President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Burns Paiute Tribe

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Burns Paiute Tribe to supplement response and recovery efforts due to severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from June 11-12, 2023.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Burns Paiute Tribe.

Mr. Toney L. Raines has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/28/2023 - 22:53

FEMA Announces Nearly $3 Billion in Funding Selections to Drive Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

DENVER – Today, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu announced the project selections for nearly $3 billion in climate resilience funding as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The selections, through two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

Today’s selections include $1.8 billion for critical resilience projects funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and $642 million for Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) community-scale flood mitigation projects. These selections build on $160 million in BRIC and FMA selections that FEMA announced in May for efforts to support mitigation projects, project scoping, and adoption of hazard-resistant building codes. Combined, the funds awarded this grant cycle of the BRIC and FMA programs total nearly $3 billion including management costs.

“Region 8 is thrilled to have nine projects for a total of $142,238,525.60 selected as part of this funding cycle,” said FEMA Region 8 Administrator Nancy Dragani. “These projects will increase resilience to natural disasters across our Region. Building resilience is a shared responsibility. Every level of government must work together to be successful, and we look forward to supporting these communities selected toward their goals.”

“From Hawaii to Maine, and everywhere in between, we are seeing the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, devastating communities nationwide. Though FEMA will always help communities respond and recover to these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have more resources than ever to meet this moment and provide our state, local, territorial, and tribal partners with the resources they need to help us create a more resilient nation.”

The top five primary hazard sources of the projects selected in the national competition for each program include flooding, infrastructure failure, fire, drought and dam or levee break hazards.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities 

Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Utah received BRIC selections for a total of $77,290,396s

This includes critical mitigation projects and activities to reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes and territories.

Project selections include a water pipeline project that connects treatment plants to enhance the resilience of the water system, building aqueduct resilience to a fault line, an active landslide and a history of pipeline failures, community relocation of power lines underground, upgrades to a raw water intake system for drought relief, and upgrades to a wastewater system to prepare for heavy precipitation events.

Learn more about these projects at the BRIC webpage on FEMA.gov. 

Flood Mitigation Assistance 

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming received Flood Mitigation Assistance selections for a total of $64,948,129. 

This funding will go towards flood control and individual property mitigation projects such as elevation, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

Examples include flood risk reduction measures that will provide FEMA-accredited flood protection and allow properties to be removed from the 100-year regulatory floodplain, community upgrades to a levee system, and property that will be transformed into restored green space, and a stream restoration project.

Learn more about these projects at the Flood Mitigation Assistance webpage on FEMA.gov.

Direct Technical Assistance

Also announced in May, 46 local communities, tribes, and territories will receive non-financial direct technical assistance to help build community-wide resilience through the BRIC program. Through process-oriented, hands-on support, this assistance enhances a community’s capacity to design holistic, equitable climate adaptation solutions that advance numerous community-driven objectives. In Region 8, six Tribal Nations received this direct technical assistance. 

Brian.Hvinden Mon, 08/28/2023 - 22:17

Disaster Recovery Centers Open Across Cook County

CHICAGO – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open Tuesday, Aug. 29 in four Cook County locations to help residents kickstart their recovery after the June 29 – July 2 storms and flood. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant, and get their questions answered in person.

The centers are located at:      

Washington Square Mall (Austin North)

Washington Square Mall                                  Hours: Mon-Sun 7a.m.-7p.m.

4851 West North Ave. 

Chicago, IL 60639​​

 

Morton College (Cicero)

Morton College                                                      Hours: Mon-Sat 7a.m.-7p.m.

3801 South Central Ave.                                    Closed Sundays 

Cicero, IL 60804                                 

 

Columbus Square Fieldhouse (Austin South)

Columbus Park Fieldhouse                                    Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

500 South Central Ave.                                             Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Chicago, IL 60644                                                        Closed Sundays

                                                                                            Labor Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

Berwyn Grove Ave Parking Garage (Berwyn)

Berwyn Grove Avenue Parking Garage              Hours: Mon-Sun 7a.m.-7p.m.

3310 Grove Ave.

Berwyn, IL 60402​​

Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers; at the Cicero location, it is in front and behind the building. 

Additional centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator. 

You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to register with FEMA is October 16, 2023.      

nicole.wilson Mon, 08/28/2023 - 21:37

FEMA Announces $162 million in BRIC & FMA Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects Across the Mid-Atlantic

PHILADELPHIA– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced the recipients of the FY22 pre-disaster hazard mitigation assistance grants from their Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs. The selections, through the two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.  

This year, nearly $3 billion was available for BRIC and FMA grants nationally, a historic amount for these programs. This was also a historic year for Region 3, with more than double the amount of funding available for the region this year over last year.

“From Hawaii to Maine, communities across the country are experiencing more frequent and intense severe weather events, resulting in devastating impacts to their homes, businesses, and families. Though FEMA will always help communities respond and recover to these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we can further our mission to help our state, local, territorial, and tribal partners build a more resilient nation.”

BRIC FY22 Region 3 Recipients: 

The BRIC grant program funds critical mitigation projects and activities that reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes, and territories. BRIC emphasizes the use of nature based solutions -- sustainable planning, design, environmental management, and engineering practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to promote adaption and resilience. 

The following nine projects in Region 3 were selected as part of the national competition for the FY22 BRIC program: 

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Water Department Updates Queen Lane Water Pump GeneratorPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania: $6.08 million

This project includes installing two 2,500-kilowatt generators, one 13.2-kilovolt (KV) incoming service switchgear, and one 13.2-KV paralleling switchgear at the 500-year-floodplain elevation level. These generators will provide resilient power and protect the pump station against multiple hazards so that it can continue serving communities. 

Pennsylvania: Bridgeville Borough Flood Control Infrastructure ProjectBridgeville Borough, Pennsylvania: $5.33 million

This will fund Phase 1A of this project, which involves constructing a levee to eliminate flooding of properties along McLaughlin Run. The project is also designed to solve area flooding and protect property from future losses, enabling growth, business expansion and possible development in this area. Once the borough completes all four project phases, mitigation efforts will benefit 172 structures.

Pennsylvania: Bethlehem Infrastructure Project - Easton Avenue Flood MitigationBethlehem, Pennsylvania: $3.05 million

Phase 1 of this project will increase stormwater detention storage and install bioretention or rain garden improvements to lower the strain on the stormwater system. By retrofitting outdated detention facilities, improving soil conditions, and incorporating native plant species, the project will reduce flooding and improve water quality while enhancing aesthetics and providing habitat benefits.

Pennsylvania: Dover, York County Floodplain MitigationDover, Pennsylvania: $5.83 million

The Dover community aims to restore a floodplain to its pre-settlement conditions through this project, which will remove excess sediment, improve groundwater connectivity, and create a vast stream-wetland floodplain complex. Restoration efforts will restore habitats, add flood storage, reduce sediment loading, and help to process pollutants. It will also mitigate potential infrastructure failure, such as the 30-inch sanitary sewer interceptor. It will help the county reduce its annual pollutant load as well. The floodplain will be seeded with native grass, sedge, and rush mix which will help stabilize the floodplain and provide habitat.  

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Water Department Pump Station MitigationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania: $50 million

This project involves construction of a new effluent pump station, replacing a dangerous and outdated system. This new pump station will protect infrastructure, prevent loss of function, and mitigate flooding across the disadvantaged drainage district. This project will include nature-based solutions such as bioretention basins, porous paving and a green roof. Once complete, this project will prevent infrastructure failure up to the 100-year storm event. It will also reduce flood risk and improve water quality and quality of life throughout the city.

Virginia: Richmond Water Treatment Facility - Feeder Channel Retaining Wall RestorationRichmond, Virginia: $11.99 million

This project will improve the feeder channel, concrete wall, and berms at the Richmond Water Treatment Facility, which serves businesses, public properties, and essential community facilities. This project will also rehabilitate concrete walls and increase their height to prevent overtopping, repair and replace channel gates, improve slope stability, remove vegetation and burrowing animals, and repair cracks. It will protect water treatment and distribution services for those within the facility’s service area ultimately making the plant more resilient to 100-year flood events and protect or restore wetlands.

Virginia: Virginia Department of Emergency Management - Green Power Mobile Energy Storage SystemNorth Chesterfield, Virginia: $21.72 million

North Chesterfield has faced natural hazards that caused power outages across wide geographic areas including disadvantaged communities and tribal nations located in the region. The Green Power On-Demand System (G-PODS) will make use of a mobile rechargeable battery system that will support the community’s electric grid during normal conditions. It can also detach and be deployed to predetermined and pre-wired disadvantaged community facilities or critical infrastructure locations to ensure there is power during a natural disaster or a similar event. This project will deploy four G-PODS units to seven quickconnect- equipped locations, along with ongoing support services. 

Virginia: City of Portsmouth - Lake Meade Dam AdaptationsPortsmouth, Virginia: $24.21 million

This project aims to enhance protection and stabilization of the Lake Meade Dam, which the City of Portsmouth owns and operates, to address future extreme precipitation. The project will strengthen the dam, upgrade spillways and improve flood protection. It will also retrofit the reservoir to prevent overtopping up to the 90% probable maximum precipitation event. This will greatly improve the level of protection for residents and businesses within the dam break inundation zone. 

Washington, D.C.: Eastern Avenue Stormwater Pump Station Resiliency ImprovementsWashington, D.C.: $ 670,749

This project involves improvements to the Eastern Avenue Stormwater Pump Station. The pump station is the primary stormwater conveyance for the Eastern Avenue underpass. This project aims to prevent power loss by installing a permanent generator, upgrading electrical equipment, and floodproofing the only access to the pump station. These measures are crucial to ensuring continuous operation, preventing traffic disruptions, and safeguarding critical infrastructure during severe storm events.

Management Costs:

The District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Virginia will also receive more than $22 million to fund management of the grants and help implement the projects. DC will receive $440, 245, Pennsylvania will receive $14,012,826 and Virginia will receive $7,761,736. 

FY22 BRIC projects selected in other FEMA regions across the country can be found here.

Flood Mitigation Assistance FY22 Region 3 Recipients:

Five projects totaling over $9.8 million in Pennsylvania and Virginia were selected in the nationwide competition for award consideration in the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. These projects will fund flood control and individual property mitigation projects such as elevation, acquisitions, and mitigation-reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

Pennsylvania: The Borough of Yardley Elevation of Two Homes Above 100-Year FloodplainYardley, Pennsylvania: $671,292

The Borough of Yardley plans to elevate two homes that have experienced Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) during past flood events to two feet above the 100-year floodplain. There have been seven Severe Repetitive and Repetitive Loss claims paid across the two structures due to the Delaware River and Canal overflowing and flooding most of the Borough. The project aims to minimize future flood damage and reduce losses by protecting the homeowners from future flooding.

Pennsylvania: City of Philadelphia Increases Sewer CapacityPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania: $5.42 million

Philadelphia will begin Phase 2 of an ongoing project to increase the sewer conveyance capacity on 21st Street in the neighborhoods of Germantown and Ogontz. Both socially vulnerable neighborhoods will build upon the Germantown Storm Flood Relief Capital Improvement Plan developed in Phase 1 and replace the 48-inch brick sewer with a 72-inch reinforced concrete box sewer. By doing this, it will increase the capacity of this system and also reduce much of the surface flooding observed in the 25, 50, and 100-year 24-hour events.

Virginia: Northern Neck Planning District Commission Elevations Northern Neck, Virginia: $1.61 million

This project aims to raise and build engineered foundations for six homes in the Northern Neck community to place them above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This will help them meet local ordinance requirements and protect the homes from future flood damage.

Virginia: Gloucester County Elevation of Ware River Home Gloucester County, Virginia: $176,400 

This project aims to raise a single-family home built in 1947 in Gloucester County to mitigate repetitive flood losses experienced by the homeowners totaling more than $30,000. The project will involve pre-construction activities, including erosion control and the use of nature-based solutions, that will protect the home against future flood events.

Virginia: Elevation of Severe Repetitive Loss and Repetitive Loss Properties in the City of Norfolk Norfolk, Virginia: $2.01 Million 

This project aims to raise seven residential properties to address the repetitive flooding. Each property will be raised three feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to protect these structures from future flood events. These efforts will help lower flood insurance rates and reduce flood claims for property owners while enhancing the City’s resilience.

Management Costs:

Pennsylvania and Virginia will also receive $1.1 million to fund management costs and help implement the projects. Pennsylvania will receive $698,095and Virginia will receive $441,142.

FMA projects selected in other FEMA regions across the country can be found here.

“We are excited to announce another historic year of selections for our BRIC and FMA grant programs. These programs allow us to work with states in our region and the District of Columbia to find new and innovative ways to help communities become more resilient,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We encourage communities who may not have been chosen or who haven’t applied in the past to work with their state hazard mitigation partners to apply for funding in the next cycle.”

Following this announcement, FEMA will work closely with our Region 3 states and the District of Columbia to finalize these projects which have been selected for further review. Communities can expect the application process to open for FY23 BRIC grants in the next few months when FEMA posts the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each grant program. Local communities should be mindful of state application deadlines which will be in advance of FEMA’s deadline. Communities apply for these grant programs through their states. 

More information on how communities can apply for BRIC or FMA funding and resources available can be found here: www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/applying. 

 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

erika.osullivan Mon, 08/28/2023 - 20:19

Webinar Set to Help Arts and Culture Sector Recover from July Storms

The Heritage Emergency National Task Force will present a webinar to help Vermont cultural institutions and arts organizations recover from damage caused by the July 7-17, 2023, severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

The webinar, requested by the Vermont Arts & Culture Disaster and Resilience Network, will be offered via Zoom from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. It is titled “Navigating Public Assistance for the Arts & Culture Sector.”

Federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program is available for the arts and culture sector. The webinar will help demystify the PA process and explain how funding can help organizations recover. It will explain:

• The PA process as it applies specifically to the arts and culture sector.
• Why you need to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan before applying for FEMA Public Assistance.
• The assistance available through SBA.
• Measures you may have taken, or plan to take, that may be eligible for reimbursement through FEMA PA.
• Deadlines for applying for aid:
  • SBA – Sept. 12
  • FEMA PA – Oct. 12
• Points of contact to answer any questions as you apply for PA funding.

Speakers will include representatives from FEMA’s PA program and SBA. The webinar will end with a question-and-answer session. 

There is no need to register for the webinar. To join, use the link below:

https://smithsonian.zoom.us/j/84008140714?pwd=WTV4S20wUzlQZzgvdUZtcHBlb3Q5dz09  

Meeting ID: 840 0814 0714 

Passcode: 067749

If you have questions, contact Task Force Coordinator Lori Foley at fema-hentf@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution co-sponsor the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a partnership of 62 national service organizations and federal agencies, to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.

In addition to the webinar, FEMA and the Library of Congress “Save Your Family’s Treasures” preservation teams will continue their local demonstrations on how to safely handle and salvage damaged items, using techniques taught by Heritage Emergency National Task Force conservation experts.

Preservation specialists will share ways on how to salvage storm-damaged family photos, artwork, textiles, media and other family treasures at the following dates at these Disaster Recovery Center locations:

• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 28 through Sept. 2, at Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 28 through Sept. 2, at Cabot Town Hall, 3084 Main St., Cabot, VT 05647

If you cannot attend the demonstrations, guidance and resources are available online at Save Your Family Treasures | FEMA.gov.

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 08/28/2023 - 19:18

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Activates Helpline for Survivors

Vermont survivors of the July 7-17, 2023, severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides now have access to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Helpline. Experts will be available to offer advice on how to build your home back stronger and safer.

Help is available to all homeowners, not only those affected by the recent storms.

If anyone has questions about how to make their home safer, call the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Helpline at 833-336-2487. Listen to the prompts and select #3 for Vermont.

FEMA mitigation experts are also available for in-person advice on rebuilding at Disaster Recovery Centers, which are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, in affected areas across the state. To find a center near you, visit fema.gov/drc. You may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for recovery center locations. 

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 08/28/2023 - 19:10

Biden-Harris Administrations Announces Nearly $3 Billion in Project Selections to Help Communities Build Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

New York, NY — Today, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu announced the project selections for nearly $3 billion in climate resilience funding as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The selections, through two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

Today’s selections include $1.8 billion for critical resilience projects funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and $642 million for Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) community- scale flood mitigation projects. These selections build on $160 million in BRIC and FMA selections that FEMA announced in May for efforts to support mitigation projects, project scoping, and adoption of hazard-resistant building codes. Combined, the funds awarded this grant cycle of the BRIC and FMA programs total nearly $3 billion including management costs.

A key pillar of Bidenomics, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has provided record funding to FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million when he took office to $3 billion this year. This increased funding allows FEMA to expand its geographic scope in funding selections and protect more of our nation’s communities that are most in harm’s way from the effects of climate change and extreme weather. Today’s selections include projects in 23 states that have never before received competitive BRIC funding. 

“Our local and community partners are the first responders when extreme weather events unfold, and they are on the front lines of building our nation’s resilience to the impacts of climate change,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “By investing today in strengthening our critical infrastructure, particularly for the most marginalized and vulnerable communities, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is going to keep Americans and their communities safer and more resilient."  

“From Hawaii to Maine, communities across the country are experiencing more frequent and intense severe weather events, resulting in devastating impacts to their homes, businesses, and families. Though FEMA will always help communities respond and recover to these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we can further our mission to help our state, local, territorial, and tribal partners build a more resilient nation.”

“Millions of Americans in communities big and small feel the effects of climate change each year from drought, extreme heat, wildfires and floods,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Adviser to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in American history. These projects will be a lifeline for many communities as we build a stronger, more resilient America.”

“FEMA’s BRIC and FMA programs are just two ways to help communities fund hazard mitigation activities equitably. Grant programs of this type reinforce our commitment to not only building resilience across Region 2 but across the nation,” said FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “We are pleased that projects within all of our jurisdictions – New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have been selected to receive funding. Strengthening critical infrastructure is an important step toward making our communities safer for future generations.”

Today’s selections further underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity and environmental justice, including by assisting the most disadvantaged communities in building resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. Aligning with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, these efforts will advance the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain covered Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.  In total, more than $1.2 billion—71%—in BRIC national competition selections and approximately 53% of all BRIC and FMA selections—$1.6 billion—will benefit disadvantaged communities.

Both programs received applications representing an intense demand for climate resilience funding. State, local, tribal and territorial governments submitted record-breaking requests for funding totaling a combined $5.6 billion for these two grant programs. 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

For the BRIC national competition, FEMA selected 124 projects across 115 communities. The selections span all 10 FEMA regions, including 38 states, one tribe and the District of Columbia. These are critical mitigation projects and activities to reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes and territories. Examples of funded projects include:

• Strengthening the electrical grid in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, including by equipping poles and wires to withstand 150 mph winds. The project should decrease the risk of power outages to residents and critical facilities;
• Upgrading pipelines in the Central Utah Water Conservancy District to withstand seismic activity. Pipelines will be designed to withstand a 975-year seismic event;
• Installing new sewer mains in Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood to protect over 600 homes from flooding. The area has seen repeated major flooding since the 1950s;
• Building three critical electrical hubs in Ko‘olaupoko, Hawaii, to keep the power on during severe weather and long outages; 
• Installing critical infrastructure upgrades to the Hobart Creek Reservoir Dam in Nevada to enhance safety and protect the water supply. This work will help to mitigate the risk of a catastrophic breach during earthquakes or major precipitation events;
• Making storm drainage improvements in Greenville, North Carolina that will reduce flood risk for 90 homes;
• Reducing extreme heat conditions in Portland, Oregon, by planting 10,500 trees over three years to reduce the impacts of heat islands as well as mitigate urban flooding during extreme rainfall events as well as improve air quality;
• Supporting a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program in Napa County, California, to provide long-term-term wildfire and climate resilience for many of its residents and communities; and
• Funding a new water pump station in Philadelphia to reduce flood risk and improve water quality and quality of life throughout the city.

 

A total of 64 of the projects selected use nature-based solutions to achieve program objectives. In addition to funding for flood mitigation, wildfire, and drought, this year’s selections also include the first BRIC funding for extreme heat. 

Combined with May’s announcement of $136 million, FEMA has selected $2.1 billion worth in BRIC grants for this funding cycle.

Also announced in May, 46 local communities, tribes, and territories will receive non-financial direct technical assistance to help build community-wide resilience through the BRIC program. Through process-oriented, hands-on support, this assistance enhances a community’s capacity to design holistic, equitable climate adaptation solutions that advance numerous community-driven objectives. 

This assistance provides free support to help disadvantaged and underserved communities access Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. More than 70 communities, territories, and tribes nationwide have been selected to receive this hands-on support since the BRIC technical assistance program began three years ago, several of which received implementation funding as part of this year’s selections. 

Learn more about selected projects on FEMA.gov.

Flood Mitigation Assistance

For the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, FEMA selected 149 projects in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)-participating communities in 28 states and the District of Columbia. This funding will go towards flood control and individual property mitigation projects such as elevation, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

Combined with May’s announcement of $24 million, FEMA has selected $711 million worth in Flood Mitigation Assistance grants for this funding cycle. Examples of funded projects include:

• Elevating 84 structure to two feet above the Base Flood Elevation and open green space for the community in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.
• Acquiring and demolishing repetitively-flooded structures in Machesney Park, Illinois, to eliminate repetitive flood threats to property and convert to green space.
• Upgrading a stormwater infrastructure system in Harris County, Texas.
• Elevating 19 single-family homes in the Florida Keys using piers and concrete footings to at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation, or to the elevation set by the local floodplain ordinance, whichever is higher.

Approximately $212 million (33%) of this cycle’s Flood Mitigation Assistance project selections will go to disadvantaged communities. Examples of community-wide projects funded areas include:

• Upgrading drainage to reduce flood risk in Canton, Mississippi. 
• Constructing a flood control facility in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Learn more about selected projects on FEMA.gov.  

gina.callaghan Mon, 08/28/2023 - 18:22

FEMA Announces Nearly $3 Billion in Funding Selections to Drive Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu announced project selections for nearly $3 billion in climate resilience funding as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The selections, through two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

Today’s selections include $1.8 billion for critical resilience projects funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and $642 million for Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) community- scale flood mitigation projects. These selections build on $160 million in BRIC and FMA selections that FEMA announced in May for efforts to support mitigation projects, project scoping, and adoption of hazard-resistant building codes. Combined, the funds awarded this grant cycle of the BRIC and FMA programs total nearly $3 billion including management costs.

“We are extremely pleased to announce that projects in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts have been selected for this innovative federal funding,” said FEMA Region I Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Under President Biden’s Administration and through Administrator Criswell’s leadership, FEMA has made climate change a top priority and we continue to make progress to ensure communities become more resilient with critical mitigation projects like these.” 

“From Hawaii to Maine, communities across the country are experiencing more frequent and intense severe weather events, resulting in devastating impacts to their homes, businesses, and families. Though FEMA will always help communities respond and recover to these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we can further our mission to help our state, local, territorial, and tribal partners build a more resilient nation.”

The top five primary hazard sources of the projects selected in the national competition for each program include flooding, infrastructure failure, fire, drought and dam or levee break hazards.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts received BRIC selections for a total of $132.62 million. In addition, Maine received a selection for the first time.

This includes critical mitigation projects and activities – three of which use nature-based solutions to reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes and territories. Nature-based solutions are sustainable planning, design, environmental management and engineering practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to promote adaptation and resilience.

One project selection is the Saco, Maine Water Resource Recovery Project. The project aims to make improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, including the addition of a berm and the construction of structures at an elevation 3 feet above the 100-year flood elevation or base flood elevation (BFE). The project would reduce risk to the city and an estimated 12,206 residential users served by the wastewater treatment plant.

This new wastewater treatment project will reduce combined sewer overflow discharge, incorporate drainage improvements throughout the site, reclaim green space for community use, and mitigate cascading impacts of climate change in accordance with York County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

Learn more about the selected projects on the BRIC webpage on FEMA.gov.

Additional information about the funding

President Biden has continued to provide additional funding to FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million to $1.16 billion during his first year in office to nearly tripling it in the 2022 funding cycle, $900 million of which came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The increased amount allows FEMA to diversify its geographic scope in funding selections and get more federal funds to communities needing it the most to become safer from the effects of climate change.

adrien.urbani Mon, 08/28/2023 - 17:59

FEMA Celebrates Disaster Resilience Month with Visit to DC Water Plant to Highlight Floodwall Project

PHILADELPHIA - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Senior Officials, Victoria Salinas and Janice Barlow, toured DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant to celebrate Disaster Resilience Month this August. The tour highlighted the innovative work the District of Columbia and DC Water are doing to reduce flood risk. 

Along with officials from DC’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), FEMA leaders were given an overview of DC Water’s emergency management program and the work they’ve been doing to mitigate hazards. The Blue Plains facility is the largest advanced wastewater treatment plant in the world, servicing more than 2.5 million people in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. It is located at the southern tip of the District along the Potomac River and has experienced flooding due to hurricanes and storms in the past. 

Over the past seven years, DC Water has applied for and received several types of FEMA funding to develop, plan, and construct a floodwall around their Blue Plains facility. Currently one section is finished, with three more planned soon using FEMA funding. When complete, these floodwall segments will protect the plant from a 500-year flood event, keeping critical infrastructure safe and operating 24/7. 

“Reducing risk to critical infrastructure is a high priority for FEMA,” said Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing Duties of Deputy Administrator of Resilience “DC Water’s Blue Plains facility tour illustrated how FEMA funding is being used to reduce risk from future flooding, and a commitment to building resilience in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.  Between these investments and a planned micro-grid, this means that this wastewater system that serves over 2 million residents will remain operational during extreme events.  This utility will now be protected from the devastating effects of climate-related storm surge and sea level rise for years to come.”

Once FEMA awards the latest grant funds, the agency will have invested more than $22.7 million in this project through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs. 

“DC Water is a great example of how a utility, community or municipality can leverage the many different types of FEMA funding available to fund not only the construction of a project, but the planning and scoping phases as well,” said FEMA Region 3 Deputy Regional Administrator Janice Barlow. “It was exciting to see firsthand the work DC Water is doing to protect critical infrastructure that affects many residents throughout Region 3.”

During the month of August, FEMA is highlighting successful mitigation efforts across the country to raise awareness of ways communities are being more climate resilient. You can learn more here. 

 

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Victoria Salinas is the Senior Official Performing Duties of Deputy Administrator for Resilience at FEMA and Janice Barlow is the Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3.

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’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.

erika.osullivan Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:25

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Idalia beginning Aug. 27, 2023, and continuing. 

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of catastrophe in Alachua, Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the effects of the emergency. Emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

Brett H. Howard has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:01

FEMA Asks Applicants to Answer Their Phones

Madison, Miss. – FEMA is asking homeowners and renters in Jackson and Jasper counties who applied for disaster assistance to answer their phones -- even if the call is from an unknown number.

FEMA knows that many people do not answer calls from unknown numbers, assuming they are sales calls. But after someone applies with FEMA, they will get at least one phone call from an unknown number. Here’s why: After a person applies, a FEMA inspector will call them to schedule a home inspection. Also, FEMA may be calling with questions about their application.

FEMA inspectors and FEMA assistance specialists will leave voicemail messages. Applicants should listen to those messages and follow the instructions. If an applicant questions if a call is legitimate, they can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

FEMA knows that fraudsters are out there. If anyone who has not applied receives a call from someone claiming to be with FEMA, they should report that call to the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

Homeowners and renters affected by the June severe storms and tornadoes can apply for assistance for uninsured losses. They may be eligible for grants for basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. They can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. FEMA assistance cannot cover all losses.

For the latest information on recovery, visit msema.org and fema.gov. On Twitter, follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4).

sandra.habib Mon, 08/28/2023 - 15:05

Debris Pick-Up to Begin in Three Additional Villages: Chalan Pago, Mangilao, and Yona

With debris clean-up teams on the ground, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris mission continues with three new villages (Chalan Pago, Mangilao, and Yona) beginning debris clean-up this week. 

Residents are encouraged to complete their debris sorting and staging as soon as possible to make sure they can take advantage of this service. The residential debris project is a free program available for all residential properties including apartments and condominiums.

Debris Operations currently ongoing in the following villages:

• Agana Heights
• Agat (Hågat)
• Asan (Asan-Maina)
• Barrigada
• Chalan-Pago-Ordot
• Dededo
• Inarajan (Inalahan)
• Mangilao
• Santa Rita (Sånta Rita-Sumai)
• Sinajana
• Talofofo (Talo’fo’fo)
• Tamuning
• Yigo
• Yona

Debris Operations are projected to begin soon in the following villages:

• Mongmong-Toto-Maite

Guam residents are asked to please separate debris by type and place it within the right of way (ROW) within 10 ft of the curb prior to the start of pick-up.

Eligible storm related debris includes vegetative debris, large appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal (cans, tin.)  

Debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes. In addition, debris should not be blocked by parked cars, abandoned cars, or by other means.

To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris (debris refinement, vegetative debris, appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal.) These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

Households will be responsible for safely disposing of ineligible debris. Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt, and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the clean-up cost associated with the violation.

To view the Debris Mission Dashboard detailing current debris mission operations, visit: Guam Debris Mission DR4715 - Dashboard (PUBLIC) (arcgis.com)

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission, visit: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

For more information on proper debris separation, visit Debris Removal Guidelines for Residential Property (fema.gov)

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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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 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Mon, 08/28/2023 - 15:01

Army Corps of Engineers Complete Typhoon Debris Clean-up in Three Villages

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reached a milestone this week as Typhoon Mawar debris clean-up from residential rights of way (ROWs), has been finished three villages (Humatak, Malesso, Piti.) The debris mission continues in 12 villages with the remaining localities scheduled to begin clean-up soon.

The USACE mission conducts separation and removal of eligible typhoon related debris from residential properties. Teams go street by street through each village collecting everything from construction and demolition waste to vegetative debris from ROWs, until the entire village has been cleared.

But how does USACE know when a village is finished? This is where the local mayors come in. Once USACE contractors have made their rounds through a village, the local mayor is contacted and tours the village to ensure debris pick-up has been completed.

“This mission was a success for its intended purpose. The curbside debris removal provides convenience to the residents and reduces illegal dumping sites.” Said Piti Mayor Jesse Alig “The methodical execution of the removal was effective and efficient.”

The mayors of Guam have been an indispensable resource throughout the Mawar recovery process, they are “boots on the ground” in every village offering information and insights into their communities while also advocating for their residents. Without their help missions like this may not be possible.

Now that debris has been cleared from these villages USACE asks that any remaining debris including ineligible and hazardous waste be disposed of properly and not be set in the ROW.

Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt, and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the clean-up cost associated with the violation.

Households will be responsible for safely disposing of ineligible debris. 

To view the Debris Mission Dashboard detailing current debris mission operations, visit: Guam Debris Mission DR4715 - Dashboard (PUBLIC) (arcgis.com)

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission, visit: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

For more information on proper debris separation, visit: Debris Removal Guidelines for Residential Property (fema.gov)

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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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 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Mon, 08/28/2023 - 14:58

Biden-Harris Administration Urges Preparedness for Tropical Storm Idalia, Continues Hawaii Response

WASHINGTON -- As the Biden-Harris Administration continues response and recovery actions in Hawaii, the federal government is also closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia and encouraging residents in the storm’s path to get prepared today. 

President Biden spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this morning and told him that he quickly approved the Emergency Declaration for Florida as they prepare for Idalia. FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center has also been fully activated to support any requests for federal assistance. President Biden said Florida will have his full support as they prepare for Idalia and its aftermath. 

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell also spoke to Gov. DeSantis this morning and emphasized the agency’s actions and readiness to support the state’s needs. Two Incident Management Assistance Teams are deployed to the state’s emergency operations center in Tallahassee and an additional IMAT is enroute to FEMA Region 4 in Atlanta to remain on standby to support any affected areas. Additional teams are also on standby to support as needed. Urban Search and Rescue teams have activated and will be ready to respond starting tonight as well. A FEMA Staging Management Team is at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama and FEMA’s Atlanta distribution warehouse center is fully stocked with commodities that ready to transfer to the state if requested once the storm passes.

FEMA is also closely coordinating Georgia and South Carolina and stands ready to provide support as needed. 

Those living in the path of Tropical Storm Idalia should take steps now to prepare for the impacts of this storm, which is forecast to become a major hurricane before it reaches the Gulf Coast of Florida. The risk of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane force winds may begin along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle as early as Tuesday. 

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should learn their evacuation routes now, have a family emergency communications plan, charge their devices and batteries, ensure they are receiving emergency alerts and check on their neighbors, especially those who are older adults or may need additional assistance. 

Residents should plan for family members, pets and service animals’ evacuation plans. People with disabilities, older adults and caregivers may need to take additional steps to plan for their individual circumstances to effectively prepare for disasters.

Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor local weather alerts for updates, follow directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.

FEMA encourages everyone to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. Make sure your family, friends and neighbors understand the potential affects Tropical Storm Idalia could bring to your area.

Now is the Time to Prepare

• Get Emergency Alerts: Make sure to sign up to receive weather alerts in your community and stay updated on the latest weather news from the National Weather Service. 
• Gather Supplies: Have enough supplies for your household. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or weeks.
• Don’t drive through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Personal Safety: Listen to officials and stay off the roads if told to do so. Evacuate if told to do so. 
• Evacuating: If you are in potentially affected areas, you should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities, you may need to take additional steps to plan for both your needs and that of your service animal. 

Continued Support for Hawaii

While FEMA monitors Tropical Storm Idalia and stands ready to support the affected states as needed, we remain focused on helping the people of Maui recover from recent wildfires. More than 830 federal personnel are on the ground on Maui assisting residents in their greatest time of need. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going to into communities and visiting survivors’ homes to help people register for assistance. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $15.5 million in assistance to more than 4,100 households.

The Joint Housing Task Force is meeting with the Maui mayor’s office on Monday and the state housing officer on Tuesday to discuss long-term housing needs and identify potential state-owned sites for housing.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/28/2023 - 14:58

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $3 Billion in Project Selections to Help Communities Build Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Additional Funding from the President’s Investing in America Agenda Enables Major Program Expansion, with 23 States Selected for the First Time

WASHINGTON -- Today, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu announced the project selections for nearly $3 billion in climate resilience funding as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics. The selections, through two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. Overall, the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides FEMA nearly $7 billion to help communities proactively reduce their vulnerability to flood, hurricanes, drought, wildfires, extreme heat and other climate-fueled hazards.

Today’s selections include $1.8 billion for critical resilience projects funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and $642 million for Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) community-scale flood mitigation projects. These selections build on $160 million in BRIC and FMA selections that FEMA announced in May for efforts to support mitigation projects, project scoping and adoption of hazard-resistant building codes. Combined, the funds awarded this grant cycle of the BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs total nearly $3 billion, including management costs.

A key pillar of Bidenomics, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has provided record funding to FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million when he took office to $3 billion this year. This increased funding allows FEMA to expand its geographic scope in funding selections and protect more of our nation’s communities that are most in harm’s way from the effects of climate change and extreme weather. Today’s selections include projects in 23 states that have never before received competitive BRIC funding. 

“Our local and community partners are the first responders when extreme weather events unfold, and they are on the front lines of building our nation’s resilience to the impacts of climate change,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “By investing today in strengthening our critical infrastructure, particularly for the most marginalized and vulnerable communities, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is going to keep Americans and their communities safer and more resilient.” 

“From Hawaii to Maine, communities across the country are experiencing more frequent and intense severe weather events, resulting in devastating impacts to their homes, businesses and families. Though FEMA will always help communities respond to and recover from these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we can further our mission to help our state, local, territorial and tribal partners build a more resilient nation.”

“Millions of Americans in communities big and small feel the effects of climate change each year from drought, extreme heat, wildfires and floods,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in American history. These projects will be a lifeline for many communities as we build a stronger, more resilient America.”

Today’s selections further underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity and environmental justice, including by assisting the most disadvantaged communities in building resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. Aligning with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, these efforts will advance the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain covered federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.  In total, more than $1.2 billion — 71% — in BRIC national competition selections and approximately 53% of all BRIC and FMA selections — $1.6 billion — will benefit disadvantaged communities.

Both programs received applications representing an intense demand for climate resilience funding. State, local, tribal and territorial governments submitted record-breaking requests for funding totaling a combined $5.6 billion for these two grant programs. 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

For the BRIC national competition, FEMA selected 124 projects across 115 communities. The selections span all 10 FEMA regions, including 38 states, one tribe and the District of Columbia. These are critical mitigation projects and activities to reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes and territories. Examples of funded projects include:

• Strengthening the electrical grid in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, including by equipping poles and wires to withstand 150 mph winds. The project should decrease the risk of power outages to residents and critical facilities;
• Upgrading pipelines in the Central Utah Water Conservancy District to withstand seismic activity. Pipelines will be designed to withstand a 975-year seismic event;
• Installing new sewer mains in Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood to protect over 600 homes from flooding. The area has seen repeated major flooding since the 1950s;
• Building three critical electrical hubs in Ko‘olaupoko, Hawaii, to keep the power on during severe weather and long outages; 
• Installing critical infrastructure upgrades to the Hobart Creek Reservoir Dam in Nevada to enhance safety and protect the water supply. This work will help to mitigate the risk of a catastrophic breach during earthquakes or major precipitation events;
• Making storm drainage improvements in Greenville, North Carolina, that will reduce flood risk for 90 homes;
• Reducing extreme heat conditions in Portland, Oregon, by planting 10,500 trees over three years to reduce the impacts of heat islands as well as mitigate urban flooding during extreme rainfall events as well as improve air quality;
• Supporting a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program in Napa County, California, to provide long-term wildfire and climate resilience for many of its residents and communities; 
• Funding a new water pump station in Philadelphia to reduce flood risk and improve water quality and quality of life throughout the city.

A total of 64 of the projects selected use nature-based solutions to achieve program objectives. In addition to funding for flood mitigation, wildfire and drought, this year’s selections also include the first BRIC funding for extreme heat. 

Combined with May’s announcement of $136 million, FEMA has selected $2.2 billion worth in BRIC grants for this funding cycle.

Also announced in May, 46 local communities, tribes and territories will receive non-financial direct technical assistance to help build community-wide resilience through the BRIC program. Through process-oriented, hands-on support, this assistance enhances a community’s capacity to design holistic, equitable climate adaptation solutions that advance numerous community-driven objectives.

This assistance provides free support to help disadvantaged and underserved communities access Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. More than 70 communities, territories and tribes nationwide have been selected to receive this hands-on support since the BRIC technical assistance program began three years ago, several of which received implementation funding as part of this year’s selections. 

Learn more about selected projects on FEMA.gov.

Flood Mitigation Assistance

For the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, FEMA selected 149 projects in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)-participating communities in 28 states and the District of Columbia. This funding will go toward flood control and individual property mitigation projects such as elevation, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by NFIP. 

Combined with May’s announcement of $24 million, FEMA has selected $711 million worth in Flood Mitigation Assistance grants for this funding cycle. Examples of funded projects include:

• Elevating 84 structures to two feet above the Base Flood Elevation and open green space for the community in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana;
• Acquiring and demolishing repetitively-flooded structures in Machesney Park, Illinois, to eliminate repetitive flood threats to property and convert to green space;
• Upgrading a stormwater infrastructure system in Harris County, Texas;
• Elevating 19 single-family homes in the Florida Keys using piers and concrete footings to at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation, or to the elevation set by the local floodplain ordinance, whichever is higher.

Approximately $212 million (33%) of this cycle’s Flood Mitigation Assistance project selections will go to disadvantaged communities. Examples of community-wide projects funded areas include:

• Upgrading drainage to reduce flood risk in Canton, Mississippi;
• Constructing a flood control facility in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Learn more about selected projects on FEMA.gov.  

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/28/2023 - 14:00

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Colorado

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Colorado to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 8-23, 2023. 

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, 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 by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in Cheyenne, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Kit Carson, and Lincoln counties.

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

Jon K. Huss has been appointed Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments. 

amy.ashbridge Fri, 08/25/2023 - 23:24

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Iowa

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Iowa to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding from April 24 to May 13, 2023.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, 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 flooding in Allamakee, Clayton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee and Scott counties.

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

José M. Gil Montañez has been appointed Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments. 

 

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 08/25/2023 - 20:09

Department of Homeland Security Offers Community Leaders New Resources to Prepare for Extreme Temperature Events as 17 States Experience Record-Breaking Heat

WASHINGTON -- With roughly 130 million Americans across 22 states under heat alerts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are releasing new resources to help communities manage extreme heat, which is growing in intensity due to the climate crisis.

Heat remains the no. 1 weather-related cause of death in the United States and its effects threaten our critical infrastructure. For instance, roadways, runways and railways can begin to buckle and weaken; large demands on electrical grids and physical impacts of heat on power lines can lead to power outages; and data centers can lose cooling ability. To help communities mitigate damage from extreme temperature events in the years to come, DHS will begin to distribute a first-of-its-kind resource guide to help state, local, tribal and territorial officials save lives. The guide advances President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to address climate change and its impacts on our communities and is a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting communities from extreme heat.

To encourage officials to use DHS resources and make plans for extreme temperature events, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell are inviting officials from across the country to a virtual roundtable on Aug. 28. Attendees will hear from community leaders who have successfully implemented extreme heat mitigation projects. Officials interested in attending can RSVP by visiting: https://www.fema.gov/event/extreme-heat-summit-2023.

“As extreme heat, worsened by the climate crisis, threatens the lives, safety and security of communities everywhere, the Biden-Harris Administration is working across all levels of government to ensure communities have resources to protect the public and our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “There are sensible, constructive measures that communities can take to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. By sharing information, planning ahead with concrete steps, understanding available federal resources and working together to help the most vulnerable people in their communities, Americans can prepare, adapt and respond to these weather-related threats to the health, safety and security of our communities.”

The resource guide and summit are the latest activities of FEMA’s #SummerReady campaign. The campaign helps to mitigate weather-related risks by reaching communities affected by rising temperatures and boosting awareness of the impacts of extreme heat, highlighting straightforward steps individuals and families can take to prepare. FEMA’s official  #SummerReady website provides extreme heat safety tips for individuals, as well as helpful information and graphics for media and other stakeholders. Ready.gov also has print, online and streaming resources to promote preparedness. As part of the #SummerReady campaign, FEMA also hosted webinars for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant applicants to assist them with extreme heat projects.

“Communities across the nation are dealing with the consequences of extreme heat events. That’s why FEMA has been leaning forward to help communities get the information they need to build resilience against extreme heat through our #SummerReady initiative. We have hosted a series of webinars to educate communities about the risks of extreme heat and provide information on how FEMA mitigation funding can be used for extreme heat projects,” said Administrator Criswell. “We will continue to engage our local, state, tribal and territorial partners to help them prepare for the deadliest climate threat we face – extreme heat.”

The new resource was guided by input from the DHS Climate Change Action Group (CCAG), created in April 2021 by Secretary Mayorkas to advance President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to tackling the climate crisis. The group, co-chaired by Senior Counselor Cass Sunstein and Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans Robert Silvers, coordinates efforts among the department’s nine operational components to better tackle the challenges posed by climate change, which affect DHS operations, plans, business processes, programs and strategies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that in 2022, the United States recorded the third hottest summer ever. This followed the 2021 season, which tied records for the hottest summer in the country. 

DHS and FEMA offer a range of resources to help communities manage extreme heat, including federal grants. These include efforts to inform people of relevant risks and to offer clear guidance about how to reduce those risks.

• Heat.gov, the web portal for the National Integrated Heat Health Information System, launched by NOAA and FEMA last summer offers tips, information and resources for state and local officials, and individuals on the impacts of extreme heat. It links to mitigation tools that can assist communities in implementing recommendations in the Resource Guide.
• FEMA’s  National Risk Index offers information about multiple risks faced by different communities in the United States, including risks related to extreme heat. 
• The  Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program helps make communities more resilient to extreme heat. The BRIC program, boosted by President Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also helps communities increase resilience to wildfires, drought, floods, hurricanes and other hazards by preparing before disaster strikes.

To register for the virtual Extreme Heat Summit, visit: https://www.fema.gov/event/extreme-heat-summit-2023.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 08/25/2023 - 20:03

FEMA Assistance Available for Alaska Spring Flooding

Anchorage, Alaska – FEMA Individual Assistance is now available for residents in Copper River, Kuspuk, Lower Kuskokwim, Lower Yukon, and Yukon Flats Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs) affected by the ice jam and snow melt flooding between May 12 and June 3, 2023. 

Even if you have already registered for the State of Alaska's disaster assistance program, you must also register with FEMA to determine if you may be eligible to receive additional funds through FEMA. 

FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. But if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA. 

Be sure to apply for both state and FEMA disaster assistance so that you can receive all of the assistance from FEMA that may be available based on your eligibility. If you still have unmet needs, they may be able to be addressed through other sources.  

• You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or contacting a FEMA specialist by calling 1-866-342-1699 between 8 AM and 7 PM AKT, Monday through Sunday. The hotline has staff trained to answer Alaska-specific questions.

If you require a reasonable accommodation -- such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation -- call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also notify staff in the field.

In addition to Individual Assistance, the Bering Strait School, Copper River, Kuspuk, Lower Yukon, and Yukon Flats REAAs have been approved for FEMA Public Assistance, which provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits, so communities can quickly recover from major disasters or emergencies by helping to cover the cost of debris removal and the restoration of public infrastructure.

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

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov.  You can also let staff in the field know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Fri, 08/25/2023 - 19:37

Cook County Recovery Update: By the Numbers

CHICAGO - Recovery continues after the June 29 – July 2 severe storms and flooding affected residents in Cook County. Federal support, as of August 25, includes:

• More than 6,500 households have been approved for FEMA assistance, totaling over $32 million in grant funding for home repairs and property losses from the disaster. 
• Homeowners, renters and businesses have received more than $2.6 million in low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents. SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. 
• Approximately 9,400 FEMA housing inspections have been completed, with close to 150 inspectors in the field.
• FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists are going door-to-door in the affected communities, visiting more than 3,900 homes to encourage survivors to register for help, while providing them with recovery information and listening to their concerns.
• Recovery centers will also be opening soon for individuals, to get additional in-person support. However, residents can start their road to recovery now by applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or by calling 800-621-3362.

Other Help Available to Individuals:

For those who lost work because of the flooding and storms, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is now accepting applications for DUA benefits from individuals in Cook County whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the flooding.  Claimants are eligible to receive up to 26 weeks of DUA benefits as long as their unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis.  Applications for DUA benefits must be filed by September 21, 2023.

To file a DUA benefits claim, individuals are encouraged to:

• Contact the IDES call center appointment line at: 217-558-0401.
• Identify they are calling related to the Cook County Flood – DUA Benefits.
• Schedule an appointment to visit the Lawrence, Pilsen, or Woodlawn American Job Center to file a DUA benefits claim.

Claimants must first apply for and be found ineligible regular state unemployment insurance benefits before applying for DUA benefits.

For more information about Cook County’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is October 16, 2023. 

nicole.wilson Fri, 08/25/2023 - 19:10