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FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Texas
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Texas for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Texas to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Texas Governor Greg Abbott to implement a system to make this funding available to Texas residents.
On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the state of Texas agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
gloria.huang Fri, 08/21/2020 - 16:53What to Expect After You Register
Some Survivors May Be Contacted for Remote Home Inspections
DES MOINES, Iowa – If you were affected by the August 10 severe storms and live in Linn County, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners can include grants for repairs to make their primary home habitable. Rental assistance is available to pay for temporary housing for homeowners and renters. FEMA assistance can also help with other disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items, medical and dental expenses.
First, if you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage you’ve suffered. You don’t have to wait for FEMA to start cleaning up but be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.
If you have losses not covered by insurance, contact FEMA by either going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585.
Information that will be required when you register includes:
- Address of the damaged primary dwelling where the damage occurred
- Current mailing address
- Current telephone number
- Social Security number
- Insurance information
- Total household annual income
- Routing and account number for checking or savings account so FEMA may directly
transfer disaster assistance funds
- A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
Home Inspections and COVID-19
If you reported that you cannot or may not be able to safely live in your home, it may be necessary for FEMA to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling.
Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, some FEMA inspections may be conducted remotely.
For remote inspections, FEMA inspectors will contact applicants by phone to answer questions about the type and extent of damage sustained. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage; it is comparable to traditional, in-person inspections and expedites the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors based on their eligibility.
Survivors with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying for FEMA assistance. Instead, they will receive a letter from FEMA explaining that they may call the FEMA Helpline to request an inspection if they find significant disaster-caused damage to their home after they have applied.
Preliminary damage assessments are ongoing and other counties may be designated later for Individual Assistance.
If you have any questions, you can always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service please call 800-621-3362.
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For more information on the Iowa disaster and a variety of recovery resources, log on to: https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs and www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
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 faced discrimination or needs help with accessible communication, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.
HSEMD Mission: To lead, coordinate and support homeland security and emergency management functions in order to establish sustainable communities and ensure economic opportunities for Iowa and its citizens.
John.Mills Fri, 08/21/2020 - 15:56
FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Fight Washington’s Palmer Fire
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Palmer Fire burning in Okanogan County, approximately seven miles southwest of the city of Oroville.
FEMA Region 10 Deputy Administrator Vincent Maykovich determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 5:43 p.m. PDT on Thursday.
The fire started on Tuesday and had burned in excess of 13,000 acres of federal, state, and private land at the time of the state’s request. There were six other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state. The fire was zero percent contained and was threatening approximately 375 homes in and around the towns of Loomis, Nighthawk, and Oroville. Level 3 “Get Out” evacuations were issued.
FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Washington. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.
FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Savannah.Brehmer Fri, 08/21/2020 - 13:40FEMA Awards $4.86 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $4,868,795 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for eligible costs of emergency response and repairs to public facilities following Hurricane Irma.
The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:
- City of Jacksonville: $1,604,928 to replace the wooden Loest Road Bridge with a concrete structure and strengthen the embankment to protect against future high-velocity flooding.
- Pinellas County: $1,059,237 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repair costs after the storm.
- South Florida Water Management District: $1,091,860 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repair costs after the storm.
- Sumter Electric Cooperative Inc. (SECO Energy): $1,112,770 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repair costs after the storm.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.
mayshaunt.gary Fri, 08/21/2020 - 13:02FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the SCU Lightning Complex
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the SCU Lightning Complex burning in Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties.
On Aug. 20, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the SCU Lightning Complex. At the time of the request, fires threatened approximately 30,500 homes in Santa Clara County and 8,200 homes in Stanislaus County, with mandatory evacuations in place for approximately 17,150 people. The fires also threatened communications, transportation, power and gas distribution infrastructure; public schools, fire stations, regional parks, and watersheds; and the Lick Observatory.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 20, 2020, as the fires threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Fri, 08/21/2020 - 10:28FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Michigan
WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Michigan for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. The grant funding will allow Michigan to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. FEMA will work with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to implement a system to make this funding available to Michigan residents.
On Aug. 8, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Aug. 20, the state of Michigan agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah were previously approved for assistance.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
gloria.huang Fri, 08/21/2020 - 10:16FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Kentucky
WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Kentucky for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. The grant funding will allow Kentucky to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $400 per week ($100 in state funds, $300 in federal funds), on top of their regular unemployment benefit. FEMA will work with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to implement a system to make this funding available to Kentucky residents.
On Aug. 8, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Aug. 20, the state of Kentucky agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Kentucky for a FEMA grant under this unprecedented program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Kentucky to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $400 per week ($100 in state funds, $300 in federal funds), on top of their regular unemployment benefit.
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah were previously approved for assistance.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
gloria.huang Fri, 08/21/2020 - 08:51President Donald J. Trump Amends Iowa Declaration
WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that additional federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Iowa as a result of severe storms on Aug. 10.
The additional assistance authorizes federal funding to affected individuals in Linn County.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
On Aug. 17, President Trump authorized federal funding to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties.
gloria.huang Thu, 08/20/2020 - 20:55Avoid Another Disaster: Beware of Fraud
DES MOINES, Iowa – Scams seem to follow disasters. Don’t let your guard down and suffer another disaster such as identity theft or paying fees for services that are never provided.
Remember, FEMA never charges for services nor does it endorse any commercial business, product or service. All federal employees have an official badge/ID. Ask to see it.
The following are some common post-disaster fraud practices to avoid.
Fake offers of state or federal aid:
- Beware of visits, calls or emails from people claiming to be from FEMA or the State of Iowa asking for your Social Security number, bank account or other sensitive information. Giving out this type of information can help an unscrupulous person make a false claim for assistance or commit identify theft.
Fraudulent building contractors.
When hiring a contractor, the Iowa Attorney General suggests:
- Check out the contractor before you sign a contract or pay any money. Ask if the contractor is registered with the Iowa Workforce Development's Division of Labor Services. You can check a contractor's registration online through the Division of Labor Services website or call 1-800-562-4692 or 515-242-5871. Check local references. Ask the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division if it has complaints (515-281-5926 or 1-888-777-4590).
- Get it in writing! Get several written estimates for the job you want done. Before any work begins, agree on a written contract detailing work to be done, responsibility for permits, costs, and any other promises. Request a copy of the contractor's liability insurance certificate. Put start and completion dates in writing and consequences if the contractor fails to follow them (example: the contract could be nullified if the contractor doesn't start on time.)
- Avoid paying large sums in advance to a contractor. If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. Insist on a "mechanic's lien waiver" in case the contractor fails to pay others for materials or labor.
- State law prohibits price gouging when a county has been declared a disaster area.
- In most cases, Iowa's Door-to-Door Sales law gives you three business days to cancel a contract signed at your home.
Don’t fall for scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.
- Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
- FEMA inspectors never require banking or other financial information.
- The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.
- FEMA inspectors will not condemn a property. Condemnation determinations are made by your local jurisdiction.
Recovery officials encourage Iowa residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity.
Iowans can submit an online consumer complaint, which allows you to attach and submit any supporting documents, such as contracts, advertisements, correspondence, proof of payment, etc. You can also download a printable complaint form and mail it to the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa, Consumer Protection Division, Hoover State Office Building, 1305 E. Walnut St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0106.
On Aug. 17, 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted a major disaster declaration for the state of Iowa, triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from severe storms that occurred on August 10, 2020. Designated areas for assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities include Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties.
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For more information on the Iowa disaster and a variety of recovery resources, log on to:
https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs
https://www.iowa.gov/disaster-recovery-resources
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.
HSEMD Mission: To lead, coordinate and support homeland security and emergency management functions in order to establish sustainable communities and ensure economic opportunities for Iowa and its citizens.
John.Mills Thu, 08/20/2020 - 20:14FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the CZU Lightning Complex
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the CZU Lightning Complex burning in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.
On Aug. 20, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the CZU Lightning Complex. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 8,593 homes in and around the communities of San Lorenzo Valley, China Creek, Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, Selton, Zayante, and Scotts Valley. The fire also threatened critical resources and infrastructure in the area, including communications, transportation, power and gas distribution infrastructure; public schools; juvenile and adult detention centers; and area fire stations.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 20, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Thu, 08/20/2020 - 13:48FEMA Opens Three More Documentation Drop-off Centers
FEMA Opens Three More Documentation Drop-off Centers
MIDLAND, Mich. – FEMA is opening three more Documentation Drop-off Centers in Iosco, Arenac and Saginaw counties for survivors of the May flooding and storms to submit supporting documents for their disaster assistance application. Documentation Drop-off Centers are already open in Midland and Gladwin.
Survivors who have been asked by FEMA to provide additional documentation should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the drop-off center. Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter.
If you don’t understand the letter you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and ask for assistance.
The Iosco Drop-off Center opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, for three days at:
Tawas Area High School
255 W. M-55
Tawas City, MI 48763
Hours and days for the Iosco center are:
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 22 to Monday, Aug. 24
It will close permanently at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24.
The Arenac Drop-off Center opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, for eight days at:
Arenac Community Center
583 E. Cedar St.
Standish, MI 48658
Hours and days for the Arenac center are:
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 26 to Wednesday, Sept. 2
It will close permanently at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The Saginaw Drop-off Center opens at 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, for nine days at:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1035 N. River Road
Saginaw, MI 48609
Hours and days for the Saginaw center are:
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday, Aug. 31 to Tuesday, Sept. 8
It will close permanently at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Locations and hours for the Documentation Drop-off Centers can be found online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by scrolling down and searching “Michigan” under the “Find Local Resources” section on the main page.
The drop-off centers will be open for a limited time and are staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.
All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow currently effective state and local requirements for COVID-19 safety measures. Applicants must wear face masks and will remain in their cars as they hand their documents to FEMA personnel, who will be wearing face masks (or other appropriate face covering) and protective equipment as well. FEMA staff will take the documents, scan them and return them to the applicants. Note: The drop-off centers do not offer COVID-19 testing.
Applicants may register in the following ways:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
- Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
If an individual cannot register online or by phone, registration at the Documentation Drop-off Centers will be available.
Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:
- Mail to: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
- Or fax to: 800-827-8112.
- Or submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 8, 2020.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
English: www.fema.gov/disaster/4547
troy.christensen Thu, 08/20/2020 - 11:18FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Colorado's Pine Gulch Fire
DENVER – This afternoon, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Pine Gulch Fire burning in Garfield and Mesa counties near DeBeque.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Pine Gulch Fire was threatening approximately 50 homes. The fire is also threatening infrastructure, utilities and equipment in the area. The fire started on July 31, 2020, and has burned in excess of 125,000 acres of state and private land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
minh.phan Wed, 08/19/2020 - 18:31FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Maryland
WASHINGTON – On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the state of Maryland agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Maryland for a FEMA grant under this unprecedented program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Maryland to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. FEMA will work with Maryland Governor Hogan to implement a system to make this funding available to Maryland residents.
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah were previously approved for assistance.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
luther.wills-dudich Wed, 08/19/2020 - 15:53District of Columbia to Receive $38.5M to Cover Costs Related to COVID-19
PHILADELPHIA - The District of Columbia will receive more than $38.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse costs related to procuring personal protective equipment and implementing safety measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $38,559,311.26 represents a 75 percent federal cost-share. The remaining 25 percent of the cost will come from non-federal sources.
The federal funds are divided into two awards.
The first provides $36,886,317.38 in federal funding to the Office of Contracts and Procurement (OCP) for Emergency Protective Measures as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Throughout this ongoing response, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public requiring emergency response and protective measures. In response to the event, the Office of Contract and Procurement (OCP) was the responsible agency for purchasing and distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to various agencies across the District of Columbia. These purchases include but are not limited to decontamination materials, N95 masks, and PPE for testing sites. Costs also include support to testing sites, medical care to those testing positive to COVID-19, and mass fatality management. All work for this project started April 1 and covers up until June 30, 2020.
The second award provides $1,672,993.88 in federal funding also to OCP for Emergency Protective Measures. In response to the event, the District was responsible for providing transportation, security and medical support to COVID-19 patients and potentially infected individuals. To eliminate the spread of COVID-19, the District used decontamination systems to ensure emergency medical services could safely carryout lifesaving activities for the community. The District also implemented Community-Based Testing to Centers for Disease Control’s specified vulnerable population, individuals in low income neighborhoods, and the homeless. The purchased supplies and commodities were procured through various contracts.
These grants are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.
“These grants enable our partners to provide life-saving resources. This funding tangibly demonstrates the support the federal government is providing to communities in their fight against COVID-19”, said MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator.
FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the District of Columbia in coordination with DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DC HSEMA). It is the District of Columbia’s responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipient receives this award.
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov
Follow UsFEMA’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.
amanda.hancher Wed, 08/19/2020 - 14:33FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Colorado's Grizzly Creek Fire
DENVER – This morning, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Grizzly Creek Fire burning in Garfield and Eagle counties near Glenwood Springs, Dotsero and Gypsum.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request this morning and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Grizzly Creek Fire was threatening more than 4,258 homes, with approximately 162 homes under a mandatory evacuation order. There are 890 buildings along with the Glenwood watershed and utilities in the area also being threatened. The fire started on August 10, 2020, and has burned in excess of 29,000 acres of state and federal land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
minh.phan Wed, 08/19/2020 - 14:16FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Idaho
WASHINGTON: On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the state of Idaho agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Idaho for a FEMA grant under this unprecedented program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Idaho to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. FEMA will work with Idaho Governor Little to implement a system to make this funding available to Idaho residents.
Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah were previously approved for assistance.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance
zella.campbell Wed, 08/19/2020 - 14:16FEMA Announces Awards for Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program
WASHINGTON - FEMA announced today $10 million in competitive awards for its Fiscal Year 2020 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program to 12 state and local governments to assist in developing innovative regional solutions to issues related to catastrophic incidents, including pandemic preparedness.
The grant program supports the building of core capabilities, which address the nation’s greatest risks and are essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. Delivering core capabilities requires the combined effort of the whole community, rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government.
The 2020 grants focus on planning, organization, training and exercises to build regional capabilities in FEMA’s Health and Medical and Food, Water and Sheltering Community Lifelines.
The 12 state and local governments were selected from 24 eligible applications. The projects selected are regional, replicable and sustainable after the grant period of performance ends.
FY20 RCPGP Award Recipients:
- King County, Washington $929,413
- New York, New York $929,414
- Houston, Texas $735,594
- San Francisco, California $929,414
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania $929,414
- New York $929,414
- East-West Gateway Council of Governments, St. Louis, Missouri $929,414
- Oklahoma $929,414
- Baltimore, Maryland $843,988
- New Jersey $381,060
- San Antonio, Texas $697,060
- Virginia Beach, Virginia $836,403
Read more of the FY20 RCPGP program information.
For more information, please email FEMA-RCPGP@fema.dhs.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Wed, 08/19/2020 - 11:44FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Carmel Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Carmel Fire burning in Monterey County.
On Aug. 18, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Carmel Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 180 homes in Carmel Valley in Monterey County, CA, with mandatory evacuations taking place for approximately 300 people. The fire also threatened agricultural lands and high-voltage transmission lines around Big Sur.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 18, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Wed, 08/19/2020 - 10:36FEMA Obligates Funds to Rescue Iconic Landmarks in Puerto Rico
Over $360 million has been obligated to repair public buildings and parks, which include cultural and historic sites
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – In the last three years, FEMA obligated funds so that iconic structures with historic value in Puerto Rico can regain their luster. During this time, FEMA has obligated over $360 million to municipalities, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and the Office of Historic Preservation for repairs to public buildings and parks, which include hospitals, government offices, educational centers, and sports complexes, as well as several points of interest throughout the island.
This effort includes funds for the Guajataca Tunnel in Isabela, a project with great economic impact in its area since it attracts about 7,000 visitors a year. Given the complexity of the project repairs, FEMA allocated $47,000 to perform architectural and engineering studies to repair the tunnel permanently. Built in 1904, the tunnel connects the towns of Isabela and Quebradillas, and is a remnant of Puerto Rico's sugarcane era, when a railroad system spanned the island.
Similarly, a grant of about $22,000 was approved for the renowned Fortín Conde Mirasol in Vieques. The funds will be used to repair and replace the contents of the structure, which includes a collection of paper artwork containing silkscreen prints, maps and posters of activities and festivals held at the Fort. Also planned is the repair of a wagon wheel from the beginning of the last century that was used to move sugar cane and a wooden sculpture, as well as the replacement of 15 exhibit cases.
“This first part of the two phases of assistance expected for Fortín Conde Mirasol paves the way for the recovery and improvements we need. We will follow-up on every step and support in this process to rescue this piece of historical and cultural heritage of Vieques and Puerto Rico,” said the Executive Director of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, Carlos Ruiz Cortés.
On the other hand, in the municipality of Rincón, funds were awarded for the Punta Higuero Lighthouse. Approximately $20,000 is designated for architectural and engineering design costs needed to repair the site. Once the technical studies are completed, plans will include the replacement of the wood deck, lighting fixtures, ceiling tiles and other repairs. Since 1993, the Lighthouse has included a passive park with a maritime museum, cafeteria, meeting areas and a
lookout point for whale watching and a view of Desecheo Island. It is currently run by the municipal administration and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
To date, FEMA has obligated over $7.2 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and Maria, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. Roughly 1,200 local staff are leading the recovery efforts and play a key role in moving recovery forward. The Agency is part of the transformation and the revival of the island, a process that is becoming more evident every day and that will benefit the island's residents and its future generations.
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 on Twitter @COR3pr.
Vieques, Puerto Rico (August 18, 2020) -- A grant of about $22,000 was approved for the renowned Fortín Conde Mirasol in Vieques. The funds will be used to repair and replace the contents of the structure, which includes a collection of paper artwork containing silkscreen prints, maps and posters of activities and festivals held at the Fort. Also planned is the repair of a wagon wheel from the beginning of the last century that was used to move sugar cane and a wooden sculpture, as well as the replacement of 15 exhibit cases.
Rincón, Puerto Rico (August 17, 2020) -- Approximately $20,000 is designated for architectural and engineering design costs needed to repair the Punta Higuero Lighthouse in Rincón. Since 1993, the Lighthouse has included a passive park with a maritime museum, cafeteria, meeting areas and a lookout point for whale watching and a view of Desecheo
frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 08/19/2020 - 09:31FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant to Oklahoma
WASHINGTON -- On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the state of Oklahoma agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Oklahoma for a FEMA grant under this unprecedented program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Oklahoma to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. FEMA will work with Oklahoma Governor Stitt to implement a system to make this funding available to Oklahoma residents.
Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico and Utah were previously approved for assistance.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.
gloria.huang Tue, 08/18/2020 - 20:30Pages
