and businesses is not the only concern of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA). Public Assistance (PA) grants will soon help Ohio communities recoup emergency response and debris removal costs from storms in late June.

Thirty seven counties were declared eligible on August 20 for disaster assistance as a result of the June 29-July 2 storms and straight line winds. Under the PA Grant Program, FEMA awards grants to assist state and local governments, tribal nations and certain private nonprofit organizations with their response to and recovery from disasters.

“The declaration opens the door to FEMA grants that help public entities with reconstruction of their infrastructure,” said Mike Moore, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. “The PA program strengthens communities which do not have all the means or resources to bounce back from a disaster, helping to ensure a community’s important public needs are met.”

Public assistance is based on a partnership between FEMA, state and local officials. Local governments identify their needs and costs and submit applications. The state ensures compliance and helps prioritize projects. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants and providing technical assistance on projects to the state and its applicants.

“This program is important to Ohio taxpayers,” said Nancy Dragani, state coordinating officer for Ohio EMA. “The program will provide federal and state funding to assist with debris removal, emergency protective measures and for some work performed by rural electric cooperatives.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible costs. The state of Ohio is contributing 12.5 percent of the 25% percent non-federal share to eligible political subdivisions and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 12.5 percent balance.

Application procedures for local governments were explained at a series of state applicant briefings held in August and September. FEMA PA specialists provided guidance to state and local officials throughout the application process. Approved projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA. The deadline for applying for assistance is September 19^th.

Federal, state and local teams have already started to inspect disaster-related damage, examine expenses identified by the state or local representatives and prepare reports that outline the scope of repair work needed and the estimated restoration cost.

Non-profit organizations may qualify for assistance to restore certain types of facilities that include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other facilities that provide essential government types of services.

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Original article –

Public Assistance Helps Ohio Communities Rebuild After Disaster

The Anniversary of Hurricane Rita – Seven Years of Recovery and FEMA Aid in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – In the wake of Hurricane Isaac’s recent recovery efforts, Louisiana’s restoration from Hurricane Rita persists, enabled by approximately $1.3 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance, hazard mitigation and individual assistance funding since her landfall on Sept. 24, 2005.

“While Hurricane Katrina and more recently Hurricane Isaac tend to headline Louisiana’s natural disaster timeline, FEMA understands that communities in the southwestern part of the state think of Hurricane Rita when it comes to devastating storms,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Executive Director Joseph Threat. “Just seven years ago, these communities were greatly impacted by Rita’s landfall and are still recovering today.”

FEMA has provided $671.8 million in public assistance grants for Hurricane Rita-related projects in Louisiana, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures and for permanent work to repair or rebuild public facilities damaged by the storm. Of this funding, nearly 50 percent was provided for recovery work in Cameron, Calcasieu and Vermilion parishes.

“The local officials and residents within these communities have worked together, in partnership with the state and FEMA, to rebuild their neighborhoods. Their success stories and recovery accomplishments to date speak to their resiliency and dedication to restoring Louisiana,” added Threat.

In an effort to help prevent future loss of property and to save lives during future disasters, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has made more than $137.9 million in funding available to Louisiana in response to Hurricane Rita. Through this program, FEMA is able to provide traditional HMGP grants, for elevations and acquisitions for example, as well as planning grants to assist eligible applicants in setting short- and long-term mitigation goals.

“The ‘on-the-ground’ recovery efforts from disasters like Hurricane Rita, and more recently Hurricane Isaac, are multifaceted in that residents must first recover before communities can progress toward recovery,” said Threat. “That’s why helping individuals affected by disasters remains at the core of FEMA’s recovery mission.”

To aid Louisiana’s residents following Hurricane Rita, FEMA provided approximately $523.5 million in Individuals and Households Program grants to 177,622 individuals and families statewide. These dollars were used as housing assistance for rent, repairs and replacement housing, as well as other needs assistance for such things as furniture, clothing and replacement vehicles.

Editors: For more information about Louisiana’s ongoing recovery efforts, visit FEMA’s website dedicated to the seventh anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita: www.fema.gov/la7year . For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/latro.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femalro, blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

Read this article –

The Anniversary of Hurricane Rita – Seven Years of Recovery and FEMA Aid in Louisiana

Two Weeks Left For Local Agencies To Apply For Federal Assistance

DUBLIN, OH – The deadline is nearing for State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in 37 designated counties to apply for federal aid to help offset expenses related to emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms and straight-line winds June 29 – 2 July.

President Obama’s Aug. 20 disaster declaration authorized federal assistance after the series of storms and straight line winds hit Ohio late June early July. Applicants must submit RPA forms within 30 days of the date of disaster designation.

Officials in the following designated counties have until Sept. 19 to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA):

Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert, and Washington Counties

“We want to ensure that resources are allocated to every agency that is eligible,” said Michael W. Moore, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible cost and each applicant is responsible for the remaining 25% percent non-federal balance. For more information or questions on eligibility, officials should contact their local County Emergency Management Agency director.

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Link to article:

Two Weeks Left For Local Agencies To Apply For Federal Assistance

Private Nonprofit Organizations may be Eligible for Disaster Aid

REISTERSTOWN, MD—Kenneth Mallette, Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, is urging all private nonprofit organizations who incurred costs from the severe storms and straight-line winds, which impacted Maryland beginning on June 29, 2012, to apply for disaster assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Public Assistance Program.

Here are some qualifiers to help determine eligibility:

Private nonprofit organizations must hold tax exempt status under Section 501 (c), (d) or (e) of the IRS Code or have State certification that your organization is a non-revenue producing nonprofit entity, organized or doing business under State law.
Organizations must have incurred costs related to the June storm. These costs could be for debris removal and clean-up, emergency protective measures (emergency response services, evacuation) or permanent damage to your facility.
The service or facility being claimed must be open to the public.
The organization must provide essential government-like services, and be in a county designated under the Federal disaster declaration. The designated areas are Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery and St. Mary’s Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.
Eligible damage must meet the $1,000 threshold.

If private nonprofit organizations feel they qualify and may be an eligible applicant, they should contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program office at 410-517-3604 or 1-877-636-2872.

An Applicants’ Briefing will be held at the Rice Auditorium, located on the grounds of Spring Grove Hospital Center, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend. The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) and PNP Questionnaire (attached) must be completed and received by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency by 09/01/2012. Forms may be emailed to Kelly.devilbiss@maryland.gov or faxed to 410-517-3610.

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.

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See more here:

Private Nonprofit Organizations may be Eligible for Disaster Aid

With More than $133 Million Obligated to Repair Vermont Infrastructure, FEMA Public Assistance Process Continues

WITH MORE THAN $133 MILLION OBLIGATED TO REPAIR VERMONT INFRASTRUCTURE, FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROCESS CONTINUES

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has so far obligated more than $133 million to repair eligible storm-impacted roads, bridges, culverts and other elements of Vermont’s infrastructure; the Public Assistance process continues. In their ongoing partnership, FEMA and the State of Vermont announce a series of meetings to update individual applicants from local governments and some private non-profit organizations.

The meetings, the first of which is scheduled to be held on Monday, Aug. 6, are intended to update Public Assistance applicants in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lemoille, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties.

“These meetings will serve to underscore FEMA’s commitment to working with the State of Vermont to ensure that all applicants for Public Assistance receive the maximum amount of funding for which they are eligible,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo.

The meetings are intended to provide a common understanding as to the way ahead, including changes of scope, time extensions and appeals. Applicants will be briefed on the close out process, relevant terminology and other topics related to exit interviews.

“It is the intent of the state to support FEMA’s effort to ensure Public Assistance applicants are aware of the status of project worksheets and have a common understanding as to the road ahead,” said State Coordinating Officer Ross Nagy.

Excerpt from:

With More than $133 Million Obligated to Repair Vermont Infrastructure, FEMA Public Assistance Process Continues

Public Assistance Funds Helped Get Minot Students Back to School

Release Date: June 11, 2012
Release Number: 1981-ANF003

» More Information on North Dakota Flooding

» 2012 Region VIII News Releases

Minot students benefitted from impressive teamwork when several groups collaborated to get them back in the classroom for the 2011-12 school year. FEMA, the Minot Public School District, contractor Kraus-Anderson and Innovative Modular Solutions worked together so that the school year started just a few days later than normal. FEMA’s Public Assistance program, managed by the state, will also provide funding to repair or replace numerous school district facilities, as well as temporary quarters for unusable locations. FEMA has already obligated nearly $50 million to the Minot Public Schools, ensuring a bright future for students in the community.

A special task force was assembled to assess the needs of all flood-impacted schools and to quickly determine the level of damage and what types of repairs would be needed. The team methodically looked at each school, developing estimates for building repairs and replacement of lost equipment.

For two Minot schools – Ramstad Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School – FEMA determined that replacement would be more cost-effective than the extensive repairs that would be needed. Other facilities will be repaired to pre-disaster condition in compliance with local building codes. The agency will pay 90 percent of the cost of all eligible projects under the Public Assistance program. The state will fund 7 percent and the school district the remaining 3 percent.

While getting damaged facilities back on line was the long-term goal, there was also the immediate challenge of finding students a home for the rapidly approaching start of classes. More than 1,200 students suddenly found themselves without schools following the flood. An estimated one-fourth of the district’s staff and students were forced to evacuate in the wake of the disaster. But the timing of the deluge – during the early part of summer vacation – gave authorities plenty of time to respond before the scheduled start of fall classes. Some schools used modular classrooms to replace flood-damaged classrooms, some relocated to nearby temporary facilities, and others were cleaned and repaired.

The most challenging aspect of getting physical facilities ready for the new school year was transporting the modular classrooms to Minot and assembling them on temporary sites. Innovative Modular Solutions of Bolingbrook, Ill., supplied 60,000 square feet of educational space comprising 10 modular units with 64 total classrooms.

Each modular classroom can hold up to 30 students. The two-, six- and eight-classroom buildings vary in size from 28 feet wide by 70 feet long to 68 feet wide by 126 feet long. The 10-classroom buildings are 72 feet wide by 154 feet long and also contain office space.

The modular classrooms are surprisingly roomy, and contain everything one would expect in a modern educational environment including smart boards, ceiling-mounted projectors and ample lighting. Each modular unit also has drinking fountains and restrooms. Prior to winter’s arrival, the modules were also outfitted with heating and insulation, as well as heat tape for the water pipes.

Students and teachers made the best of their new quarters. Ramstad Middle School dubbed their move to the municipal auditorium “Ramstad @ the AUD” and printed up bright red T-shirts with that phrase, a way for students to embrace (and many years from now recall) what will surely go down as one of the more memorable events of their school days. Students also painted murals in the walkways connecting the auditorium to the temporary classrooms behind it. A final highlight of the school year was the benefit concert by classic rock band Kansas in support of the school’s music program.

The temporary school buildings are eligible for funding under the Public Assistance Recovery Policy provision for Temporary Relocation of Facilities passed in December 2010.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FOR MINOT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Adult Learning Center– clean out building, main Building, replace school contents, lease modular classroom space (Jefferson Campus)
- Total Obligated $1,172,668.86
Central Campus Plus– clean out building, lease building (Souris River Campus), replace school contents
- Total Obligated $788,517.40
Erik Ramstad Middle School – replace building, lease modular classroom and building, clean out building, temporary dike, replace school contents, playground equipment, athletic field elements
- Total Obligated $27,881,901.70
Headstart – clean out building, lease modular classroom space (Jefferson Campus), playground equipment, replace school contents, main building
- Total Obligated $3,872,257.89
Lincoln Elementary – clean out building, lease building (1^stPresbyterian Church), replace building, replace school contents, playground equipment, clear debris
- Total Obligated $6,030,947.84
Longfellow Elementary– lease modular classroom space, clean out building, playground equipment/fence, replace school contents
- Total Obligated $5,526,191.97
McKinley Elementary – clean out building, main building, replace school contents
- Total Obligated $76,561.47
Perkett Elementary – clean out building, playground equipment/fence, asbestos abatement, pumping out piping tunnels, replace school contents, asphalt pathway/parking lot/sidewalk, storage sheds
- Total Obligated $1,133,529.19
Sunnyside Elementary – clean out building, asbestos abatement, equipment repair, building repair
- Total Obligated $111,752.71
Total Obligated for Minot Public Schools thus far $46,682,932.77
Project review continues and additional funding is expected.

Last Modified: Monday, 11-Jun-2012 10:01:03

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Public Assistance Funds Helped Get Minot Students Back to School

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