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Federal and State Infrastructure Aid For 2013 Flood Events Tops $18.6 Million

BISMARCK, N.D. – Today the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and North Dakota Department of Emergency Services announced that federal and state assistance funding for public infrastructure repairs following the 2013 winter and spring floods has surpassed $18.6 million.

On May 29 President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the winter snowmelt flooding. On July, 12, a second declaration was made in response to flooding caused by a series of heavy rainfall events. Both declarations activated the Public Assistance program, providing assistance for emergency work, debris removal, and repairs to or replacement of infrastructure, including roads, bridges and schools.

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for disaster cleanup or emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. The federal share of recovery costs is 75 percent. The remaining share is the responsibility of the state and local government or private non-profit organization.

To date, $16.4 million in federal funding has been obligated for 349 infrastructure projects. Of that amount, $9.2 million is for roads and bridges throughout the state, $3.7 million is for emergency protective measures, $850,000 is for debris removal and $2.5 million is for other projects. The state is providing an additional $2.2 million as its cost-share toward all projects.

PA projects fall broadly into two categories, small projects (total project cost of $67,500 or less) and large projects (total project cost greater than $67,500). Applicants receive funding for small projects as soon as funding is obligated and receive funding for large projects when receipts and cost documentation for work completed is provided to the state. FEMA provides funding to the state and the state in turn awards the funds to the applicant.

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Federal and State Infrastructure Aid For 2013 Flood Events Tops $18.6 Million

Acquisition: Rebuilding Homes and Lives on Safer Ground

LINCROFT, N.J.– In New Jersey, Superstorm Sandy destroyed or damaged 40,500 primary residences. Two years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, FEMA granted nearly $152 million to New Jersey for housing assistance. After Hurricane Floyd, just over a decade before Irene, FEMA issued Disaster Housing Assistance Grants to more than l72,700 households.

New Jersey is no stranger to the loss of life and property caused by coastal storms, nor to the time, money and energy it takes to rebuild in the days and months that follow. Many residents of low-lying coastal regions have found their living situations unsustainable as storm after storm devastates houses, neighborhood and communities. But some communities have made a way out of the damage cycle with the use of acquisition or buyout grants.

One of New Jersey’s main priorities after major storm damage is to acquire land where repetitive flood loss is common and convert it to open space, thereby reducing the loss of life and property. This process is called acquisition.

FEMA, through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, has granted $55,249,816 to the state so far for the acquisition of properties in the aftermath of Sandy, and plans to award $100 million total.

Homeowners do not apply directly to FEMA for acquisition. Instead, the state and local communities work together to identify areas where buyouts make the most sense. Local officials then get input from the community and those homeowners with destroyed or severely damaged properties, as well as from the state and FEMA, to ensure that the acquisition applications are environmentally sound and cost-effective. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, instituted by FEMA, covers 75 percent of the costs, and 25 percent is matched by non-federal sources.

After the state, (the grantee) decides its priorities in terms of funds usage, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program Guidance allows the subgrantee to offer homeowners pre-disaster fair market value for their homes. Buyouts are always voluntary, and homeowners may opt out of participation.

All properties acquired by communities for mitigation are then converted to open land.

Acquisition Success Stories

More and more New Jersey communities are recognizing acquisition as a permanent solution to a recurring problem.

In 2005, two successive flooding disasters destroyed six homes in Harmony Township in Warren County. At the request of Harmony Township, Green Acres and FEMA provided funding for acquisition. Those six properties have been cleared to prevent further property damage and now provide access points to the Delaware River for visitors to the area.

Even without FEMA’s 75 percent cost share, state organizations like the Green Acres Program successfully convert properties throughout New Jersey into safe and accessible open areas, such as parks and wildlife habitats, which by law must remain open land forever through deed restriction.

Green Acres and the State Agriculture Development Committee converted 1,900 acres in central New Jersey using open space funds, creating a 512-acre State Wildlife Management Area, and a 500-acre addition to Monmouth County public greenways.

In Manchester Township, a joint acquisition effort coordinated between the Green Acres Program and the U.S. Navy added 246 acres to the Manchester Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County, which will also serve as a protective buffer for the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station.

Communities that opt into the acquisition process not only protect their citizenry, but also make it possible to create an even more beautiful New Jersey coast, with open space for community residents and visitors alike.

And for many New Jersey residents, buyout is the opportunity to at least partially recoup an investment in a property that has lost value after multiple storms. It also provides the possibility of safety, peace of mind and a new start.

Homeowners do not apply directly to FEMA to participate in the acquisition process. Instead, they can contact their local emergency management office to learn more about Hazard Mitigation programs available to their community.

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

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 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###

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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Acquisition: Rebuilding Homes and Lives on Safer Ground

FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Hurricane Sandy struck New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, the devastation caused by the storm surge and high winds affected public buildings, utilities and infrastructure statewide.

Thirteen months later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has dispersed more than $1 billion in Public Assistance funds to communities affected by the storm.

This is part of a total of $5.7 billion in disaster assistance, which also includes more than $3.5 billion in flood insurance claim payments, $897 million in Individual Assistance and $834 million in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

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.

As of Nov. 25, 2013, 4,417 projects have been obligated by FEMA. Public Assistance anticipates 5,096 Sandy-related projects will eventually be funded.

Included in the $1 billion total are:

More than $77.1 million in Ocean County for countywide debris removal.
$18.6 million to repair and rebuild educational facilities statewide.
$14.6 million for repairs to piers, boardwalks, the marina and recreational areas at Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park in Elizabeth.
Nearly $13 million to the New Jersey State Police for emergency protective measures on the barrier islands as the storm hit.

For more information on New Jersey’s Sandy recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4086, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Nebraska Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 26, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-124FactSheet

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 Nebraska.

Assistance for the 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.

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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

November 26, 2013 – 13:14

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Nebraska

Related Disaster:

Nebraska Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Nebraska Declaration

Sierra County and Navajo Nation Added to NM Disaster Declaration

SANTA FE – State and federal officials announced today that Sierra County and the Navajo Nation have been added to the disaster declaration signed by President Barack Obama on September 30, 2013. Sierra County and the Navajo Nation are now eligible to apply for reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

The grants are obligated to the state to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and repairing public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

“Adding Sierra County and the Navajo Nation to the disaster declaration means assistance is now available to help with eligible costs for repairs,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources and communications systems.

Damage assessments are underway in counties that are not covered by this declaration, and additional counties may be added at a later date. Officials in other counties who have questions about the assessments should contact Brian Williams at 505-476-9601.

The counties and pueblos previously included in the declaration are: Bernalillo, Colfax, Luna, Sandoval, and Socorro counties and the Cochiti, Kewa (Santa Domingo), San Felipe, and Sandia Pueblos. These counties and pueblos were affected by the severe storms and flooding of July 23-28, 2013.

Details of the PA program are on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.

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.

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Sierra County and Navajo Nation Added to NM Disaster Declaration

Request for Public Assistance deadline extended until Nov. 30

DENVER – The deadline for eligible applicants to apply for a Request for Public Assistance has been extended to Nov. 30, 2013.

Eligible applicants are local governments, certain nonprofit organizations and state agencies in the 18 Colorado counties designated for Public Assistance.

Originally, the first 10 counties designated in September had a deadline of Nov. 16. The counties are Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Washington and Weld.

The additional eight counties designated in October, Arapahoe, Crowley, Denver, Fremont, Gilpin, Lake, Lincoln and Sedgwick, previously had a Nov. 20 deadline.

FEMA Public Assistance funding helps communities recover by providing a 75 percent federal reimbursement for eligible, disaster-related costs for debris removal, emergency measures, and permanent work to repair and replace disaster-damaged public facilities.

The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

Projects fall into the following categories:

Category A: Debris Removal
Category B: Emergency Protective Measures
Category C: Road Systems and Bridges
Category D: Water Control Facilities
Category E: Public Buildings and Contents
Category F: Public Utilities
Category G: Parks, Recreational and other

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Request for Public Assistance deadline extended until Nov. 30

Deadline For Requests For NM Public Assistance Is Saturday

SANTA FE – Saturday, November 16 is the deadline for state agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofit organizations, community ditch associations and other local government entities to submit their Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) to the State of New Mexico.

This deadline applies to the counties hit hard by the July 23 through 28 storms and flooding: Bernalillo, Colfax, Luna, Sandoval, and Socorro counties as well as the Cochiti, Kewa (Santa Domingo), San Felipe, and Sandia Pueblos.

Filing these requests with the state is the first step in the process of applying for federal reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

“We don’t want any eligible entity to miss out on reimbursements for expenses incurred,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman. “This is a very important deadline.”

These grants are obligated to the state in order to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and repairing public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, private nonprofit organizations may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, nonprofits may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources; and communications systems.

Public entities in these counties and pueblos which haven’t reported damages from the July 23-28 storms are urged to report them to their local emergency managers. Officials in these counties and pueblos who have questions about Public Assistance Applicants briefings and Requests for Public Assistance should contact Brian Williams at 505-476-9601.

Details of the PA program are on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.
More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/

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Deadline For Requests For NM Public Assistance Is Saturday

Fourth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

DENVER – At the state’s request, FEMA has approved a fourth extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which pays for eligible flood evacuees to stay in participating hotels and motels.

Individuals and families who are still being assessed regarding their housing needs may continue to be eligible for TSA through Nov. 30 (checkout Dec. 1). The previous checkout date was Nov. 17.

TSA allows eligible individuals and families to stay temporarily in participating hotels, with FEMA and the state picking up the bill for eligible room costs and taxes.
An automated phone message notifies applicants if they are eligible for this period of assistance ending Nov. 30.

A total of 140 households stayed in hotels and motels last night under TSA.

Individuals and families who are not eligible for the program may be considered for additional FEMA rental assistance.

Applicants may need to provide rental agreement information.

For questions, contact the FEMA helpline by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MDT, seven days a week. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

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Fourth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Latest Approved Funding Brings Total for Oklahoma Recovery to More Than $85 Million

OKLAHOMA CITY – An additional $5.8 million has recently been approved in federal funding for recovery in Oklahoma following the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred from May 18 – June 2, 2013. This amount includes three awards: $1.3 million for crisis counseling services; $3.5 million for debris removal; and $1 million for public electric utilities. This funding—along with additional amounts from Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)—brings state and federal assistance approved for Oklahoma to more than $85 million.

The latest Individual Assistance funding covers eligible crisis counseling services and training. The funding will be awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Initial funding for crisis counseling services was made available on June 11, 2013. Services were available to survivors immediately following the presidential disaster declaration. The latest reward is an extension that will continue to offer support to individuals and families impacted by the spring storms.

There are no cost-share requirements for the latest Individual Assistance amount and FEMA will obligate funding directly to the state.

“We remain dedicated to providing individuals and families with the necessary resources to fully assist them in their recovery,” said State Coordinating Officer and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Deputy Director Michelann Ooten.

More than $14.7 million in disaster assistance for housing and disaster-related expenses has been approved for qualified homeowners and renters. This includes more than $10.1 million in rental costs and house repairs, and more than $4.6 million for medical expenses, replacement clothing, vehicle repairs, funeral and burial costs, and other needs generated by the storms.

“We are continuing to assess individual needs to ensure that survivors are fully supported as the recovery process continues. Public Assistance funding is also ongoing as communities continue on the road to full recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman.

More than $26 million has thus far been approved in Public Assistance funding. An additional $3.5 million has been approved for debris removal. The funding covers eligible debris removal costs under a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program which is one of the new programs introduced in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013. The program funds expenses such as debris removal and debris recycling from public property and right-of-ways.

An additional $1 million award has also been provided to Western Farmers Electric Cooperative for repair and replacement of components of their electrical transmission system.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $47 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4117 or visit the OEM site at oem.ok.gov.

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The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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Latest Approved Funding Brings Total for Oklahoma Recovery to More Than $85 Million

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended for Disaster Survivors in Colorado

DENVER – At the request of the state of Colorado, FEMA has approved an extension for storm and flooding survivors to register for federal disaster assistance.

The new registration deadline is November 30, 2013, which is also the new deadline to complete and return low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan applications.

Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The extension is for all 11 Colorado counties designated for federal Individual Assistance: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Fremont, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld.

People living in these counties who sustained losses due to storms and flooding should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Applying by the deadline may help survivors avoid a funding shortfall if they later find that they are underinsured or have additional damages.

Under the SBA disaster loan program, homeowners may be eligible for as much as $200,000 in loans to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for as much as $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow as much as $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

Register with FEMA by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MST, seven days a week. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.

Register online at: DisasterAssistance.gov. Register by Web-enabled device, tablet or smartphone: type m.fema.gov in the browser.

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FEMA Registration Deadline Extended for Disaster Survivors in Colorado

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