President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for South Dakota

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of South Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding during the period June 11-14, 2022.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance to Butte, Haakon, Jackson, Jones, McPherson and Spink counties.

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

Alana B. Kuhn has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mashana.davis Tue, 08/02/2022 - 22:24

Hours of operation to change at Disaster Recovery Centers in Muskogee and Seminole counties

OKLAHOMA CITY—Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 3, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Muskogee and Seminole counties will have new hours of operation. The centers assist survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 2-8

Survivors from any of the seven designated counties can meet face to face with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) specialists to get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and have their questions about federal disaster assistance answered at the center.

The seven designated counties are Adair, Cherokee, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Tulsa.

Survivors can get in-person help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and get questions answered about federal disaster at:

Muskogee County

Harris-Jobe School

2809 N. Country Club Rd

Muskogee, OK 74403

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Closed Sunday

 

Seminole County

Seminole State College Haney Center, Room: Lecture Hall

2701 Boren Boulevard

Seminole. OK 74868

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday

Closed Sunday

To locate the closest DRC to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit the DRC Locator. You can also text 43362 and type DRC (your ZIP Code); for example, DRC 12345.

Download the FEMA mobile app at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products for more information about DRCs.

Carmen.Castro Tue, 08/02/2022 - 19:28

Floyd, Pike Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Floyd and Pike counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

Individuals and households in Floyd and Pike counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs.

These counties join Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties, which were previously approved for Individual Assistance.

Survivors in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. When you apply, you will need to provide:

• 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.

Floyd and Pike counties had previously been designated in the major disaster declaration authorizing Public Assistance emergency protective measures, including Direct Federal Assistance. 

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

sandra.habib Tue, 08/02/2022 - 18:56

Five FEMA Mobile Registration Centers Open in Eastern Kentucky FRANKFORT, Ky. – Five FEMA mobile registration centers are now open in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties to help Kentucky flood survivors who experienced uninsured loss from the flooding that began July 26. Flood survivors who live in those counties can go to any of the centers to get help applying for FEMA assistance. Center locations:  Breathitt County, 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339  Clay County, Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962  Knott County, Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831  Letcher County, Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858  Perry County, Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701 Hours for all the centers are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources. FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses. It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube. sandra.habib Tue, 08/02/2022 - 15:12

Five FEMA Mobile Registration Centers Open in Eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Five FEMA mobile registration centers are now open in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties to help Kentucky flood survivors who experienced uninsured loss from the flooding that began July 26.

Flood survivors who live in those counties can go to any of the centers to get help applying for FEMA assistance.

Center locations:

• Breathitt County, 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
• Clay County, Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
• Knott County, Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
• Letcher County, Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
• Perry County, Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701

Hours for all the centers are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

sandra.habib Tue, 08/02/2022 - 15:06

Five FEMA Mobile Registration Centers Open in Eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Five FEMA mobile registration centers are now open in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties to help Kentucky flood survivors who experienced uninsured loss from the flooding that began July 26.

Flood survivors who live in those counties can go to any of the centers to get help applying for FEMA assistance.

Center locations:

• Breathitt County, 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
• Clay County, Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
• Knott County, Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
• Letcher County, Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
• Perry County, Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701

Hours for all the centers are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

sandra.habib Tue, 08/02/2022 - 13:04

FEMA Personnel Working in Kentucky Communities

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA personnel are working in communities affected by recent flooding. Teams are assisting survivors with FEMA applications and other personnel are inspecting homes for damage after owners applied to FEMA.

FEMA employees will be working in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties for an extended period. They carry FEMA photo identification.

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be in neighborhoods and public locations helping survivors apply for federal assistance and providing information about other resources. They are equipped to provide help to those with accessibility needs or limited English proficiency. Personnel wear FEMA attire and never charge for services.

Other personnel will be conducting housing inspections as part of a survivor’s application for FEMA assistance.

FEMA housing inspectors will schedule an appointment and will verify information on the application, such as the survivor’s registration number. They will inspect the property and the damages listed on the application. There is no fee for the service.

The inspector will inform the owner how to verify proof of ownership or occupancy.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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

Kentucky flood survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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

neily.chapman Mon, 08/01/2022 - 21:48

FEMA announces $72 million in BRIC & FMA grants to fund resiliency projects across Region 3

PHILADELPHIA– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced the recipients of the FY21 pre-disaster hazard mitigation grants from their Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs. These grants are open to all communities to help fund mitigation actions to combat climate change and protect communities that are vulnerable to disaster.

BRIC FY21 Region 3 Recipients

The following projects were selected as part of the national competition for the FY21 BRIC program:

District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority (District of Columbia.): $20.3 million 

This grant will help fund a project at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP). Three floodwall segments will be built to complete a floodwall system for DC Water. It will provide the Blue Plains AWTP with flood risk mitigation against the 500-year flood event, plus three feet of freeboard to account for wave action and sea level rise. 

City of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA): $25 million 

This grant will help fund the final phase of the Cohocksink Flood Mitigation Project which will include the construction of new sewer infrastructure and green stormwater infrastructure systems in the flood prone Northern Liberties, Ludlow and South Kensington neighborhoods. 

City of Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach, VA):  $25.1 million 

This grant will help fund the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Project in Virginia Beach which has seen an increase in storms impacting the area. The project will include several infrastructure improvements that will provide vital protections to residents, businesses and critical assets.  

FEMA changed the scoring criteria for the FY21 BRIC grant program to expand access to disadvantaged communities. Scoring criteria for the competitive grant program has been adjusted to incentivize mitigation actions that consider climate change and future conditions, populations impacted and economically disadvantaged rural communities. 

FY21 BRIC projects selected in other FEMA regions across the country can be found at Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities FY 2021 Subapplication and Selection Status | FEMA.gov

FEMA is also now disbursing funds to the previously announced FY20 BRIC recipients which include one project in The District of Columbia and one in Baltimore, Maryland totaling more than $50 million dollars in funding. FEMA previously awarded $19.95 million to another BRIC grant project in The District of Columbia at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital.  

BRIC FY20 Region 3 Recipients 

The following projects were selected as part of the national competition for the FY20 BRIC program:

The District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency (District of Columbia): $18.61 million 

This grant will help implement subsurface and landscape mitigation strategies that will create a greenway corridor between two parks that help move water away from low-lying areas. This project will reduce flooding, heat and heat island effect. 

The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (Baltimore, MD): $31.92 million 

This grant will help protect the heart of Baltimore City against sea level rise-related flood risk and erosion. Through a coordinated network of vegetated berms, living shorelines, restored wetlands/aquatic habitats, and public space enhancements, the grant will be used to fund Stage 1 of the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative along the Patapsco River. In turn, this will help increase the resilience of two community lifelines: the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s (BGE) Spring Gardens site and the Medstar Harbor Hospital site. 

Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital Campus & D.C. Emergency Communications Microgrid Project (District of Columbia): $19.95 million 

This grant will help construct a microgrid at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital Campus to provide resilient power to their communications center, which provides several vital services including 9-1-1 service.  

FMA FY21 Region 3 Recipients

Nine projects totaling over $1.6 million were selected in the nationwide competition for award consideration in the Flood Mitigation Assistance program.

These projects are located in communities across Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia and will cover activities including hazard mitigation planning, detailed scoping for future infrastructure projects, upgrading pump stations and acquiring flood prone properties at fair market value.  

State

Grant Title

 Federal Share

Maryland

 FMA 2021 Maryland Management Costs

 $2,500.00

 

Maryland

 2021 Calvert County Flood Mitigation Plan Update

 $25,000.00

 

Pennsylvania

 FMA 2021 Pennsylvania State Management Cost

 $75,000.00

 

Pennsylvania

 Scoping FMA West Pittston Luzerne Levee 

 $562,500.00

 

Pennsylvania

 2021 FMA Technical Assistance

 $50,000.00

 

Pennsylvania

 Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County   Acquisition Project

 $291,900.00

 

Pennsylvania

 Easton Northampton Acquisition/Demolition

 $267,250.00

 

Virginia

 FMA 2021 Virginia Management Costs

 $30,000.00

 

Virginia

 Henrico County - Almond Creek Pump Station

 $300,000.00

 

FMA projects selected in other FEMA regions across the country can be found at Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant | FEMA.gov.

“As we finalize the second year of BRIC and another year of FMA grant selections and awards, we’re happy to work with states within our region and Washington D.C to find new and innovative ways to make their communities more resilient,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We encourage those communities who didn’t apply or weren’t selected to work with their state hazard mitigation partners to apply for funding in the next cycle.” 

President Biden recently announced that there will be nearly $2.3 billion available in FY22 for BRIC grants, a historic amount for the program. Communities can expect Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and for the application process to open for FY22 BRIC grants in the next few months.  

Local communities should be mindful of state application deadlines which will be in advance of FEMA’s deadline. Communities apply for these grant programs through their states. 

The key differences between FEMA’s FMA & BRIC grant programs: 

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

• FMA is a pre-disaster, competitive grant program that provides funding to states, local communities, federally recognized tribes and territories. 
• Funds can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. 
• FEMA chooses recipients based on the applicant’s ranking of the project and the eligibility and cost-effectiveness of the project. 
• FEMA requires state, local, tribal and territorial governments to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for hazard mitigation assistance projects.  
• Cost share: 75% federal; 25% local. If a project mitigates a repetitive loss property insured by the NFIP, the cost share is 90% federal; 10% local. For severe repetitive loss properties, FEMA will provide up to 100% of the project costs. 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) 

• BRIC is a pre-disaster grant program that provides funding to states, local communities, federally recognized tribes, and territories.
• There are three funding options within BRIC: 
  • State/Territory Allocation: provides a specified amount of money to each state or territory for capability & capacity building projects. 
  • Tribal Set-Aside: A specified amount of money set aside for projects undertaken by tribal governments across the country.
  • National Competition 
• The BRIC program’s guiding principles are:
  • supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building
  • encouraging and enabling innovation
  • promoting partnerships
  • enabling large projects
  • maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency. 
• Funds diverse mitigation projects with a focus on holistic infrastructure solutions.  
• Cost share: 75% federal; 25% local. If an applicant is an economically disadvantaged rural community, then there is a 90% federal cost share, 10% local. 

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

State, local, tribal or territorial officials, as well as community leaders, interested in making the connection between equity and hazard mitigation are encouraged to contact us at FEMA-ExpandingMitigation@fema.dhs.gov. 

###

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

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

charles.elison Mon, 08/01/2022 - 19:26

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided more than $2.7 billion to over 420,000 individuals and families to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020. This assistance helped pay for the funerals of more than 430,000 people who died from COVID-19.

Eligibility determinations are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation. The determinations are not driven by state/locations.

“Applications” in the chart below reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State / Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

Alabama

11,834

$64,818,565.09

9,550

Alaska

487

$1,695,739.66

346

American Samoa

31

$57,235.52

11

Arizona

9,362

$36,234,552.87

7,312

Arkansas

5,542

$28,081,660.78

4,501

California

44,047

$220,228,455.14

34,442

Colorado

5,092

$21,632,228.50

3,985

Connecticut

5,085

$28,567,064.72

4,179

Delaware

1,628

$8,286,924.79

1,307

District of Columbia

782

$3,911,403.08

588

Florida

34,649

$155,820,493.67

27,841

Georgia

21,082

$115,828,255.16

16,935

Guam

33

$138,673.19

19

Hawaii

752

$3,291,498.37

570

Idaho

1,912

$8,466,065.09

1,546

Illinois

20,632

$115,990,794.07

16,856

Indiana

10,833

$61,187,559.74

8,831

Iowa

4,432

$26,222,950.00

3,680

Kansas

4,772

$25,375,117.32

3,908

Kentucky

9,773

$56,923,294.55

7,903

Louisiana

8,838

$47,563,992.96

6,894

Maine

1,169

$4,886,928.21

910

Maryland

9,018

$48,763,510.60

7,257

Massachusetts

9,714

$53,580,572.26

7,865

Michigan

18,675

$94,479,747.23

15,363

Minnesota

5,709

$31,996,502.54

4,709

Mississippi

7,913

$41,956,305.88

6,203

Missouri

10,689

$54,841,364.09

8,792

Montana

1,347

$5,512,621.96

1,094

Nebraska

2,369

$13,549,268.48

1,960

Nevada

4,638

$18,890,833.99

3,561

New Hampshire

1,399

$6,770,581.60

1,135

New Jersey

16,982

$95,404,471.45

13,826

New Mexico

3,406

$13,679,715.77

2,600

New York

36,971

$202,724,519.75

29,579

North Carolina

17,557

$92,975,656.82

14,267

North Dakota

1,204

$7,406,516.35

996

Northern Mariana Islands

33

$87,531.99

16

Ohio

22,714

$122,239,646.05

18,860

Oklahoma

8,296

$42,381,477.94

6,766

Oregon

2,591

$8,901,362.55

1,994

Pennsylvania

24,859

$136,601,280.34

20,682

Puerto Rico

2,485

$7,171,410.47

1,832

Rhode Island

1,707

$9,591,255.30

1,402

South Carolina

11,719

$64,522,066.92

9,578

South Dakota

1,174

$6,881,780.67

961

Tennessee

14,895

$81,871,091.72

12,178

Texas

47,456

$248,346,279.18

38,278

U.S. Virgin Islands

80

$394,749.32

63

Utah

2,448

$13,439,545.06

1,978

Vermont

311

$1,342,823.13

244

Virginia

12,242

$65,898,589.62

9,973

Washington

4,624

$18,575,853.84

3,508

West Virginia

4,099

$22,314,391.18

3,280

Wisconsin

8,694

$47,662,159.04

7,204

Wyoming

821

$3,627,506.83

666

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/01/2022 - 18:47

Biden-Harris Administration Announces over $1 Billion in Project Selections to Make Communities More Resilient to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

WASHINGTON—Today, Vice President Kamala Harris, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the selections for $1.16 billion in climate resilience funding through two competitive grant programs to help communities across the nation enhance climate and disaster resiliency.

The selections include large resilience projects funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) community-wide flood mitigation projects. Selections are from Fiscal Year 2021 funding round with $1 billion made available through BRIC and $160 million made available for Flood Mitigation Assistance.

"Climate change poses a very real threat to the safety, security, and prosperity of the United States,"said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "Its impacts are being felt in real time and are felt most acutely by the nation's most vulnerable communities. While we can't eliminate the threats we face as a nation, we can and must build our resilience against those threats – and that is why we are making this announcement today – because, together, we are building climate resilience."

Last year, President Biden doubled the funding available for the BRIC program. Recently, he announced that he is doubling it again, to a historic level of $2.3 billion – for Fiscal Year 2022 – available for states, local communities, tribes and territories to proactively reduce their vulnerability to flood, hurricanes, drought, wildfires, extreme heat, and other hazards, boosted by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"Communities across our nation are experiencing first-hand the devastating impacts of climate change and the related extreme weather events that follow—more energized hurricanes with deadlier storm surges, increased flooding, and a wildfire season that has become a year-long threat,"said Administrator Criswell. "FEMA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration are using every lever at our disposal to ensure that we are better prepared for the threats we face today, along with the ones that will come tomorrow. Today’s announcement represents that continued commitment. This funding will also help to ensure that our most vulnerable communities are not left behind, with hundreds of millions of dollars ultimately going directly to the communities that need it most."

For BRIC, FEMA selected projects across all 10 FEMA regions with 53 states and territories, the District of Columbia and 271 different communities, including 33 tribes. The Flood Mitigation Assistance projects will cover19 states and 72 different communities. Both the BRIC and FMA programs were vastly oversubscribed, representing the intense demand for climate resilience funding.

Selected projects will help improve community resilience to a multitude of hazards including floods, droughts and wildfires. Many projects leverage innovative solutions to protect communities such as nature-based solutions, which can increase resilience and provide multiple co-benefits to the environment.

To align with the Justice40 Initiative, FEMA evaluated equity impacts to both programs by utilizing metrics and tools, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index tool. In total, approximately $510.1 million in selections are going to communities that meet Justice40 criteria for being underserved or disadvantaged.

State, local, tribal and territorial governments submitted record-breaking requests for funding totaling a combined estimate of $4.7 billion for the BRIC and FMA grant programs. The oversubscription for communities looking to receive grant funding demonstrates the growing needs for resilience investments nationwide.

FEMA anticipates the additional funding made available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help to minimize the gap for future funding cycles.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

During President Biden’s first year in office, he increased BRIC funding from $500 million to $1 billion, allowing FEMA to select more projects across a more diverse geographic scope. This resulted in FEMA more than doubling project selections and increasing the number of states with BRIC project selections.

FEMA's selections include 53 mitigation national competition projects totaling $796 million in federal cost share—not including management costs—across 19 states in 48 different communities across the nation.

Learn more about these projects at fema.gov. Stories include a drinking water improvement and drought mitigation project in Provo, Utah and a flood mitigation project that uses nature-based solutions in Nebraska.

Approximately 49%—$455.8 million—of projects selected through the national competition will be delivered to communities that meet one or more Justice40 interim criteria. For overall BRIC selections, FEMA has achieved delivering nearly 50% of grants to disadvantaged communities.

Flood Mitigation Assistance

Of the $160 million made available, FEMA selected 61 subapplications totaling $134.5 million across 53 different communities in 14 states. Most of this funding— $93 million—will go towards elevation, acquisitions, and mitigation reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Learn more about these projects at fema.gov. Stories include a drainage project in Jefferson County, Texas and a demolition and reconstruction project in Oldham County, Kentucky.

Approximately 16%—$25.1 million—will go to communities with moderate to high social vulnerability. FEMA will continue to evaluate this program to achieve Justice40 Initiative goals and use this year’s selections to continue to evaluate what changes can be made to promote accessibility of Flood Mitigation Assistance funding to socially vulnerable National Flood Insurance Program policyholders and communities.

In May, FEMA announced the first selections of FY 21 BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance funding, which provided expedited funding for hazard mitigation planning, adoption and enforcement of building codes and standards, project scoping and small-scale resilience projects.

FEMA also announced in May the selection of 20 diverse communities, tribes and territories set to receive non-financial direct technical assistance to help build community-wide resilience through the BRIC program. This assistance provides free support for resilience projects and application-specific needs to underserved communities that may encounter barriers when trying to access Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

FEMA remains committed to investing in mitigation. Important elements of its grant programs are aligned to build a culture of preparedness and promote and sustain a prepared nation by reducing disaster losses and protect life and property from disaster damage.

For more information, visit the Hazard Mitigation Assistance.

mashana.davis Mon, 08/01/2022 - 16:43

Tulsa County Disaster Recovery Center to Close Aug. 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – The final day for Oklahoma residents to visit the joint federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Tulsa County is Monday, Aug. 1. The DRC was opened to help survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 2-8.

Oklahoma residents can still visit other DRCs for assistance. To locate the closest DRC to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit the DRC Locator. You can also text 43362 and type DRC (your ZIP Code); for example, DRC 12345.

The center closing Aug. 1:

Tulsa County

Bixby Community Center

211 N. Cabaniss Ave.

Bixby, OK 74008

 

The center will be closed Saturday and Sunday. The final day of operation will be Monday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Download the FEMA mobile app at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products for more information about DRCs.

Carmen.Castro Mon, 08/01/2022 - 14:49

FEMA Mobile Center Opens in Knott County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A FEMA mobile registration center will open Monday in Knott County to help Kentucky flood survivors who experienced loss from the flooding that began on July 26.

Location: Knott County Sportplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831.

Hours Monday are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily after Monday until further notice.

FEMA representatives will be at the center to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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

 

 

neily.chapman Sun, 07/31/2022 - 22:40

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Disaster survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the recent flooding in eastern Kentucky. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department, or contact the Office of the Attorney General by calling 502-696-5485 or visit their website at Natural Disaster Scams - Kentucky Attorney General. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (kentucky.gov).

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at:  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

neily.chapman Sun, 07/31/2022 - 20:47

Kentucky Flood Survivors in 5 Counties Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Renters and homeowners of Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties who were affected by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides that began July 26 may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:

• 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 have homeowners, renter’s or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

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

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the flooding, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

neily.chapman Sun, 07/31/2022 - 13:26

Additional Disaster Funding Approved for Kentucky Flooding

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that additional disaster assistance is available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky after President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. authorized Individual Assistance as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides beginning on July 26, 2022, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties.

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 counties can begin applying for assistance by applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate seven days a week until further notice. 

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

amy.ashbridge Sun, 07/31/2022 - 01:13

Disaster Assistance Now Available for Flooding, Mudflow and Debris Flow Damage

SANTA FE, N.M – FEMA has amended New Mexico’s disaster declaration to include assistance for flooding, mudflows and debris flows for residents in Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel and Valencia counties.

Residents who applied for FEMA assistance due to damage from the wildfires and now have damage from flooding, mudflows or debris flows do not need to apply again. Residents only need to update their disaster assistance application to include information on flood, mudflow or debris flow damage. To do this, visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Las Vegas, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or visit disasterassistance.gov

Residents who have not applied for assistance from FEMA after the wildfires but now have flood damage are encouraged to apply. The fastest and easiest way to apply is online at disasterassistance.gov. New Mexicans can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit the DRC in Las Vegas to apply.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 07/29/2022 - 18:27

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, beginning July 26, 2022, and continuing.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance to Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe counties.

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

Brett H. Howard has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 07/29/2022 - 17:27

Proposed Steele County Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk

DENVER – Updates to Steele County, North Dakota’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide Steele County with more accurate flood risk information that can help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.

The mapping project is a joint effort between Steele County, and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risk and support actions to address and reduce that risk.

Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed maps to learn about the flood threat in their area, and potential future flood insurance purchase requirements.

Once preliminary maps are released, there is a 90-day appeal period during which community members can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period starts on July 29, 2022, and ends on October 27, 2022. Appeal packages should address scientific or technical mistakes in the maps and must include supporting data or engineering documentation.

For further details on this process, visit https://www.fema.gov/r8-map-appeals, or contact your local floodplain administrator.

# # #

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

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion8

jamie.casterton Fri, 07/29/2022 - 15:22

Proposed Clearwater River Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk

DENVER – Updates to some of Missoula County, Montana’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide the Clearwater River in Missoula County with more accurate flood risk information that can help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.

The floodplain mapping project was initiated in 2014 and is a joint effort between Missoula County, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risk and support actions to address and reduce that risk.

In Missoula County, the project involved updated flood study work on 9 miles of the Clearwater River. New and updated flood insurance rate maps were produced, indicating areas at risk of flooding in a one-percent annual chance flood event. The new floodplain maps will be used to replace the existing floodplain maps for the Clearwater River that were originally produced in 1983.

Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed maps to learn about the flood threat in their area, and potential future flood insurance purchase requirements.

Once preliminary maps are released, there is a 90-day appeal period during which community members can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period begins on July 29, 2022 and ends on October 27, 2022. Appeal packages should address scientific or technical mistakes in the maps and must include supporting data or engineering documentation.

The proposed maps can be viewed online at www.floodplain.mt.gov/clearwater and at the Missoula County Community and Planning Services (CAPS) Department. 

If you have technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, you may be able to appeal the flood risk information on the proposed maps during the 90-day appeal period. For further details on this process, visit www.floodplain.mt.gov/clearwater or contact Bailey Minnich, Missoula County Floodplain Administrator at caps@missoulacounty.us or 406-258-4657, or Nadene Wadsworth, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist at nadene.wadsworth@mt.gov or 406-444-6732.  

# # #

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

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion8

jamie.casterton Fri, 07/29/2022 - 14:52

FEMA to Provide Additional Hazard Mitigation Funds to Help Homeowners Affected by Wildfires

WASHINGTON -- As part of FEMA’s commitment to make communities stronger and more resilient, the agency is adding two additional measures to help eligible homeowners in areas covered by Presidential Disaster Declarations due to wildfire damage. FEMA has been providing mitigation assistance to eligible homeowners under the individuals and households program (IHP) for several hazard mitigation measures since June 2021. These new measures are a continued effort to expand the types of hazard mitigation items FEMA may provide assistance under the IHP.

“Communities across the nation are experiencing an increasing number of larger and more destructive wildfires in urban, suburban and rural areas adjacent to or intermixed with the wildland,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell.  “It is imperative that we rebuild after a fire, but do so in a way that promotes strong building codes, helps prevent fires from starting in the first place and shorter recovery when future fires do occur.” Homeowners who are affected by wildfire damage and eligible for IHP home repair assistance may receive additional funds for specific mitigation measures based on the cause and amount of damage to their home. After receiving their award letter, applicants whose home repair assistance includes additional funds for mitigation measures receive a follow-up letter explaining the intended mitigation measures. This additional assistance is available for all wildfire disasters declared on or after July 27, 2022.

While disasters can happen unexpectedly, taking steps to strengthen, repair and rebuild is vital for personal and community resilience.

The following mitigation measures may now be covered for eligible applicants affected by wildfires:

• Covering attic vents, crawlspace vents and vents in enclosures below decks with metal screens to help prevent embers from entering and spreading fires inside of homes (FEMA Technical Fact Sheet: Vents).
• Installing non-combustible leaf guards over gutters to avoid future fire damage (FEMA Technical Fact Sheet: Gutters and Downspouts).

These measures will allow homeowners to repair in ways that make their homes more resilient to severe weather and wildfire events, reducing disaster suffering and the likelihood future federal assistance will be needed.

In June 2021, FEMA announced the initial phase of additional eligible mitigation measures related to roof repair, elevating water heaters or furnaces and elevating or moving electrical panels. For additional information on these eligible expenses, please visit Hazard Mitigation Under the Individuals and Households Program | FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 07/28/2022 - 19:40