tribe - femacontract.com

President Declares Disaster for State of Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Wisconsin to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of July 11-12, 2016.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the affected by severe storms and flooding in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn counties; and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the State of Wisconsin.

Benigno Bern Ruiz has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Ruiz said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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.

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.

See original article:

President Declares Disaster for State of Wisconsin

Oglala Sioux Tribal Members Valuable Part of FEMA Team

PINE RIDGE, S.D. – For six months, FEMA has had a continued presence on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, supporting the Oglala Sioux Tribe in response and recovery efforts following a series of severe storms and flooding in May 2015. As part of that team, FEMA has hired about 20 tribal members to assist in operations. FEMA frequently hires within communities impacted by disasters for the local knowledge and expertise that such individuals can bring, and at Pine Ridge that has been no exception.

Ellen Martinez is a caseworker. In this role, she partners with a FEMA Individual Assistance program specialist and serves as a liaison to tribal members who have applied for disaster aid.

“One of the challenges is that people don’t want to let their damaged home go because of all the family history there,” Martinez said. “They are used to what they have. So we need to talk to them and explain that the new home will be healthier, safer and more secure, because people struggle with letting go of what they have.”

Martinez, like many of the local hires, started as an emergency liaison, going out with FEMA inspectors to view damage of homes. She is also in the unique position of being a disaster survivor in addition to working with FEMA. Her home was damaged in the storm and she received a new manufactured home. She shares her experience with the other applicants that she works with.

“FEMA is changing people’s lives”, Martinez said. “A lot of people didn’t know what FEMA is. They just registered but they didn’t understand the process. I can help explain that to them. I like helping people. I like the look on their face when they receive a new home. They are so grateful.”

Nancy S. Hussman came to FEMA after a lengthy career of service with tribal government. That background gave her a solid understanding of how the tribe works and how to get things done, helpful in her current position as a Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL). As a VAL, she coordinates with agencies that seek to come on to the reservation and provide aid to tribal members in ways that FEMA can’t.

In addition to supporting the current disaster recovery effort, the experience gained by the tribal FEMA employees will end up serving the community in the future.

“It’s so great that FEMA has hired tribal members”, said Hussman. “When FEMA leaves there will be people who have been trained. We hope to keep a VAL department and we will be prepared to address a new disaster if we have one. And we will have one, whether it be tornado, fires or floods and we want to be better prepared. This is something that FEMA is teaching us.”

The tribal local hires have been able to help bridge the gap between federal government officials and the tribal community.

“We have been able to teach the FEMA people about our culture,” said Martinez. “How people look at things differently on the reservation. We’ve been able to show them how to approach tribal members as someone from off the reservation.”

“I think the FEMA staff have been receptive and they are learning about our culture,” said Hussman. “And that means a lot to our people. Because in general, many people are leery of the government. But FEMA has hired tribal members and because of that people have welcomed us into their homes and we have been able to do inspections and provide assistance.”

The newest members of the FEMA team have played an integral role, serving both the agency and their tribal community.

View original post here:

Oglala Sioux Tribal Members Valuable Part of FEMA Team

Deadline is Friday to Submit Requests for Public Assistance following November Storm

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – State agencies – along with local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit agencies – affected by the Nov. 17, 2015, severe storm in northern Idaho have until Friday to submit the paperwork needed to request reimbursement grants.

Submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) is the first step in applying for funds under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

President Obama’s Dec. 23, 2015, disaster declaration provides aid under the Public Assistance (PA) program for eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. They have 30 days from the declaration date to submit RPAs.

The 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 as well as in cleaning up and repairing afterward.

“Those entities that sustained damages or had emergency expenses because of the November storm are encouraged to submit their requests for assistance by the Friday deadline,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “FEMA is working closely with us to help you recover much of your eligible expenses.”

Any applicant or potential applicant seeking information on the RPA procedure or the PA program may call IBHS Recovery Coordinator Jarod Dick at 208-258-6515.

The November 17 storm and straight-line winds left thousands without power, blocked roads with downed trees and other debris and caused significant damage to public infrastructure.

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.

In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The state has elected to target the four designated counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for HMGP assistance, although grant opportunities may be extended to other entities statewide if any available funds remain.

“Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA is providing additional funds to Idaho to help communities implement critical mitigation measures aimed at reducing the risk of loss of life and property in future disasters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA.

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.

Potential HMGP applicants must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Feb. 8, 2016.

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.

More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program and http://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/HMGP.aspx.

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

Continue at source:

Deadline is Friday to Submit Requests for Public Assistance following November Storm

President Declares Disaster for Idaho

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Idaho to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm and straight-line winds on November 17, 2015

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and straight-line winds in the counties of Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

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

Thomas J. Dargan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Dargan said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

View the original here –

President Declares Disaster for Idaho

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open at CAP Offices

PINE RIDGE, S.D. – The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are establishing Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in six locations for individuals who experience damage during the severe storms from May 8-29. The centers will be located at the CAP offices in the following locations:

Aug 19-22: Wounded Knee District ,Manderson
Aug 23-25: Porcupine District, Porcupine
Aug 26-29: Medicine Root District, Kyle
Aug 30-Sep 1: Eagle Nest District, Wanblee
Sep 2-4: Pass Creek District, Allen
Sep 5-7: LaCreek District, Martin

Another DRC is open at the SuAnne Big Crow Recreational Center, 1 Positive Pl. – E HWY 82, Pine Ridge. In addition, transportation to Pine Ridge DRC from the Oglala District office every other hour starting at 9:00 a.m. Individuals are free to visit any DRC location.

The DRCs will be open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. until further notice. The DRC is set up for residents who would like to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives, but it’s not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. Individuals who want to register with FEMA can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or go online at www.fema.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov. The registration line is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until further notice. Individuals may also register by smart phone at m.fema.gov.

Even if residents previously registered with the tribe, with a voluntary agency, or provided damage reports they must still register with FEMA to access federal disaster assistance programs.

Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the centers to answer questions about SBA’s federal low-interest disaster loans and help business owners and residents complete their application.

FEMA Mitigation specialists are scheduled to be on hand at the DRC to provide information and answer questions about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

Read this article:

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open at CAP Offices

Federal Aid Programs for the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, tribal and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the tribe.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for commonwealth benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; tribe administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

Affected individuals and business owners in designated areas can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

Assistance for Tribal Agencies Can Include as Required:

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

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.

This article is from:

Federal Aid Programs for the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Main Content

Release date:

January 27, 2015

Release Number:

HQ-15-004-FactSheet

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

Assistance for Tribal Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, Tribe 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, Tribe administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by tribal government to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, Tribe administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

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

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:

January 27, 2015 – 17:30

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Related Disaster:

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides

Federal Aid Programs for Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

It has been 75 days since the SR 530 slide took the lives of dozens and left thousands without access to their normal routes traveled for work, medical purposes and other critical life necessities. As recovery continues, here is a look back at 10 stories about the work of tireless emergency workers, volunteers and community organizers.

$1.7 million	Almost $1.7 million in state and federal disaster assistance funding has been approved for individuals and families who were affected by the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
$1.2 million	The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance has approved approximately $1.2 million in low-interest disaster loans. SBA provides disaster loans for qualifying homeowners, renters, business owners and private nonprofits throughout the disaster area.	(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration)
$10 million	So far, FEMA has approved more than $10 million to help state, local and tribal communities cover costs such as emergency response operations and removing debris to help communities recover from the SR 530 slide. More funding is forthcoming as the state and FEMA continue reviewing requests.	(Photo by Chelsea Kneeland/FEMA Corps)
$7 million	A total of more than $7 million in donations from across the U.S. was received by three nonprofit organizations: American Red Cross, United Way and the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, which is based in Arlington, Wash.	(Courtesy of American Red Cross)
80 People served by Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe	On April 24, the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe hosted a traditionally prepared salmon dinner for 80 people who were involved in the SR 530 slide response and recovery. Attendees included residents of Darrington, first responders and volunteers, as well as representatives with Snohomish County and FEMA.	(Photo by Timara Timmens/FEMA)
600 National Guard soldiers	Nearly 600 National Guard soldiers were deployed to assist with the response efforts at the site of the SR 530 slide. Washington National Guard members sorted donations at a Joint Resource Center and managed other critical needs.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
37,000 meals	Nearly 37,000 meals have been provided by volunteers. Among them were American Red Cross members who provided more than 29,000 meals and snacks; the Soup Ladies who served 6,655 hot, homemade meals to disaster relief crew members at the site of the SR 530 Slide; and a group of students from Darrington who made more than 1,300 sandwiches for the first responders.	(Courtesy of The Soup Ladies)
150 Oso Strong Flags	The Oso Proud Oso Strong Flag Fundraiser sold 150 flags, 38 of which have been donated to local businesses and community members of Oso. The proceeds go to the communities affected. So far, $750 has been raised.	(Courtesy of Oso Proud Oso Strong Fundraiser)
29 local voluntary organizations	Approximately 29 local voluntary organizations have provided assistance, including firefighters from the Oso Fire Department and members of the Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 7.	(Photo by Marybeth O’Leary/FEMA)
45 Search and Rescue Dogs	More than 45 search and rescue canines were active in the response to the SR 530 slide.	(Photo by Marty Bahamonde/FEMA)

Help is still available. Those directly impacted by the SR 530 slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time.

SR 530 slide survivors can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week.

For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

Additional information and links to multiagency resources can also be found on the Snohomish County website, http://snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

Original link:

75 Days after the SR 530 Slide: 10 Stories of Recovery

We’re listening: SR 530 slide memorial song a source of healing

EVERETT, Wash. – Girls who lost friends in the SR 530 slide sang out their feelings in a song they wrote with the help of Grammy-winning musician Star Nayea and Sauk-Suiattle elder Mary Jack, enrolled at Tulalip.

The girls represented the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Tulalip tribes and the town of Darrington at a community meeting in Darrington on April 3 – by singing their song “Oso Strong, Highway 530.”

“This song is from the girls’ hearts. They lost friends in the slide. It’s been a difficult time,” elder Jack said. “Oso Strong Highway 530” has helped the girls in so many ways. Maybe the song will help the community start to heal, too.”

The lyrics express sadness, ask “why?” and promise to never forget any of communities along SR 530 –from Arlington to Darrington – while calling these communities together, to rise up, to be strong.

Personal traumatic experiences have given Nayea special understanding of the healing power of song.

“When you’re faced with tragedy that’s only 20 miles down the road from you, it’s unfathomable,” Nayea said. “There are no words to describe or capture the feeling it brings sharing this gift of healing power of music. It is a priceless gift and privilege, and honor of having an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Oso Strong Highway 530

Composed and performed by: Kaylee Frazee, Sarah Larson, Jordan Maltos, Malia Maltos, Raime McCord, Kyla Roundface, Natalie Stewart.
Produced and arranged by: Star Nayea

When life gets to be, too much.
When I fall away and lose touch…
There’s always a reason, a lesson to be learned

We ask the question why…
To know the answers may make us cry.
Can there be any good, to replace this pain.
Does the Creator have the master plan, to this game?

Oso strong, Darrington, Hazel too
Oso life, you and I, we’ll make it through

From the outside looking in,
You could never understand.
We all came together,
To lend a helping hand.

No picture will compare
Can’t imagine, how, or where…
So over whelming, how we feel inside
No words can explain, no answers why?

Oso strong Arlington, Skaglund Hill.
Oso life, Steelhead Drive we won’t forget you!
Oso bright, is the light…
We search to find!

Threads of our community are frayed.
We all must rise up, to pray!
Painful memories… may never fade.
Life will go on, starting today!

Oso Strong, Darrington, Sauk-Suiattle, too
Oso life, you and I, we’ll make it through.
Oso strong, Arlington, Skaglund Hill;
Oso life, Steelhead Drive, we won’t forget you.

Oso special, are the ones, left behind.
Oso bright, is the light, we search to find!

As recovery continues, help is still available.

To see information and links to multiagency resources on the Snohomish County website, click: SnohomishCountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide.

Those directly impacted by the SR 530 Slide may call a help line operated by the state of Washington. The number is (800) 688-3469. Hours of operation for the help line are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time. For more information, click: www.emd.wa.gov.

SR 530 Slide survivor can also continue to speak directly with FEMA representatives by calling the FEMA help line. The number is (800) 621-FEMA (3362). 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) is available through this number. Survivors who use TTY, may call (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, seven days a week. For more FEMA information, click: www.fema.gov/disaster/4168.

Source –

We’re listening: SR 530 slide memorial song a source of healing

Federal Aid Programs for Santa Clara Pueblo Declaration

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

Assistance for the Affected Tribal Government Can Include as Required:

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

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for the tribal government will be explained at federal/tribal applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public projects are paid through the tribe from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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.

# # #

See more here –

Federal Aid Programs for Santa Clara Pueblo Declaration

Page 1 of 2 1 2 »