Idaho Receives Second Major Disaster Declaration in Six Weeks

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Local crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear roads after severe winter storms in December brought heavy snow and frigid temperatures to northern Idaho. As a result of President Obama’s February 1 disaster declaration, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be working to reimburse eligible applicants for costs incurred in keeping citizens safe and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit utilities in Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai counties may be eligible for funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program as a result of the declaration for the Dec. 16-27, 2015, storms.

This is the second federal disaster declaration for northern Idaho in about six weeks. On Dec. 23, 2015, the president issued a major disaster declaration making federal Public Assistance available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. That declaration was the result of the severe storm and straight-line winds in the area on Nov. 17, 2015.

“Our first responders and utilities worked day and night, and at great expense, to keep folks safe during those back-to-back storms late last year,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “We are working closely with FEMA to help reimburse applicants for their costs for the November storm, and we will do the same for the December events.”

Under the Public Assistance program FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

“IBHS has been an outstanding partner in support of applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “With the personnel and processes already in place, we will be able build on those relationships and provide prompt assistance to all eligible applicants.”

In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds. This program provides supplemental financial assistance to public entities and certain private nonprofits to reduce the risk to life and property in future disasters.

Additional information is available online at FEMA Public Assistance, PA in Idaho, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program-FEMA and  HMGP in Idaho.

Additional information for the December storms, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster4252. For the latest on the severe storms that occurred Nov.17, 2015 go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

 

Originally posted here: 

Idaho Receives Second Major Disaster Declaration in Six Weeks

3 Months After Flooding, Federal Assistance to South Carolina Continues

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Ninety days after severe storms and flooding in South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration have provided more than $219 million in grants and loans to assist in recovery.

FEMA is coordinating the full resources of the federal government to support the state as it leads recovery efforts. South Carolinians experienced severe losses as a result of the historic Oct. 1-23 flooding. Residents have visited disaster recovery centers more than 48,000 times. More than 25,000 people have participated in 113 public meetings in which FEMA representatives provided information about assistance. More than 101,000 South Carolinians have contacted FEMA to determine whether they qualify for assistance.

FEMA has operated 30 disaster recovery center locations in 24 counties. The federal agency is assisting the state as it works with long-term recovery organizations forming in South Carolina to help individuals and families who have unmet needs. The federal disaster recovery coordinator is working with the state recovery coordinator to identify gaps in assistance for communities that can be met by using resources from federal, state and private sources.

FEMA has awarded more than $79 million in grants to survivors for housing and other essential needs through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Assistance Program. Of that total, $68.9 million was for temporary rental assistance and $10.6 million was for other needs, such as medical, dental and other disaster-related expenses. FEMA has inspected more than 83,300 properties and approved 26,693 applicants for assistance.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program has provided $17.2 million in grants to state and local governments and local communities to cover not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs of emergency response, debris removal and the repair, restoration, replacement and mitigation of damaged public facilities. Additional projects are being formulated and reviewed and the amount of Public Assistance provided by FEMA will increase as more work is approved.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 4,300 low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $122.7 million.

Here is a breakdown of the assistance provided by FEMA and loans approved by the SBA as of close of business Jan. 4, 2016:

  • Individuals and Households Assistance

    • More than $79.5 million approved to help survivors in their recovery.

      • More than $68.9 million of that amount approved for housing assistance such as temporary rentals and essential home repairs.

      • More than $10.6 million approved for Other Needs Assistance such as medical, dental and other serious disaster-related needs.

  • Public Assistance
    • More than $17.2 million obligated for eligible projects.
  • SBA Loans

    • More than $122.7 million approved.

  • More than $105.3 million approved in disaster home loans.

  • More than $16 million approved in business loans.

  • More than $1.3 million approved in economic injury disaster loans.

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3 Months After Flooding, Federal Assistance to South Carolina Continues

FEMA Awards $63.6 million to New Mexico for Road Repairs in Eddy County

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently awarded more than $63.6 million to the state of New Mexico for road repairs and hazard mitigation as a result of severe storms and flooding in September 2014. A federal disaster declaration (DR-4199-NM) designated eight counties eligible for Public Assistance grants.

This award provides $63,602,780 in federal funding to Eddy County for permanent repairs and hazard mitigation to 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip-and-seal roadways. A total of 111 miles of county roads sustained base and surface erosion due to flooding.

The FEMA grant includes more than $35.3 million for permanent road repairs. Another $28.3 million in funding is for hazard mitigation – measures taken to avoid future damage from flooding. This funding is provided to raise the roadways where additional elevation will prevent the road from becoming a water drainage channel.

“We are committed to working with our state partners to assist communities as they recover from natural disasters and rebuild critical infrastructure,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “This grant will help Eddy County rebuild roads to withstand flood waters in the future.”

FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Following the state’s review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, it will provide funds to Eddy County on a reimbursable basis.

FEMA Public Assistance grants pay the federal share of the eligible costs for the work and will cover 75 percent of the work performed on this road project. The funding is provided by FEMA under authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

The mission of FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program is to provide assistance to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations so communities can respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president. Learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance at 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 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 , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA and visit the FEMA blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards $63.6 million to New Mexico for Road Repairs in Eddy County

FEMA Public Assistance Grants to Help Washington Communities Recover from Wildfires

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) are working closely with local and tribal officials to help Washington communities recover from this summer’s devastating wildfires.

The assistance comes through the Public Assistance (PA) program, which reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the fires, and in cleaning up and rebuilding afterward.

The presidential disaster declaration stemming from the Aug. 9 to Sept. 10, 2015, wildfires makes FEMA PA grants available to eligible applicants in Chelan, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom, and Yakima counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

“This program is important to Washington taxpayers,” said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin of EMD. “It provides financial assistance that enables our communities to repair and rebuild without putting an additional burden on residents.  We welcome partnering with FEMA to assist communities impacted by the historic wildfires. ”

“The PA program strengthens communities that do not have the resources to bounce back from a disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA. “The funds help to repair the roads people use every day getting to work and school, put utilities and water systems back in order, and ensure a community’s other important public needs are met.”

To date, 34 potential applicants have filed a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to initiate a disaster claim under the Oct. 20 disaster declaration. Applicants have until Nov. 19 to file RPAs with the Washington Emergency Management Division.

The EMD, with FEMA support, is holding a series of briefings for potential applicants to provide a general overview of the grant program, outline program deadlines and answer any questions.

Also taking place are initial meetings among applicants and project officers from EMD and FEMA to discuss which types of emergency expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. They also discuss the process of rebuilding structures to resist damage in the future.

These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars back into the communities.

Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and on the Washington EMD website at http://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division/.

Additional information regarding the federal response to the wildfire disaster, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4243.

Link:

FEMA Public Assistance Grants to Help Washington Communities Recover from Wildfires

Three Counties Added to Washington Public Assistance Disaster Declaration for Windstorm

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended federal disaster aid under the Public Assistance program to three additional Washington counties affected by the Aug. 29, 2015, severe windstorm.  

Eligible applicants in Clallam, Grays Harbor and Whatcom counties may now apply for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) supplementary reimbursement for the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other public as well as some private facilities.

Supplementary funding under the PA program goes to the state and eligible agencies, tribal governments, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations. Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the remaining 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local and tribal governments or organizations that incurred costs.

In the original October 15 declaration, Island, Jefferson and Snohomish counties were designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding as a result of the windstorm.

For more information on Washington disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4242. FEMA Region 10 is also on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/femaregion10 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

Originally posted here:  

Three Counties Added to Washington Public Assistance Disaster Declaration for Windstorm

FEMA aid reaches $16.9 billion for New York’s Hurricane Sandy Recovery

NEW YORK – FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have disbursed nearly $16.9 billion for New York’s recovery since Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the East Coast three years ago. This amount includes more than $1 billion paid directly to survivors for housing and other essential needs through the Individuals and Households Program which ended April 30, 2014.

“As we continue to work with our state, local and tribal partners, as well as other federal agencies, our focus is to build back safer and stronger than before,” said New York Sandy Recovery Office Director John Covell.

FEMA leverages its resilience efforts through its Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program has obligated nearly $9.8 billion in grants to state and local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations to cover the costs of emergency response, debris removal and the repair, restoration, replacement and mitigation of damaged public facilities. Of this amount, a total of $3 billion has been dedicated for mitigation measures. Under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, approximately $512 million has been provided.

Covell stressed that 39 cents of every Public Assistance dollar spent in New York funded mitigation measures. In previous disasters, from 1998 until Hurricane Sandy, the average amount was 5 cents. This over 700 percent increase is meeting FEMA’s commitment to rebuild New York’s infrastructure in ways that will make it more resilient and better able to withstand storms.

A majority of the 4,127 Public Assistance grants for facilities damaged by the storm include parks, beaches, marinas, water treatment plants, hospitals, schools, public housing and other public buildings. In New York, FEMA reimburses 90 percent of eligible costs. The state is responsible for covering the remaining 10 percent.

In addition to FEMA’s housing and infrastructure programs, the National Flood Insurance Program has paid nearly $4 billion in claims to flood insurance policyholders and the Small Business Administration has approved over 23,000 SBA disaster loan applicants totaling more than $1.57 billion.

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FEMA aid reaches $16.9 billion for New York’s Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Public Assistance added to Disaster Declaration in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program has been added to the presidential disaster declaration for Calaveras and Lake Counties.

Eligible applicants under FEMA’s Public Assistance program include state and local governments, tribal governments and certain private nonprofits.  Applicants may be eligible for reimbursement for debris removal, emergency protective measures, repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, city-and county-owned buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to California for 75 percent of eligible costs, with the state and local governments sharing the remaining 25 percent of costs. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

For information on the Public Assistance process go to: https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance.

Today’s announcement adds to a growing list of important actions already taken by the state and federal government to assist those impacted by these devastating wildfires. 

On September 10 and September 13, FEMA provided Fire Management Assistance Grants to help pay for firefighting response costs for the Butte and Valley fires. 

On Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, 2015, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. proclaimed States of Emergency in Calaveras and Lake Counties, due to impacts from the Butte and Valley fires, respectively.

On Sept. 22, 2015, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster making federal disaster aid available for both fires.

On Oct. 2, 2015, Gov. Brown also issued an Executive Order to accelerate the process of installing emergency housing in Lake and Calaveras Counties for fire victims.

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).  If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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 are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Link – 

Public Assistance added to Disaster Declaration in California

Arkansas Awarded More Than $2.7 Million for the Replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam

DENTON, Texas – The state of Arkansas has been awarded more than $2.7 million for the replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam in Bentonville. This comes in the aftermath of the 2011 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The storms and ensuing flooding overtopped the entire length of the Bella Vista Lake Dam resulting in extensive erosion; a loss of support beneath the dam’s concrete slope cover; and damage to much of the structure’s other sections of concrete.

The funding, which is made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program, covers the demolition, removal and disposal of the original dam, as well as the materials and labor required to build the replacement dam.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $50.1 million for the 2011 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas.

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

Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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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.

 

Continue reading here – 

Arkansas Awarded More Than $2.7 Million for the Replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam

Hurricane Rita In Texas: 10 Years Later

DENTON, Texas – Texas faced multiple challenges in September 2005. Hurricane Rita made landfall in the state while it was also housing and sheltering Hurricane Katrina evacuees who were displaced less than a month earlier.
More than $1 billion in federal disaster assistance has fueled Texas’ recovery efforts in the last decade. The assistance includes funds to repair and rebuild infrastructure, housing for disaster survivors and mitigating against future disaster events.
A decade ago, many emergency management partners assisted FEMA with the disaster-related events. Local, state and federal government partners, voluntary agencies, private sector entities, nonprofits, community and faith-based groups and individuals made significant contributions.
“Texas benefited immensely from our government and non-government disaster recovery partnerships,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Hurricane Rita devastated southeast Texas and we successfully worked with our partners to rebuild communities to make them stronger.”
Funding includes more than $618.7 million in Individual Assistance grants provided to more than 252,000 individuals and families affected by Hurricanes Rita in Texas. The funds helped survivors by providing temporary housing and grants for disaster-related losses while they rebuilt their lives.
The total also includes approximately $361.9 million in Public Assistance reimbursements to the state and local governments, and eligible nonprofit organizations; and more than $89.4 million for mitigation projects to build stronger, safer and more resilient communities.
Some of this funding included:
•    Nearly $48.9 million for debris removal;
•    Almost $265.2 million for emergency protective measures, such as labor, equipment and materials to reduce threats to lives;
•    More than $134.2 million for permanent work, including the repair of roads, water control facilities, public and non-profit buildings and utilities and parks.
Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects, in conjunction with FEMA’s state and local partners, continue to move forward to help Texas storm-ravaged communities meet the challenges of repairing and rebuilding damaged and destroyed infrastructure.
While Texas was preparing for Hurricane Rita’s landfall, it also had begun assisting with emergency sheltering and housing for displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors. The state received more than $500 million from FEMA to cover costs including opening more than 200 shelters, transportation services, overtime costs for emergency operations centers and medical care.    
“Texas has overcome so much since Hurricane Rita,” Robinson said. “The storm devastated so much here the same time it was helping survivors from other parts of the country following Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, these federal disaster dollars have made Texas stronger than ever and make it better prepared for future disaster events.”

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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Hurricane Rita In Texas: 10 Years Later

Additional West Virginia County Approved For Disaster Aid

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Jackson County is now eligible to receive federal assistance for some of their costs incurred during the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides occurring July 10-14, 2015.

On August 7, 2015, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. The disaster declaration for Braxton, Clay, Lincoln, Logan, Nicholas, Roane, Webster, and Wood counties made state, county, and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, eligible to receive reimbursement for repairing infrastructure damage caused by the storms, as well as the cost of responding to them.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Programs provide state and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations, in the nine designated counties, with federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities.

The State, which distributes the FEMA funds to local governments and qualified non-profits, must review Public Assistance projects, along with FEMA, to ensure compliance with regulations.

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 fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Additional West Virginia County Approved For Disaster Aid

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