FEMA Provides $66.9M to Wisconsin Department of Health Services

CHICAGO – FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $66,992,779 in federal funding has been made available to Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration on April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs to distribute COVID-19 testing supplies and perform testing and lab services for K-12 schools and school community screening events statewide.

“FEMA remains committed to supporting Wisconsin’s COVID-19 recovery,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Testing has been critical to controlling the spread of this virus, and in this case, protecting the health and safety of young people in Wisconsin.”

“We greatly appreciate FEMA’s continued support of Wisconsin’s COVID-19 recovery efforts,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. “Testing in our schools has been a priority and a vital part of our effort to ensure students and staff have access to this resource to protect their health and the health of their communities.”

FEMA provides a 100% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at 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.

troy.christensen Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:19

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Hardy County, West Virginia

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Hardy County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on March 8, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Melissa Scott at mscott.hardyplanner@gmail.com.

The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/yCKLr.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Hardy County Flood Mapping Milestones 

• September 15, 2021 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data. 
• April 14, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released. 
• June 21, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance. 
• March 8, 2023 – Appeal Period starts. 
• Winter 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.) 

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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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 Tue, 03/07/2023 - 17:51

County Disaster Recovery Center to Close March 17

ATLANTA – The Spalding County Disaster Recovery Center in Griffin will close at 6 p.m. Friday, March 17, but those who have an ongoing need for FEMA assistance can still get information about available recovery programs after the closing.

FEMA specialists are continuing their work in Georgia to help survivors of the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes. You don’t have to be a county resident to visit the recovery center and you can still get answers to your questions by calling the FEMA Helpline. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, March 20.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Spalding County is located at:

• Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223

• Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday

FEMA is continuing its work with the state and other partners to help Georgia residents recover from the storms. FEMA specialists are available to help update information in your accounts and direct you to federal, state and community programs and assistance.

As of March 6, more than 2,100 people have visited the seven Disaster Recovery Centers that were opened to support Georgia’s recovery. They have received information or referrals to programs offered by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal, state and local agencies and organizations.

As the disaster recovery operation progresses, it is important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay the assistance you may be eligible to receive.

If you haven’t yet applied, here are the ways to do so:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4685. You may also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter, Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

felicia.jordan Tue, 03/07/2023 - 16:00

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Santa Ana River, Highgrove Channel, Warm Springs Tributary C, Benton Creek and Pyrite Channel. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from March 4, 2023 to June 2, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the cities mentioned above, worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Riverside County at (951) 955-1265 or haelhadd@rivco.org and San Bernardino County at (909) 387-7906 or bbiggs@dpw.sbcounty.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Chino at (909) 334-3535 or ajakher@cityofchino.org, Chino Hills at (909) 364-2800 or publicworks@chinohills.org, Colton at (909) 370-5065 or vortiz@coltonca.gov, Corona at (951) 736-2266 or savat.khamphou@coronaca.gov, Eastvale at (951) 703-4479 or morme@eastvaleca.gov, Jurupa Valley at (951) 332-6464 or ptoor@jurupavalley.org, Norco at (951) 270-5677 or snelson@ci.norco.ca.us, Ontario at (909) 395-2188 or tespinoza@ontarioca.gov, Rialto at (909) 820-8040 or apaiva@rialtoca.gov; and Riverside at (951) 826-5345 or cscully@riversideca.gov.

robert.barker Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:58

FEMA Awards Over $1.3 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Vaccination Supplies

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of vaccination supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,343,707 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for the cost of vaccination supplies.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Massachusetts, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4496

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:17

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Vaccination Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of providing vaccine staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,067,182 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of vaccine staffing.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $194 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:17

FEMA Awards Almost $1.5 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Training Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.5 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,480,077 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of training.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $194 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:16

Road Renovations in Mountain Towns with FEMA Funds

The reconstructed roadways will benefit over 382,000 residents that live in the Cordillera Central

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — Puerto Rico’s Cordillera Central and the public roads that connect the 15 municipalities that are part of it have received —to date— obligations totaling over $672 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair bridges and roads in the area. These roads are a key element for the safe transportation of residents and for the small businesses that surround this area of touristic and cultural value.

“The reconstruction in this area brings with it other collateral benefits, such as activity in the surrounding businesses. We understand the positive impact of these reconstructed roads on other sectors and that is why 95 percent of these projects have funds assigned for mitigation activities to prevent this type of damage from happening again," said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

In Jayuya, FEMA allocated nearly $268 million for 123 projects aimed at repairing municipal roads. One of these projects entails the repair of two municipal roads in the Limón Sector at Mameyes neighborhood with nearly $3 million. Here the asphalt and concrete curbs and gutters will be replaced, and gabion walls and metal rails will be installed.

The mayor of Jayuya, Jorge González Otero, said that the road repairs in this agricultural coffee-growing area not only benefit the residents, but also have an impact on the economic sector, since near this area is the Tierra Alta Agrotourism Project, a coffee plantation where an aerostatic balloon was located, among other attractions.

“People see the difference in those places where these works have been developed with new asphalt, curbing, walls, metal railing and mitigation measures. The transformation is like night and day compared to how our roads were left after María, especially in this neighborhood that is the home of more than 100 families, most of them with limited resources,” said González Otero.

Mitigation measures increase resilience in projects, which was the case of Naranjito. There, FEMA obligated nearly $36 million for several road projects, like the El Banco Road in the Cedro Arriba neighborhood. About $418,000 of the allocation was assigned for mitigation measures that included a concrete curb along the road to collect and direct runoff water away and prevent erosion. Also, over 2,500 plants were planted to protect the embankment fill and a jute mesh was placed over slopes to reduce the effects of erosion, among other measures.

According to the deputy mayor of Naranjito, José Rafael Rodríguez, mitigation measures translate into a strengthened municipality, which was demonstrated when the rainfall associated with Hurricane Fiona did not affect the project. Likewise, this roadway serves as an alternate route in case of emergencies or when there is heavy traffic, making the repairs a source of relief for the more than 100 families that drive on the road.

“This area has schools, academies and about ten to twelve businesses. In addition, there is a positive impact for tourism because many people take this road to visit several well-known restaurants in the area visited by people from all over the island. Also, by making the road wider, there is more space for vehicles, and it is much safer, something very important for residents,” said Rodríguez.

On the other hand, for small businessowner Aníbal Luis López Vásquez, owner of a restaurant operating on Carr. 809 for the last six years, the damage to these roads limited access to the site and, therefore, visits from customers and tourists to his business. “It’s very important that these funds are allocated because they make the roads accessible to people who are nervous about road safety. Having roads in good condition and well-built, clean and safe gives confidence to people. These repairs have a positive impact because it makes tourists and clientele feel safe, so they can enjoy our businesses and our town,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Carlos Mercado, said his agency is pleased with FEMA’s contribution to repair roads in the mountain area, which he considers “one of the most attractive for local tourism and to receive tourists from abroad.” “It is gratifying to have safe and accessible roads so that our citizens and visitors can enjoy the natural beauties, exquisite gastronomy, historical and cultural attributes found in this region. This project will contribute to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the tourism industry as an economic development tool for these municipalities and for all of Puerto Rico,” said Mercado.

According to engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, per the Quarterly Progress Report from October to December 2022, municipalities are leading close to 2,000 projects, most of which are developments in the Central Cordillera area, and there is an increase of projects under execution in the category of roads and bridges. “At COR3 we will continue our efforts to provide the right tools for municipalities to continue advancing their reconstruction projects so necessary for the wellbeing of our citizens,” said Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $29 billion under its Public Assistance program to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane María. 

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

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/06/2023 - 11:51

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm from Dec. 21-25, 2022.

Federal funding is available to the Tribal Nation on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm.

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

Roland W. Jackson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if requested and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 03/03/2023 - 22:56

FEMA Approves State’s Request to Extend Financial Period of Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA has approved the state of Louisiana’s request to extend the financial period of assistance for eligible Hurricane Ida survivors, including the Individual and Households Program appeal deadline.

• Before the extension, the period of assistance was set to end on March 1, 2023, 18 months following the major disaster declaration (the 18-month period is determined by federal regulations).
• On Feb.24, 2023, GOHSEP requested a three-month extension.
• On March 2, 2023, FEMA approved a three-month extension, authorizing the financial assistance program through June 1st, 2023.
• An extension of the financial period of assistance allows FEMA to continue to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for an additional three months.
• This extension does not reopen the disaster to new applications for assistance. FEMA is no longer accepting new applications for Hurricane Ida assistance.
• As of March 1, 2023, FEMA has approved more than $1.2 Billion for individuals and households impacted by Hurricane Ida. That includes $750 million in housing assistance and an additional $483 million in other needs assistance for items such as transportation, personal property, moving and storage assistance, childcare and medical and dental expenses. 

Media questions can be directed to the FEMA Louisiana News Desk:

• (225) 389-2408
• FEMA-NewsDesk-Louisiana-Disasters@fema.dhs.gov

kirsten.chambers Fri, 03/03/2023 - 17:40

Two Weeks Left for Alabama Storm Survivors to Apply for Federal Assistance

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Alabama homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their primary property from the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes have two weeks left to apply for federal assistance.

The deadline is March 16, 2023, for survivors to apply for federal assistance in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan, Sumter, and Tallapoosa counties.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the Jan. 12 storms may cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other benefits.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for assistance the following ways.

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov 
• Download the free FEMA mobile app for smartphones.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a center close to you, go online to: fema.gov/drc

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

When applying, homeowners and renters will need:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security Number
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

If you are unable to locate important documents, FEMA will help you to identify other ways to verify your information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Thu, 03/02/2023 - 14:34

Hazard Mitigation Saves Millions for Rural Community

Jayuya, Puerto Rico – It is unwise to do the same thing repeatedly and expect different results. This applies to just about everything in life, including how we recover from the damaging effects of a natural disaster.

FEMA has seen many communities struggle with recurring damage when restoring bridges, roads and infrastructure projects. Those who suffer the most are the survivors, who must bear the brunt of having their daily lives upended by blocked roads and lengthy detours.

Municipal Road 527, located in Barrio Veguitas, Sector Gripiñas, in Jayuya (pronounced Ha-ju-jah), is an example of how FEMA successfully implemented a hazard mitigation proposal that withstood the onslaught of Hurricane Fiona with resounding success and avoided recurring damage.

Jayuya is an agricultural town located along the highest peaks of Puerto Rico, famous for its rich, aromatic coffee. When Hurricane María made land fall in 2017, torrential rainfall and high-speed winds devastated this community, causing landslides and asphalt surface washout. A sizable segment of Road 527 collapsed downhill. At the time of the disaster, Municipal Road 527 lacked facilities that could direct run-off water from the asphalt road and prevent damage.

“After hurricane María, only 10 percent of the road remained. It was blocked for a long time until we cleared the road with machinery so people could have provisional access, with 4X4 vehicles,” said Jorge González Otero, Mayor of Jayuya.

Hurricane María was not the first disaster to cause damage to Municipal Road 527, said Mayor González. In 1998 Hurricane Georges also devastated many roads and disrupted the lives of those who live in this area.

To break the damage-repair-damage cycle, FEMA’s HM program proposed upgrading this construction project with a mitigation component that would collect and safely divert running water.

“This project is very resilient, it passed the test,” said Mayor González. “Over 20 inches of rain fell over here during hurricane Fiona, and you can see that the project is intact. It didn’t suffer any damage. This means that it collected the water, relocated it and dumped it in a safe place.”

The construction project was awarded to the contractor for $1,000,100. This amount included about $77,700 for mitigation works, said Jayuya Municipal Administrator Adrián Bennet Rodríguez. However, the benefit to the municipality and the community was well beyond this amount.

“If it had not been mitigated, the loss would have been the same amount plus the cost of materials and labor. This means that we saved about $2 million,” said Mayor González. “But the most important thing is the service to the community, because we are here to serve the community.”

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yuisa.rios Thu, 03/02/2023 - 11:38

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at The Home Depot in Prattville

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit The Home Depot in Prattville to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.

Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available between March 2 and March 7 at:

The Home Depot

2710 Legends Pkwy.

Prattville, AL 36066

 

Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 2

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 3

8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 4

1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 5

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 6

7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 7

Specialists are also available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2477 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Wed, 03/01/2023 - 16:02

Disaster Recovery Center in Greene County to Close March 3

PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Greene County will close permanently March 3.

The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. It will close permanently at 3 p.m. Central Time, March 3, 2023.

WHERE:

Greene County

Robert H. Young Community Center

720 Greensboro St.

Eutaw, AL 35462

 

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.

The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

Other recovery centers remain open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.

WHERE:

Dallas County

Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community Center

1428 Broad St.

Selma, AL 36701

 

Dallas County

Felix Heights Community Center

405 Medical Center Pkwy.

Selma, AL 36701

 

Sumter County

Emelle City Hall

123 Dailey Ave.

Emelle, AL 35459

 

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for assistance for all designated counties is March 16, 2023.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Wed, 03/01/2023 - 15:54

DHS Awards $350 Million for Humanitarian Assistance Through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security, through FEMA, announced it will publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $350 million under the humanitarian portion of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP-H) to help local communities around the country better manage the costs of noncitizen arrivals in their communities. This is the first major portion of funding that is being allocated for humanitarian assistance under the Omnibus funding approved in December.

"With today's funding of $350 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, DHS is delivering on our commitment to provide needed support to communities across the country that receive noncitizens who are in immigration enforcement proceedings," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "At the same time, we are working to quickly stand up the new Shelter and Services Program created by Congress and look forward to awarding funds through this important new program later this fiscal year."

The Bipartisan Year-End Omnibus signed by President Biden on Dec. 29, 2022, authorized the creation of a new DHS grant program, the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), to support these communities. The Omnibus directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to transfer $800 million in funding to FEMA to establish the SSP and authorized the use of a portion of that funding for the existing EFSP-H until the SSP is established. Through today’s notice, DHS is directing $350 million to EFSP-H to fund costs incurred by localities and non-governmental organizations that assist screened and vetted noncitizens provisionally released from DHS custody pending the outcome of their immigration court proceedings. This is in addition to the $75 million awarded through EFSP-H during the Continuing Resolution.

DHS, along with its components FEMA and CBP, are working as quickly as possible to set up the new SSP. As such, FEMA and CBP will jointly host a series of listening sessions over the next several weeks to gather input from stakeholders, including previous recipients of EFSP-H funding and jurisdictions interested in applying to the SSP.

The EFSP is governed by a National Board comprised of representatives from the American Red Cross, the United Way Worldwide, and four religious charitable organizations. The board is chaired by a representative of FEMA. The EFSP National Board is the only eligible direct applicant for the funding opportunity announced today.

After the National Board receives the funds, it will post the Fiscal Year 2023 application guidance and begin accepting applications. The board, with support from FEMA, will host a series of webinars for potential applicants to explain how to apply, discuss any changes from the previous year's application guidance, and provide answers about the application process. The National Board makes all final award determinations.

For now, interested applicants are encouraged to review the Continuing Resolution 2023 Guidance to understand eligible items under the program.

mashana.davis Tue, 02/28/2023 - 19:44

FEMA Awards State of Vermont Over $3.3 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.3 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse it for the costs of providing testing for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,336,115 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the Vermont Agency of Human Services for the cost of using staff and contractors to provide COVID-19 tests statewide between December 2020 and June 2022.

One grant of $1,268,260 will cover the costs of purchasing and distributing 217,050 COVID-19 antigen tests between January and May 2022.

A second grant will provide $2,067,855 for performing 114,251 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen tests at state buildings and public facilities for state employees and visitors; state-run correctional facilities for inmates, staff, and visitors; public and non-profit schools; non-profit long-term care facilities; and public and non-profit summer camps between December 2020 and June 2022.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Vermont with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided more than $441 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 02/28/2023 - 15:07

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Ventilator Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of providing ventilators for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,035,424  FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of providing portable generators and servicing ventilators at eight hospitals between April 2020 and July 2022.

Department staff and contractors provided 80 portable ventilator units, re-certified approximately 50 ventilator components, and serviced eight hospital-owned ventilators to ensure their operability. The ventilators were deployed to the following locations: Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, Concord Hospital-Laconia, Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, Exeter Hospital, Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, Southern NH Medical Center in Nashua, and Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $197 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 02/28/2023 - 15:06

Two Additional Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Amador and Alpine counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding that took place from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023.

Homeowners and renters in Amador County are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Alpine County has just been added to the declaration for Public Assistance.

Currently, 14 California counties are eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). FEMA’s IA program may provide grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses. Other counties eligible for IA include Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Merced, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura.

To apply for FEMA IA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. The deadline to apply is March 16, 2023.

 

Some FEMA applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration to apply for a disaster loan. Long term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

 

Homeowners and renters should submit an SBA disaster loan application even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. If SBA cannot approve the application, in most cases SBA will refer survivors to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. If the SBA application is approved, individuals are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify them from other possible FEMA assistance.

 

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

 

Alpine County is now eligible for Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and certain nonprofit organizations may also be eligible. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

Currently, 44 counties are eligible for Public Assistance.

Counties eligible for both IA and PA (14): Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento. San Joaquin. San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura.

Counties eligible for PA only (30): Alpine, Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Napa, Nevada, Placer, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tuolumne, Trinity, Tulare, and Yolo.

The federal cost share for Public Assistance projects is 75 percent with 25 percent covered by the state or local governments.

Applicants with questions about making a Request for Public Assistance should email: DisasterRecovery@CalOES.CA.gov.

brindisi.chan Mon, 02/27/2023 - 19:16

Federal Disaster Assistance for Georgia Storms Tops $7 Million

ATLANTA – Six weeks after a ferocious line of thunderstorms and tornadoes crossed Georgia, more than $7.48 million in federal disaster assistance was approved for homeowners, renters and businesses that were affected.

The assistance includes FEMA grants and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Homeowners and renters who had damage or losses from the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes and live in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup counties have until Monday, March 20, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Since the major presidential disaster declaration, federal assistance approved for survivors includes:

• More than $3.14 million under the FEMA Individuals and Households Program, including:
  • More than $2.62 million in housing assistance ($1.32 million of that total in rental assistance)
  • $512,134 for medical and dental expenses, childcare, moving and storage, and other essential storm-related expenses
• More than $4.34 million in SBA disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses

As of Feb. 26, nearly 2,000 survivors have visited Disaster Recovery Centers to get information and advice about community, state and federal agencies and other available assistance. Although six centers closed Feb. 25, the Spalding County recovery center in Griffin remains open to those who need help navigating FEMA recovery programs.

 

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams interacted with more than 4,100 survivors, helping them apply for FEMA assistance.

Residents who still wish to apply may visit DisasterAssistance.gov; use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6.

FEMA works closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides disaster loans. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to submit a disaster home loan application to the SBA even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. There is no obligation to take all or part of an approved loan. If SBA cannot approve the application, SBA will refer applicants to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. If the SBA application is approved, individuals are not obligated to accept an SBA loan. However, failure to return the application may disqualify the individual from other possible FEMA assistance and other grants or services.

To apply to SBA online, or to download applications, go to https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. You may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed paper loan applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The SBA disaster loan deadline to apply for property damage is Friday, March 17. The deadline to apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which provides the necessary working capital to help small businesses impacted by a disaster survive until normal operations resume, is Oct. 16, 2023.

Despite the various application deadlines, federal recovery operations are ongoing. FEMA is also working closely with Georgia officials to help provide storm survivors all assistance for which they are eligible.

Another FEMA program is Public Assistance, the agency’s largest grant program. It provides funds to assist states, federally recognized tribes, territories, local governments and certain types of private non-profits as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies.

The program provides funding for debris removal and emergency assistance to save lives and protect property. It also helps fund permanent restoration of community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident.

Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent is covered by the state, which determines how much of those costs are the applicant’s responsibility. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred the costs.

As of Feb. 26, 30 eligible applicants have filed requests for FEMA Public Assistance to cover repairs and rebuilding.

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4685. You may also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter, Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

felicia.jordan Mon, 02/27/2023 - 18:11

DHS Announces $2 Billion in Preparedness Grants

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced more than $2 billion in funding for eight Fiscal Year 2023 preparedness grant programs. These grant programs provide critical funding to help state, local, tribal and territorial officials prepare for, prevent, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism.

Secretary Mayorkas issued the following statement on this year’s grant awards:

“As the threats to our homeland continue to evolve, the Department of Homeland Security is fulfilling a key aspect of its mission by equipping state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as transportation authorities and nonprofit organizations, with vital resources to help them strengthen our nation’s preparedness. The new threat landscape now includes medium- and small-sized jurisdictions and remote locations and encompasses a greater swath of our country than ever before, to include so-called 'soft targets' and other targets of opportunity. 

“This year, we are therefore expanding the reach of our more than $2 billion in funding by adding four additional urban areas as grant recipients: Austin, Texas; Honolulu; Jacksonville, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee. This is in addition to the 36 urban areas we continue to support, bringing the total number of funded urban areas to 40.

“The law requires that at least 25% of the combined funds for the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) be dedicated to Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA).  Last year, for the first time, we increased that minimum requirement to 30%, resulting in a $51.5 million increase from the prior year. This year, we are increasing the LETPA minimum requirement once again, to 35%. In total, LETPA funding will increase by $103 million -- from $257.5 million to $360.5 million -- over a two-year period. This increase will ensure critical support for law enforcement to better understand, recognize, prepare for, prevent and respond to terrorist activity. We are also providing additional policy guidance that will help ensure that law enforcement and terrorism- focused grant funds are appropriately focused on terrorism prevention activities, thereby strengthening our national preparedness posture.

“DHS is fundamentally a department of partnerships, and today’s grants are vital to strengthening the capabilities of local communities, which are best positioned to ensure the safety and security of our homeland. As we did last year, we have again increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to provide essential resources to help protect nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attacks. I called on Congress to provide increased funding after the hostage situation at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas.  Last year, Congress increased NSGP funding by $70 million. This year, Congress provided an additional $55 million increase, bringing the NSGP funding up from $180 million two years ago to $305 million this year. That kind of federal support is crucial to help nonprofit organizations across the nation make physical security enhancements to help protect against attacks. We are grateful to Congress for its critical support. We have also prioritized the participation of historically marginalized communities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities in this critical program, to build their capacity and address an evolving threat environment.”

The FY 2023 grant guidance will continue to focus on the nation’s highest risk areas, including urban areas that face the most significant threats. This year, the UASI will enhance regional preparedness and capabilities by funding 40 high-threat, high-density urban areas. This includes four additional urban areas who will receive funding to build and sustain capability based on an evolving threat environment. This represents Congressional intent to limit these funds to those urban areas that represent up to 85% of nationwide risk.

These grants involve an enhanced risk methodology that better reflects the current complex and diverse threat environment.  DHS and FEMA have updated this year’s risk methodology after extensive stakeholder engagement, and we commit to continuing that engagement through the FY 2023 application period to ensure our grant programs are as simple and easy to access as possible. The change in the risk methodology will allow additional jurisdictions to build new capacity to address the complex and diverse threat environment, while allowing previous grant-receiving jurisdictions to maintain current capacity to the extent it meets the new threat environment. 

DHS has identified six national priority areas in the FY 2023 grant cycle: cybersecurity; soft targets and crowded places; intelligence and information sharing; domestic violent extremism; community preparedness and resilience; and election security. Grant recipients under the SHSP and UASI will be required to dedicate a minimum of 30% of their awards across these six priority areas. Fifteen percent is required through minimum spend amounts for five priority areas, and recipients have flexibility on how to allocate the remaining 15% across the six priority areas: cybersecurity (no minimum spend); soft target and crowded places (3%); information and intelligence sharing (3%); domestic violent extremism (3%); community preparedness and resilience (3%); and election security (3%). After extensive consultation with grantees leading up to this announcement, DHS is focused on balancing the need to invest in high priority areas with giving jurisdictions the flexibility to make prioritization decisions based on their own assessments of their needs. 

As with previous years, new capabilities that are built using homeland security grant funding must be deployable if needed to support regional and national efforts. All capabilities being built or sustained must have a clear linkage to the core capabilities articulated in the National Preparedness Goal.

Preparedness Grant Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2023

The following grants are non-competitive and awarded to recipients based on several factors:

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP): State Homeland Security Program -- provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based state homeland security strategies to address capability targets. Awards are based on statutory minimums and relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.

HSGP: Urban Area Security Initiative -- provides $615 million to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in 36 high-threat, high-density areas. Awards are based on relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.

• For both the state homeland and urban area grants, 30% of the awards must address the six priority areas of cybersecurity; soft target and crowded places; information and intelligence sharing; domestic violent extremism; community preparedness and resilience; and election security. Additionally, 35% of these grants must be dedicated to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities, and 80% of these grants must be obligated from the state to local or tribal governments within 45 calendar days of receipt.  

Intercity Passenger Rail -- provides $10 million to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system. Award made per congressional direction.

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program -- provides $355.1 million to assist state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management agencies in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated mission areas and core capabilities to build a culture of preparedness.

The following grants are competitive, and exact awards will be announced later this year:

HSGP: Operation Stonegarden -- provides $90 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program -- provides $15 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program -- provides $305 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. This year, $152.5 million is provided to nonprofits in UASI-designated urban areas and $152.5 million is provided to nonprofits outside of UASI-designated urban areas located in any state or territory.

Port Security Grant Program -- provides $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Transit Security Grant Program -- provides $93 million to owners and operators of public transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program -- provides $2 million to owners and operators of intercity bus systems to protect surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure. 

Before determining modifications and final allocations to the grant programs, DHS coordinated extensive engagements with local and state partners and worked with a wide range of stakeholders. All the funding notices can be found at www.grants.gov.

FEMA has engaged in a concerted effort to expand and enhance outreach related to the NSGP to reach potential new applicants, especially in underserved communities. Funding allocations for the NSGP announcement and for technical assistance in developing grant applications can be found at Nonprofit Security Grant Program | FEMA.gov. Final submissions must be made through the non-disaster grants system located at https://portal.fema.gov.

Further information on DHS’s preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 02/27/2023 - 16:18