Pennsylvania National Guard Deploys to Philadelphia’s Center City Vaccination Center

PHILADELPHIA – In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Philadelphia, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have deployed to the federally-supported Center City Community Vaccination Center in Philadelphia.

The 41-person unit consists of Soldiers and Airmen from units throughout the state, including the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion based in Lock Haven, Pa., the 111th Attack Wing based in Horsham, Pa., and the 193rd Special Operations Wing based in Middletown, Pa.

“This is a joint mission to bring Pennsylvania back online,” said Lt. Col. Joseph E. Hensley, commanding officer of the Pennsylvania National Guard detachment in Philadelphia. “Who better to do it than the joint force, including the Pennsylvania National Guard?”

The National Guard members will be working solely in non-clinical, general purpose support roles such as registration and processing, augmenting the Marines and Sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 22 that have been serving at the community vaccination center since late February.

The Center City Community Vaccination Center is a Type 1 site, which has administered 6,000 vaccinations daily for the past several weeks. The center recently reached the milestone of 100,000 total vaccinations and continues to operate 12 hour per day, seven days a week.

“The Pennsylvania National Guard is honored to be a part of this mission that will ultimately aid in recovery from the pandemic,” said Staff Sgt. Brian D. Bean, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Pennsylvania National Guard detachment in Philadelphia. “Helping our fellow citizens is at the core of what drives our Soldiers and Airmen.”

Janice Barlow, FEMA Region 3 Acting Administrator, lauded the multi-agency partnership. “The Pennsylvania National Guard’s support of the Center City Vaccination Center lends critical experience and expertise to FEMA’s mission. The National Guard members, working alongside active duty Sailors and Marines, as well as FEMA and city staff, truly highlights the levels of interagency partnership supporting the City of Philadelphia’s safe, timely and equitable distribution of vaccines.”

For more information about the Center City Community Vaccination Center, please visit https://www.phila.gov/2021-03-16-open-access-at-the-center-city-vaccination-center-for-six-days-only/

Caption: Airman 1st Class, Mackenzie Taylor, a native of Milton, Pennsylvania, with the Pennsylvania National Guard, registers a community member for a COVID-19 vaccine at the federally-supported Center City Community Vaccination Center in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on March 17, 2021.. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir / Combat Logistics Battalion 22)

Caption: Army Specialist Grant Wagner, a native of Marysville, Pennsylvania, with the Pennsylvania National Guard, registers a community member for a COVID-19 vaccine at the federally supported Center City Community Vaccination Center in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on March 17, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir / Combat Logistics Battalion 22)

 

gabriel.lugo Wed, 03/24/2021 - 17:31

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

WASHINGTON -- In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

"At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters," said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate."

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
• If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual. 
• An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
• The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.  
• Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
• Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.  Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

For more information about this assistance, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov.

zella.campbell Wed, 03/24/2021 - 16:40

FEMA Approves $17.1 Million for Two Florida State Agencies Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved two projects totaling more than $17.1 million to reimburse the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for Hurricane Michael recovery work.

FDC is receiving $6,458,521 in reimbursement for the cost of responding to the disaster. This is the completion of an expedited project, initially awarded in August 2019 at 50 percent of eligible costs incurred. The total project cost is roughly $12.9 million. Most of that cost – approximately $10.7 million – was for overtime for Corrections personnel. Other expenses included $1.4 million for state-owned equipment and vehicles used, and roughly $750,000 for contracted supplies and services.

FDOT is receiving $10,667,025 in reimbursement funds for emergency protective measures related to Hurricane Michael. Funds will cover actions to remove the immediate threat to public health and safety, such as emergency operations center support, debris removal activities and evacuation measures throughout disaster areas, as well as providing supplies and commodities.

These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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

barbara.murien… Wed, 03/24/2021 - 16:39

FEMA Provides $71.9 Million to the State of Illinois for COVID-19 Testing Costs

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced today that $71,978,877 in federal funding has been made available to IEMA for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020.

This funding will reimburse IEMA for costs associated with increased access to COVID-19 testing. The grant covers contract work, equipment rental, materials and supplies necessary to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing across the state of Illinois.

“Testing plays a vital role in stopping the spread of this virus,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “In coordination with our state partners, FEMA remains committed to helping ensure the availability of critical support services to combat COVID-19.”

“Illinois continues to have some of the most accessible COVID-19 testing in the country. Knowing quickly if someone has COVID-19 can help contact tracers identify close contacts, slow spread, and stop a potential surge,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “While vaccination is key to getting back to some semblance of normal, decreasing trends in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths with increasing vaccinations is how we end this pandemic.”

FEMA provides funding at a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Wed, 03/24/2021 - 15:15

FEMA Approves $6.5 Million to Repair the Puerto Rico Coliseum and Bahía Urbana

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico— The José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum and Bahía Urbana, two of the most important venues dedicated to promoting the arts and entertainment sector in Puerto Rico, can return to their previous state before Hurricane María thanks to an obligation of nearly $6.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

These federal funds will help the facilities be better prepared to face future disasters. In the case of the iconic José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, known as the “Choliseo”, the allocation of approximately $4.9 million is earmarked for permanent works.

“The reconstruction of these sites is part of the recovery of Puerto Rico’s economic sector; it also sets us on the road to a future where our structures are more resilient. Undoubtedly, these funds will help to develop a sector that contributes so much to us,” said the said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

According to the Convention District management, who oversees both facilities, the entertainment industry in Puerto Rico produces nearly $2 billion per year and generates approximately 30,000 direct and indirect jobs annually.

Some of the works to be funded by this federal obligation include the removal and replacement of glass panels, sound equipment, fire alarms and acoustic ceilings, among others. In addition, $13,000 was earmarked for upgrading their lighting fixtures with surge protectors and replacing existing ceiling panels with water-resistant units.

Mariela Vallines Fernández, executive director of the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority, said the impact of the federal obligations is significant. “These facilities compete on a global level when people decide where they want to travel to and visit; they are factors that they consider, seeing that these facilities are in good condition. And for us to be able to present first class facilities to these tourists, means that we can compete on an equal footing with any other tourist destination,” she said.

In addition, Vallines Fernández explained that other industries also benefit indirectly, including transportation, construction and food related, to mention a few.

On the other hand, Bahía Urbana, a modern concept spanning some 87 acres of waterfront outdoor space and an area for artistic events, was awarded $1.6 million. These funds are earmarked for repairs for the water fountain pumping system, resin floors, cobblestones and electrical wiring in the dock area, among other things.

Engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, welcomed the obligation of these funds, earmarked for the infrastructure renewal of these two important venues that foster cultural development and attract both foreign and local tourists.

“We are certain that the attendance at these venues, which promote cultural activities, will surpass their pre-Covid-19 pandemic peak once its spread is controlled. At COR3 we will support the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority staff in the recovery of these iconic sites,” concluded the engineer.

[Video] To learn more about the recovery of the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum and Bahía Urbana, click here.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 03/24/2021 - 11:52

FEMA Provides an Additional $19.4 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $19.4 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in North Dakota. To date, FEMA has paid more than $77.1 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020.

• $18.3 million was provided to the North Dakota Department of Health to add temporary nursing staff and couriers to administer and distribute COVID-19 tests and materials to testing sites throughout North Dakota.

 

• $1.1 million was provided to the McKenzie Healthcare System Inc. to convert an abandoned medical clinic into a fully functioning  Alternate Care Site, temporarily expanding hospital capacity and providing the needed care to patients living in the City of Watford and surrounding areas.

Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between October 1 and December 31, 2020.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Wed, 03/24/2021 - 02:15

FEMA Announces Cost Share Adjustment for Two U.S. Territories

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that President Joseph R. Biden Jr, made additional disaster assistance available for the territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The President authorized an increase in the level of federal funding for the Other Needs Assistance – Lost Wages Assistance program that was authorized as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning on Jan. 20, 2020 and continuing.  

On March 27, 2020, the territory of Guam received a major disaster declaration to help people and communities recover from COVID-19.

On April 1, 2020, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands received a major disaster declaration also triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from COVID-19.

Federal funding was originally available to each territory at 75% of the total eligible costs. These changes are a result of the “Small and Less Populous Island Economies Initiative” released by the White House Monday.          

Under the President's order, the non-federal cost share for Lost Wages Assistance has been waived.

zella.campbell Tue, 03/23/2021 - 22:43

FEMA Provides an Additional $19.4 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $19.4 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in North Dakota. To date, FEMA has paid more than $77.1 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020.

• $18.3 million was provided to the North Dakota Department of Health to add temporary nursing staff and couriers to administer and distribute COVID-19 tests and materials to testing sites throughout North Dakota.

• $1.1 million was provided to the McKenzie Healthcare System Inc. to convert an abandoned medical clinic into a fully functioning  Alternate Care Site, temporarily expanding hospital capacity and providing the needed care to patients living in the City of Watford and surrounding areas.

Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between October 1 and December 31, 2020.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 03/23/2021 - 22:22

FEMA Awards More than $1.7 Million to the City of Boston for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – The City of Boston received over $1.7 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts.

The grant of $1,781,624 is specifically awarded to the city for costs incurred for the 500-bed facility at the Boston Hope site for non-acute care for the homeless during the spring of 2020. The costs being reimbursed include transportation, medical staffing and equipment and other costs to operate and manage the facility. This facility provided respite and basic health care for homeless individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 but did not require hospitalization.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met before funding is disbursed.

“The City of Boston, in collaboration with Boston Hope Alternate Care Facility, provided essential assistance to a population in need.  FEMA is pleased this grant will help manage financial demands they are experiencing as a result of the pandemic,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations throughout New England.  “We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston in our shared efforts to address the challenges of COVID-19.”

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:

https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit

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

adrien.urbani Tue, 03/23/2021 - 18:20

FEMA Provides $8.7 Million to Ohio Emergency Management Agency for Vaccination Site

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today that $8,778,624 in federal funding has been made available for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020. This funding is an advance payment for costs to establish the community vaccination site at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.

“The COVID-19 vaccination site at the Wolstein Center is an important resource in Ohio’s fight against the pandemic,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “FEMA remains committed to expanding the rate of vaccinations in an efficient, effective and equitable manner in Ohio and across the nation, with an explicit focus on communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection.”

“The mass vaccination site in Cleveland has been a game-changer in terms of making the vaccine more accessible, and Ohio is grateful for FEMA’s continued support as we move down the road to recovery,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to be vaccinated against this devasting virus, and this clinic is making a significant difference as we focus on ensuring that those in Ohio’s high risk and traditionally underserved communities have equal access to the vaccine.”

“Having a mass vaccination site at Cleveland State’s Wolstein Center is very important,” said Sima Merick, Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. “Because of its location in Downtown Cleveland, and its availability to public transportation, we are able to serve individuals who are from all walks of life. Whether individuals are underserved or have access-functional needs, with the availability of community partners at the Wolstein Center, we’re able to get shots in arms of those who so desperately need it.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.  

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Tue, 03/23/2021 - 15:51

FEMA Cost Share Adjustment Grants Louisiana More Funds for Public Assistance in Hurricane Laura Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La.--- Damage from Hurricane Laura was of such severity that it crossed the threshold of FEMA’s normal Public Assistance cost-share rate of 75% and allowed the State of Louisiana to receive a rarely reached cost- share rate of 90% for eligible damages. This resulted in almost $22 million more for applicants to fund projects.

From rebuilding parish buildings to repairing sewer systems to restoring a children’s hospital, these projects are helping Louisiana communities recover from the hurricane.

Five major recipients received grants totaling over $19.6 million more for their projects. These include:

• Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will be granted an additional $10.1 million for debris removal.
• Jefferson Davis Electric Co-Op Emergency Generator Power Substation will be awarded an additional $3.8 million for Emergency Protective Measures.
• The city of Sulphur will receive $2.8 million more for debris removal.
• Military Department, State of Louisiana National Guard, will get an additional $1.6 million for Emergency Protective Measures taken during and following the hurricane.
• Beauregard Parish will receive $1.1 million more for debris removal.

President Biden authorized the federal cost-share increases for projects funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance

Program Feb. 22.

“I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the state of Louisiana resulting from Hurricane Laura during the period of August 22 to August 27, 2020, is of sufficient severity and magnitude that special cost-sharing arrangements are warranted,” the president said.

More about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program can be found at www.FEMA.gov/public-assistance.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit Louisiana Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Tue, 03/23/2021 - 14:28

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccinations Update

WASHINGTON - Federal pilot community vaccination centers are scheduled to open in Atlanta on Wednesday and Detroit tomorrow.

The state-of-the-art facility at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is accessible by car, bus and rail and is uniquely located to support underserved people in the south and east sides of the metro area and has the space and teams needed to administer up to 6,000 doses a day.

The decision to locate a federal pilot community vaccination center in Atlanta was data-driven, using information from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census. The agency continues working with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.

Ford Field in Detroit is also a centrally located community vaccination center capable of administering up to 6,000 doses per day.

Mobile vaccination operations will supplement the work being done at Ford Field, focusing vaccine distribution to public and senior housing complexes, homebound populations and hard-to-reach, socially vulnerable communities. Southern Michigan was severely impacted by COVID-19, especially communities of color in the Detroit metro area.

Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. FEMA is working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and working with its interagency partners continue to stand-up and provide support to additional sites daily.

FEMA is committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines and has now provided more than $4.39 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.

Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

zella.campbell Mon, 03/22/2021 - 21:05

FEMA Approves $7 Million for Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved three projects totaling more than $7 million for the state of Florida to reimburse the city of Callaway and Gulf County for eligible costs of emergency work and permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.

Callaway is receiving more than $5.7 million for two projects: A grant of $3,547,957 will reimburse the city for debris removal operations; and a second grant of $2,176,889 will fund permanent repairs to the Callaway Cemetery, Veterans Park, Brittany Wood Park, Callaway Sport Complex, Gore Park, Collinfurst Park, Patterson Park, and citywide retention pond fencing.

Gulf County is receiving $1,285,370 for the cost of preparing for and responding to the storm, including removal of downed trees, evacuation support and shelter operations.

These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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

barbara.murien… Mon, 03/22/2021 - 20:21

FEMA Provides $7.8 Million to the State of Illinois

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced today that $7,831,099 in federal funding has been made available to IEMA for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020.

This funding is an advance payment to IEMA to distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines at the United Center site in Chicago. This grant funding will include costs to setup the site and purchase necessary supplies and equipment to support it.

“FEMA is committed to distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to communities in the Chicago area that need them the most,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This expedited grant funding is a critical part of the effort to protect Illinoisans from the virus and put an end to this pandemic.”

“The United Center Community Vaccination Center has been a lifeline for vulnerable communities that have been hardest hit by this virus,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Director of IEMA. “We are grateful to the Biden Administration, and our federal counterparts, for their compassion, commitment and collaboration as we work together to end this pandemic.”

FEMA provides funding at a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Mon, 03/22/2021 - 18:42

Beginning March 23rd Philadelphia’s Center City Vaccination Center to Administer Second Doses Only

Media Advisory

Effective March 23, 2021, the Center City Vaccination Center (CCVC) in Philadelphia, PA will exclusively administer second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for three weeks. First doses will not be available at the CCVC during this time. Vaccination will be by appointment only for those individuals who have received an initial dose of the vaccine; walk-ups will no longer be permitted. 

After these three weeks, the CCVC will begin to administer the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine for two weeks. The specific timing and operational details related to this switch to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be announced in the coming weeks.

To register for a COVID-19 vaccine, Philadelphia residents are encouraged to complete the City of Philadelphia's Vaccine Interest Form, if they have not yet done so, at www.phila.gov/vaccineinterest. Eligible residents will be prioritized for an appointment. To check current vaccine eligibility, please visit the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website. 

Contact Us

For media inquiries, please contact the FEMA Region 3 News Desk.

Email: femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov

gabriel.lugo Mon, 03/22/2021 - 18:41

FEMA Provides and Additional $2.9 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $2.9 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Montana. To date, FEMA has paid more than $11.3 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020.

The $2.9 million was provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for a COVID public awareness campaign, the purchase and distribution of personal protective equipment and testing supplies, and to hire temporary employees for their COVID-19 hotline.  Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between March 21, 2020 and December 5, 2020.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Mon, 03/22/2021 - 17:33

FEMA, State and County Partners to Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccinations in Yakima County at Pilot Community Vaccination Center

BOTHELL, Wash. – A Pilot Community Vaccination Center (CVC) will open in Yakima, Wash., on March 31 to accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations to Yakima’s historically underserved communities at high risk of infection.

This joint effort from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Washington’s Department of Health (DOH) and Emergency Management Division (EMD), Yakima Health District, and Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management will include a fixed, drive-thru vaccination site at the Central Washington State Fair Park as well as mobile vaccination units. Through this partnership, vaccination capacity at this location will expand from approximately 200 vaccines per day to 1,200 vaccines per day between the fixed, drive-thru site and mobile units.

The additional vaccine doses will be provided directly by the federal government and will not be taken from the state or county’s regular allotments. The Yakima County Pilot CVC and accompanying mobile units will expand upon the current county-wide vaccine distribution efforts to include vaccination services to the rural and agricultural communities, including Selah, Naches, Wapato, Toppenish, Zillah, Sunnyside, Mabton, and Grandview.

“This partnership is a positive step toward ensuring all eligible individuals who want a COVID-19 vaccine have access to one. These 1,200 daily vaccine doses will make sure that Yakima’s rural, underserved communities with a high risk of COVID-19 infection are receiving the help they need,” said FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich.

“We are so appreciative to FEMA and our other federal partners for working with the state to make significant additional resources available to the people of the Yakima Valley,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “This will be a tremendous boost to our vaccine equity efforts and will also reach out directly to Washingtonians who don’t have the means of transportation to a fixed vaccination site.”

Communities in Yakima County have been particularly hard-hit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with disproportionately high infection and hospitalization rates as compared to the rest of Washington and the region. Nearly 20% of Yakima residents live below the poverty line. The rural county leads the state’s agricultural and food processing industries.  Residents include a significant proportion of essential workers who cannot perform their work from home. People from racial and ethnic minority groups have accounted for approximately 50% of the county’s COVID-19 cases.

"We are grateful for the support from our federal, state, and local partners as we work to vaccinate as many people as quickly and equitably as possible,” said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH. “Additional vaccine will help us slow disease transmission, protect our communities from variants of concern, and pave the pathway back to normal. This site and these new doses will make a difference as we work to vaccinate high-risk critical workers in agriculture and food processing during Phase 1B-2."

“Yakima County is pleased to host a Pilot Community Vaccination Center.  Support from our federal partners will allow us to distribute much-needed vaccine to members of our community using our drive-thru location and mobile vaccination teams throughout our agricultural valley.  We welcome the partnership with the state and federal government in our local vaccination efforts,” said Ron Anderson, Yakima Health District Board of Health Chair and Yakima County Commissioner.

The Yakima County Pilot CVC will open on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. The address of the Central Washington State Fair Park is 1301 S Fair Ave., Yakima, WA 98901, and this fixed site will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday—Wednesday and Friday—Sunday. On Thursdays it will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mobile unit locations and hours will be available and updated on the Yakima Health District website YakimaHealthDistrict.org.

Please check your phase eligibility using Phase Finder. Then, register for an appointment on Prep-Mod  or call 1-800-525-0127. Proof of eligibility is required, which may be an employer/provider letter, work ID badge, or screenshot of Phase Finder approval.

In alignment with President Biden’s plan to respond to COVID-19, FEMA continues to work with our state, local, and tribal partners to expedite vaccinations across Region 10 in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and our COVID-19 photo and video library for the latest updates. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

hannah.weinstein Mon, 03/22/2021 - 16:48

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and its federal partners have supported President Biden's Jan. 20 goal of administering 100 million COVID-19 vaccines -- 42 days ahead of the 100-day goal.

In the ongoing battle against this pandemic, FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states and interagency partners who continue standing up and supporting additional community vaccination centers daily. Next week, federal pilot community vaccination centers will open in Atlanta and Detroit.

FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency continues working with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations.

“At FEMA, we are committed to advancing access and equity in the vaccination program,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “This is our highest priority, as we celebrate this milestone and our goal of ensuring everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.”

Community vaccination centers are led by states, and each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. Centers may be supported by federal agencies, including FEMA.

As of March 18, FEMA has provided more than $4.39 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.

Visit FEMA.gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts. 

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 03/19/2021 - 19:06

FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – A grant of over $2 million was awarded to The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts.

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) received $2,877,307 for handling the major funding responsibilities of daily operations of Boston Hope Alternate Care Facility, located at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center during the Spring of 2020. 

The costs being reimbursed include costs for food services provided to all patients, staff and other related personnel located at the Boston Convention Center, as well as security services, A/V services, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), costs of electrical supply and delivery, and engineering and building automation system services. Alternate Care Sites like Boston Hope supplemented the state healthcare system by providing additional bed space when pandemic projections exceeded hospital capacity.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met before funding is disbursed.

“We are pleased to provide funding to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for the good work they have undertaken in the pandemic; this grant helps manage the financial demands they are experiencing,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England.  “We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in our shared efforts to respond to COVID-19.”

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:

https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:28

FEMA Awards more than $5.7 million in COVID-19 Costs for Emergency Feeding in Vermont

REGION 1 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than $5.7 million is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) to cover the cost of the State of Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program. The state’s emergency feeding program called Vermont Everyone Eats was established and coordinated with state-wide sub-contractors (Hubs) who oversee restaurant engagement, meal production and meal distribution.  The program, a vital part of Vermont’s emergency feeding initiative, provided meals to the COVID-19 impacted population of the state.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations.

“We are pleased to provide this grant to Southern Vermont Community Action, Inc. to help manage financial demands they are experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue to work closely with SEVAC as our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic continues.”

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:15