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Multiagency Team Addresses Post-Wildfire Dangers in Eastern Washington

DUPONT, Wash. – Washington suffered its worst wildfire season in state history in 2015. Raging fires burned more than one million acres of public and private lands. After two straight years of record-breaking wildfires, vast areas of the state face a much greater risk of flash flooding, debris flow and mudslides. But a team effort by all levels of government aims to reduce those threats to public safety.

The team—called the Erosion Threat Assessment/Reduction Team (ETART)—was formed by the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the Carlton Complex Fire of 2014. A new ETART was formed in October 2015 following the federal disaster declaration for the 2015 wildfires.

ETART participants include EMD, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Weather Service, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Washington State Conservation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the Spokane, Okanagan and Whatcom conservation districts, and many others.

Led by the Okanogan Conservation District, ETART members measured soil quality, assessed watershed changes, identified downstream risks and developed recommendations to treat burned state, tribal and private lands.

“Without vegetation to soak up rainwater on charred mountainsides, flash floods and debris flows may occur after a drizzle or a downpour,” said Anna Daggett, FEMA’s ETART coordinator. “ETART brings together partners to collaborate on ways to reduce the vulnerability of those downstream homes, businesses and communities.”

Besides seeding, erosion control measures may include debris racks, temporary berms, low-water crossings and sediment retention basins. Other suggestions may include bigger culverts, more rain gauges and warning signs, and improved road drainage systems.

While public health and safety remains the top priority, other values at risk include property, natural resources, fish and wildlife habitats, as well as cultural and heritage sites.

“ETART addresses post-fire dangers and promotes collective action,” said Gary Urbas, EMD’s ETART coordinator. “With experienced partners at the table, we can assess and prioritize projects, then identify potential funding streams to fit each project based on scale, location and other criteria, which may lead to a faster and more cost-effective solution.”

Since the major disaster declaration resulting from wildfire and mudslide damages that occurred Aug. 9 to Sept. 10, 2015, FEMA has obligated more than $2.9 million in Public Assistance grants to

Washington. Those funds reimburse eligible applicants in Chelan, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, for at least 75 percent of the costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure.

After the 2014 Carlton Complex Fire, FEMA provided $2.4 million in Public Assistance grants specifically for ETART-identified projects. Those grants funded erosion control measures that reduced the effects of the 2015 wildfires—such as installing straw wattles, clearing culverts and ditches of debris, shoring up breached pond dams, and seeding and mulching burned lands.

FEMA also offers fire suppression grants, firefighter assistance grants, Hazard Mitigation Grants and National Fire Academy Educational Programs.

Affected jurisdictions, landowners and business owners continue to submit requests for grants, disaster loans, goods, services and technical assistance from local, state and federal sources to recover from the wildfires, protect the watersheds or reduce the risks associated with flooding and other natural hazards.

ETART recently issued its final report, which details its methodology, assessments, debris-flow model maps, activities and recommendations. Completed activities include:

Compiled and shared multi-agency risk assessments across jurisdictions through a public file-sharing site.
Developed and disseminated an interagency program guide to assist jurisdictions seeking assistance.
Transitioned ETART to a long-term standing committee to address threats, improve planning, and resolve policy and coordination issues that may thwart successful response and recovery efforts related to past fires and potential future events.

The “2015 Washington Wildfires Erosion Threat Assessment/Reduction Team Final Report” is available at https://data.femadata.com/Region10/Disasters/DR4243/ETART/Reports/. Visitors to this site may also access “Before, During and After a Wildfire Coordination Guide” developed by ETART.

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/disaster-assistance/public-assistance.

Additional information regarding the federal response to the 2015 wildfire disaster, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4243.

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Multiagency Team Addresses Post-Wildfire Dangers in Eastern Washington

March 6 Deadline to Request Public Assistance Funding for Severe Storm Damage

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — State and local officials, county agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations in 32 Arkansas counties have only a few days remaining to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) for federal funds to support the recovery from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding and tornadoes, Dec. 26 – Jan. 22, 2016.

The deadline to submit the one-page RPA is Sunday, March 6, 2016.

The counties eligible for PA are: Benton, Boone, Bradley, Calhoun, Carroll, Clay, Crawford, Dallas, Drew, Franklin, Greene, Independence, Izard, Lawrence, Little River, Logan, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Montgomery, Ouachita, Perry, Pike, Polk, Randolph, Scott, Searcy, Stone, Washington, White, Woodruff, and Yell.

Representatives from the Arkansas Emergency Management Agency, with support from FEMA, held detailed briefings for officials of governmental organizations, local officials and private non-profit organizations throughout the disaster areas to address application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program eligibility.

Public officials and other eligible applicants who were unable to attend the briefings and want to file an RPA can download the RPA form at ADEM/PA/Applicant Packet. They may also call ADEM at (501) 683-6700 and ask to speak to the Recovery Branch.

Once a RPA is received it is processed by the state and a FEMA public assistance officer is assigned to work in partnership with the applicant to provide comprehensive information, explanations and technical assistance.

The public assistance officer focuses on the eligibility and documentation requirements that are most pertinent to an applicant. The FEMA project officer and the applicant then work together to prepare subgrant applications.

Eligible costs include debris removal, emergency protective measures (such as police, fire and medical), road and bridge repair, and repair and restoration of public buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.

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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.

Originally posted here –

March 6 Deadline to Request Public Assistance Funding for Severe Storm Damage

Chickasaw County Approved for Disaster Aid for December Storm Damage

OXFORD, Miss. – The state of Mississippi and local governments and certain private nonprofits in Chickasaw County are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help cover expenses and repair damage associated with the tornadoes and severe weather that occurred in late December.

Chickasaw County has been added to the disaster declaration issued by President Obama on Jan. 4. The declaration initially authorized disaster funding under the Public Assistance grant program in Benton, Marshall and Tippah counties. Previous amendments added Clay, Coahoma, Itawamba, Monroe, Panola, Prentiss, Quitman and Tallahatchie counties.

The disaster declaration makes state, county and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations in the designated areas eligible to receive reimbursement through the Public Assistance program for repairing infrastructure damage caused by the storms, as well as the cost of responding to them.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA pays 75 percent of the cost for repairs, overtime and debris removal. Typically, the remaining 25 percent is split between state and local governments at 12.5 percent each. Eligible nonprofits are responsible for the full 25 percent. The program is administered by MEMA. Eligibility and project approval is determined by FEMA.

MEMA and FEMA are working to schedule applicant briefings with officials of eligible entities and nonprofit organizations in the designated counties. MEMA and FEMA will provide information on the application process, as well as deadlines for submission of necessary documents to receive federal reimbursement.

The applicant briefings may be followed by face-to-face meetings in local communities between FEMA, state officials and eligible applicants.

MEMA, FEMA and their local, state and federal partners are also providing assistance to individuals and households affected by the storms in Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Prentiss, Quitman and Tippah counties.

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Chickasaw County Approved for Disaster Aid for December Storm Damage

FEMA Public Assistance Approved for 25 Texas Counties

AUSTIN, Texas— Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) has been made available to state and local governments, and certain private nonprofits, in 25 counties, to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of Dec. 26, 2015 to Jan. 21, 2016.

The 25 counties designated for PA, in President Obama’s Major Disaster Declaration of Feb. 9, are Bailey, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Ellis, Hall, Hardeman, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Kaufman, Kent, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Navarro, Parmer, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Titus and Van Zandt.

FEMA Public Assistance reimburses a minimum of 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects, which can include repair of roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities and parks and recreational facilities affected by the December storms. The cost of debris removal and emergency protective services, such as police overtime for extra work caused from responding to the disaster, also may be eligible for reimbursement.

Applicants apply through the state using a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form alerting FEMA that an applicant will seek assistance from the agency. State Public Assistance personnel will conduct briefings for applicants on how to prepare projects for submission.

FEMA ensures that all projects meet environmental quality standards and gives final approval for all projects. The federal share goes directly to the state, with the applicant paying the remaining 25 percent. The state forwards the federal funds to eligible applicants when documentation is complete.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit our disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4255, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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FEMA Public Assistance Approved for 25 Texas Counties

FEMA Public Assistance Added for Smith County in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas—Federal disaster assistance to Texas for the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding has been expanded to include Smith County in Texas for FEMA Public Assistance (PA).

There are now 17 counties designated for Public Assistance under the Nov. 25 declaration for severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring Oct. 22-31. Other counties designated for Public Assistance include Bastrop, Bosque, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Hill, Jasper, Liberty, Navarro, Newton, Travis, Willacy, Walker and Wilson.

Local and state government agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations, such as utilities and schools in PA designated counties, may now request supplementary FEMA PA reimbursements for disaster repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other eligible facilities damaged in the October disaster.

FEMA reimburses a minimum of 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects, which can include debris removal and emergency protective services, such as police overtime for extra work caused from responding to the disaster. State Public Assistance personnel will conduct a briefing for applicants on how to prepare projects for submission.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit our disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4245, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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FEMA Public Assistance Added for Smith County in Texas

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

Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Centers Close in North Charleston, Johns Island

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two disaster recovery centers in Charleston County will close Friday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m.:

Charleston County Department of Public Works, 5800 Casper Padgett Way, North Charleston
Berkeley Electric Co-op, 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline. Survivors of Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding in Charleston County can get help by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585; those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can use the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. All applicants may appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and zip code if they want to discuss their application.

Survivors may still visit other recovery centers to ask disaster assistance questions. They can locate the closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans.

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery operations, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.

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Help Remains Available After Disaster Recovery Centers Close in North Charleston, Johns Island

IBHS/FEMA Inform Applicants of Potential Assistance Grants following November Storm

BOISE, Idaho – Emergency management specialists from the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), completed a briefing Thursday in Coeur d’Alene as a first step in getting assistance dollars to local and tribal governments and nonprofit utilities affected by the November 17 severe storm and straight-line winds in four northern Idaho counties.

IBHS and FEMA are working in partnership as a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration stemming from the Nov. 17, 2015, windstorm that left thousands without power for extended periods of time. The declaration makes FEMA Public Assistance (PA) grants available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Also available are grants under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Potential applicants have until Jan. 22, 2016, to file a Request for Public Assistance with IBHS to initiate a claim under the disaster declaration.

“Thursday’s applicant briefing was an excellent start to the process of getting Public Assistance grants to those entities that worked so hard to protect local citizens, get power restored and clear roads during and after the storm,” said Brad Richy, director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “We welcome FEMA’s partnership as we move into the next phase of working directly with each of the applicants.”

The Public Assistance program 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 storm, and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

“We are committed to working closely with our Idaho state partner to expedite grants to eligible applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA. “Our goal is to support the communities and utilities that took steps to ensure people’s safety during the storm and to make repairs afterward.”

Meetings will be held between applicants and project managers from IBHS and FEMA to discuss which types of expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. Discussions include the process of rebuilding structures to resist damage in the future. These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars to the applicants.

Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the non-federal 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. The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and http://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/PublicAssistance.aspx.

Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.

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IBHS/FEMA Inform Applicants of Potential Assistance Grants following November Storm

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.

3 Months After Flooding, Federal Assistance to South Carolina Continues

FEMA Public Assistance Added for 16 Texas Counties

AUSTIN, Texas—Federal disaster assistance to Texas for the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding has been expanded to include 16 counties in Texas for FEMA Public Assistance (PA).

Eleven counties designated for PA, including Bastrop, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Liberty, Navarro, Travis, Willacy and Wilson Counties, already are designated for Individual Assistance in the Nov. 25 disaster declaration. Five additional counties, including Bosque, Hill, Jasper, Newton and Walker Counties, have been approved for PA only.

Local and state government agencies, and certain private nonprofit organizations such as utilities and schools, in PA designated counties may now request supplementary FEMA PA reimbursements for disaster repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other eligible facilities affected in the Oct. 22 to Oct. 31 storms event.

Applicants apply through the state using a one-page Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form alerting FEMA that an applicant will seek assistance from the agency. State Public Assistance personnel will conduct briefings for applicants on how to prepare projects for submission.

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FEMA Public Assistance Added for 16 Texas Counties

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