Union County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Union County, Ohio, on June 1, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. ET. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county, and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process in Union County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting.

Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.

WHAT:              Union County virtual Flood Map Information Open House 

WHEN:             June 1, 2022, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom                           account or clicking the following link:                           https://stantec.zoom.us/j/94912145193?pwd=amZpSnN2VkdybHNKZGtsOUM1M3FvZz09                           Meeting ID: 949 1214 5193, Passcode: Union

You may also call into the meeting using one of the following telephone numbers and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.

                          (301) 715 8592                           (312) 626 6799                           (646) 876 9923

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

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

troy.christensen Tue, 05/24/2022 - 13:51

Collaborative Effort Paves Path to Replace Magens Bay Bathhouse

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – A $3.4 million project to replace Bathhouse Building No. 1 at Magens Bay Park on the north end of St. Thomas has been approved thanks to collaboration between the territory, Magens Bay Authority, and FEMA. In September 2017, winds and wind-driven debris from hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged the one-story bathhouse at the beach, which is nestled between two emerald-green peninsulas.

Only three walls of the bathhouse survived the two Category 5 hurricanes. Only the facility's cistern remains today after the building was demolished.

FEMA's Public Assistance and Environmental and Historic Preservation teams collaborated with the territory and the Magens Bay Authority on a scope of work agreement to replace Bathhouse No. 1. A final site inspection of the bathhouse revealed a septic system and a large concrete slab, necessitating revisions of the original detailed drawings and dimensions to the scope of work.

“The collaborative effort of the Magens Bay Authority, the territory, FEMA, and its federal partners to approve the bathhouse replacement project exemplifies the ongoing work to recover from the 2017 hurricanes. We are honored to be a part of this project and eagerly await the opening of the new bathhouse,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen Hodge. 

“The Board of Directors and management of the Magens Bay Authority thanks all the participants for their technical assistance on this project. It remains the Authority’s intent to remove what is remaining of Bathhouse Building No. 1 and rebuild a facility that more closely resembles the Authority’s other bathhouse facility at Smith Bay Park on St. Thomas,” said Magens Bay Authority. 

“Magens Bay Park, with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters of Magens Bay, and 319-acre watershed, attracts 300,000 visitors each year, enhancing the beauty of the Virgin Islands,” said Magens Bay Authority.

According to the Magens Bay Authority, a new facility will be constructed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), International Building (IBC) and territorial codes. Plans for the new elevated structure are designed to meet ADA and flood-plain requirements with a ramp and sidewalk to meet requirements.

The federal share for the bathhouse project is $3 million and the non-federal share is $342,690.

As of May 23, 2022, FEMA has obligated $4.1 billion toward infrastructure repairs in the U.S. Virgin Islands since the September 2017 hurricanes. This includes $1.8 billion for emergency projects and $1.75 billion toward permanent work through the Public Assistance Program.

delia.husband Mon, 05/23/2022 - 20:48

FEMA Advances Equity, Provides Direct Support to Underserved Communities to Invest in Resilience

Agency Announces First Selections Awarded for Two Mitigation Grant Programs  WASHINGTON -- FEMA is expediting mitigation grant selections and assistance to help states, local communities, tribes and territories enhance disaster resiliency sooner.

The awards totaling $91.2 million are the first round of selected projects for the fiscal year 2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs. FEMA is announcing these first-round selections earlier than last year to better assist communities across the nation to build resilience.

States, local communities, tribes and territories may use this grant for mitigation planning, adoption and enforcement of building codes and standards, project scoping and small-scale mitigation projects.

FEMA is also announcing selections of 20 diverse communities, tribes and territories set to receive non-financial direct technical assistance to help build community-wide resilience. In this assistance, FEMA provides free support for mitigation projects and application-specific needs to underserved communities that may encounter barriers when trying to access Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

“We are excited about this opportunity to provide support at the earliest stages to communities, which may not have the capacity to start the application process on their own,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks. “FEMA looks forward to working with these communities to find solutions to make them more resilient and reduce the impacts of climate change.”

These selections will help FEMA set a baseline to achieving the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which prioritizes delivering at least 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments to disadvantaged communities.

FEMA will make the second round of project selections later this summer. The announcement will include more complex projects like those from BRIC’s national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance community-wide flood mitigation projects.  

These are the first selections of $1.16 billion in the FMA and BRIC funding that FEMA announced in August. The programs provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation and planning activities. They strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness and promote and sustain a prepared nation.

The first round of selections may be viewed on FEMA.gov.

Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

For the first round, FEMA has selected 316 subapplications for further review totaling $65.7 million across each state and territory, including 55 tribes. Most of the selections are for capability and capacity building projects specifically for project scoping, planning, partnerships and building codes.

Examples of a wide variety of subapplication selections include relocating 10 homes in the Native Village of Napakiak in Alaska, project scoping a bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi and completing a flood study of the Lower Brandywine River and developing a mitigation strategy for future flooding in Delaware.

Resilient Infrastructure and Communties Direct Technical Assistance

FEMA selected 20 communities to receive non-financial Direct Technical Assistance. This helps communities submit high-quality grant applications to reduce disaster damage, carry out risk-reduction projects and sustain successful mitigation programs.

FEMA  Region

State

Jurisdiction

Request

1

Maine

Town of Tremont

Assistance with identifying potential projects to help the town address sea level rise on the island.

1

Rhode Island

Woonsocket

Assistance with addressing inland flooding through project scoping, which will aim to protect the lives, property, critical facilities and infrastructure, and resources of Woonsocket.

2

New Jersey

Borough of Oceanport

Assistance to conduct specific hazard mitigation activities to mitigate future storm surges.

2

New York

City of Jamestown

Assistance to develop a holistic and equitable climate action plan and project scoping to address flooding in the community.

2

Puerto Rico

Municipality of Canóvanas

Assistance with identifying viable mitigation measures to protect this flood prone community.

3

Maryland

City of Crisfield

Assistance with addressing the city’s coastal flooding and storm surge challenges.

3

Pennsylvania

City of Philadelphia

Assistance with addressing the flooding hazards caused by sea level rise.

4

Alabama

City of Birmingham

Assistance with grants management assistance and project scoping activities to support the city’s drainage systems.

4

Kentucky

Robertson County

Assistance with conducting project scoping activities to address challenges with landslides.

5

Michigan

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Assistance with developing an improved risk assessment and green infrastructure design criteria that meet multiple goals for hazard mitigation, cultural preservation, and protection of critical infrastructure and ecosystems.

5

Minnesota

Red Lake Nation

Assistance with grants management training to develop projects needed after the town of Red Lake was hit by two EF1 tornadoes in 2021.

6

Arkansas

Crawford County

Assistance with identifying sustainable, cost effective, nature-based solutions to protect against future flooding, and match the mitigation solution with appropriate funding.

6

Louisiana

St. John the Baptist Parish

Assistance with project prioritization to address the significant flood risk the parish faces.

7

Iowa

City of Cherokee

Assistance to implement nature-based solutions and develop a local mitigation partnership network.

7

Kansas

City of Manhattan

Assistance with conceptualizing projects to reduce flooding through focused regenerative agriculture.

8

Montana

Chippewa Cree Tribe

Assistance with a solar array project to connect to a micro-grid which will supply power to multiple buildings.

9

California

City of Modesto

Assistance with performing benefit-cost analyses for mitigation projects related to the Tuolumne River floodway.

9

California

Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians

Assistance with updating the tribe’s hazard mitigation plan, assessing mitigation and risk reduction needs and developing an economic resilience planning process.

10

Alaska

Native Village of Ouzinkie

Assistance with conceptualizing a tsunami shelter project.

10

Oregon

Town of Butte Falls

Assistance with conceptualizing projects intended to improve water and wastewater resilience as well as develop capacity for building planning.

Flood Mitigation Assistance

For the first round, FEMA has selected 22 subapplications for further review totaling $25.5 million across five states. The majority of the selections are to elevate repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program that will benefit socially vulnerable households.

Other subapplications for further review included capacity and capability building activities such as project scoping, planning and technical assistance.

Examples of subapplication projects selected include elevating more than 70 buildings in Ascension, New Iberia, Rapides and St. Tammany parishes in Louisiana and project scoping a housing complex in the Bronx, New York that has been vulnerable to flooding.

As FEMA is reviewing the second round of selections to be announced this summer, there will be a greater focus and priority on socially vulnerable communities.

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

For more information, visit the Hazard Mitigation Assistance webpage.

 

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/23/2022 - 20:33

Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely and Only on Disaster-Related Expenses

SANTA FE, N.M. – As New Mexico residents affected by the wildfires begin receiving their FEMA disaster funds, it is important to use the money for specified disaster-related expenses.

FEMA helps applicants keep their spending on track by sending a determination letter stating what the funds are for and listing the ways the money can be used. Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses.

Some examples of approved expenses include:

• Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
• Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
• Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
• Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
• Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
• Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or beds from an occupied bedroom
• Increased childcare expenses

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully. Disaster funding may be subject to audits. Keep all receipts for at least three years. If grant payments are spent on anything other than its intended purpose, applicants may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

In addition, it’s important for applicants to make sure that FEMA has their most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, applicants may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

To address many of the common myths and rumors during the New Mexico wildfires, FEMA activated a rumor/myth webpage on the disaster homepage. Visit the FAQ/Rumor page at fema.gov/nm-rumors.

For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Carmen.Castro Fri, 05/20/2022 - 21:54

FEMA Provides $7.6 Million for Colorado COVID-19 Treatments

DENVER – FEMA has approved an additional $7.6 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has now approved more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grant funds to Colorado for the COVID-19 response.

FEMA awarded the grant funds to reimburse the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the cost of providing mobile monoclonal antibody treatments in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.  The grant covers the cost of additional clinical staffing to conduct the treatments at four facilities, and the cost to distribute monoclonal antibody therapy supplies to approved providers, including contractors, local public health agencies, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and clinics throughout the state. The FEMA grant covers work conducted by CDPHE from October 26, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

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

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

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 05/18/2022 - 20:25

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Ellis County, Texas

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in Ellis County, Texas. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

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 stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

Appeals and comments may be submitted from May 18, 2022 through Aug. 16, 2022:

• Appeals and comments for cities of Oak Leaf, Red Oak and Waxahachie; and the unincorporated areas of Ellis County
• Comments only for the City of Palmer

Appeals and comments may be submitted from May 19, 2022 through Aug. 17, 2022:

• Appeals and comments for cities of Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Ovilla, Pecan Hill and Venus
• Comments only for the City of Glenn Heights

Appeals and comments may be submitted from May 22, 2022 through Aug. 20, 2022:

• Appeals and comments for the City of Ennis
• Comments only for the City of Garrett

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider 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 to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

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 at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Kurt.Pickering Wed, 05/18/2022 - 20:19

FEMA Approves Another $7.3 Million for COVID-19 Testing in Utah

DENVER – FEMA has approved $7.3 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020. FEMA has provided more than $274 million for the Utah COVID-19 response to date with this additional funding.

• FEMA awarded $4.55 million to the Utah Department of Health to reimburse them for the cost of purchasing 605,365 COVID-19 rapid-test kits and distributing them to 213 locations across the state.  Recipients of the test kits included the Utah state lab, local health departments, mobile testing units, long-term care facilities and school districts who provided sample test collection.  The award covers test kits purchased between August 12 and December 27, 2021.
• In addition, FEMA awarded $2.74 million in Public Assistance funds to Salt Lake County to provide COVID-19 community testing centers in the county from December 28, 2020, to May 15, 2021.  The grant covers the cost of additional staff for medical, logistical and security support along with tents, generators, heating, lighting and tarps to set up drive-through test centers at temporary sites and the personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies necessary to keep staff and the general public safe.

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

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

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 05/18/2022 - 20:00

Proposed Larimer County Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk

DENVER – Updates to Larimer County, Colorado’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide Larimer 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 Larimer County, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks.

Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed flood insurance rate maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Before the new flood insurance rate maps become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period during which local residents and business owners can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period starts on May 18, 2022, and ends on August 16, 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.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp. To view preliminary mapping, visit the Colorado Hazard Mapping Website (https://coloradohazardmapping.com), or contact your local floodplain administrator. Preliminary mapping also may be viewed on FEMA’s Map Service Center (https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/).

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

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jamie.casterton Tue, 05/17/2022 - 22:25

Proposed Wheatland County Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk

DENVER – Updates to Wheatland County, Montana’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide portions of the Musselshell River and Antelope Creek in Wheatland 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 was initiated in 2014 and is a joint effort between counties and towns along the Musselshell River, 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 Wheatland County, the project involved flood study work on 37 miles of the Musselshell River from the Golden Valley County boundary to approximately five miles west of Harlowton, and three miles of Antelope Creek. 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 existing floodplain maps from 1981 and portions of the Musselshell River around Shawmut that currently have no existing floodplain maps. 

The remainder of Wheatland County’s 1981 floodplain maps were not updated as part of the project.  

Updated flood insurance rate maps for Golden Valley County went into effect in 2021, and in Musselshell, Rosebud, and Petroleum Counties in 2019. 

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 ends on July 13, 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 http://www.floodplain.mt.gov/musselshell and at the county and city offices. 

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 http://www.floodplain.mt.gov/musselshell or contact Page Dringman, Wheatland County Floodplain Administrator at 406-932-5470, or Tiffany Lyden, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist at 406-444-0599.  

# # #

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

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

jamie.casterton Tue, 05/17/2022 - 19:16

FEMA and AmeriCorps Celebrate 10th Anniversary of FEMA Corps, Renew Program for Five More Years National service and emergency management agencies renew specialty National Civilian Community Corps program inter-agency reimbursable work agreement

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, celebrated the 10th anniversary of FEMA Corps and a five-year renewal of the inter-agency reimbursable work agreement during an event at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. today.

The five-year AmeriCorps and FEMA inter-agency agreement prioritizes three focus areas that join both agencies’ strategic goals. The shared goals are:

• To support FEMA’s disaster response, recovery, readiness, preparedness and mitigation efforts with trained National Service Members seeking to serve disaster survivors and gain experience in the field of emergency management.
• To develop and train future leaders in emergency management to serve with federal, state and local agencies, and non-governmental organization partners. 
• To promote and support the development of leaders and strengthening of communities through the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) National Service model.

“FEMA Corps is a whole-government approach to disaster response and a shining example of what national service can accomplish amid emergencies,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Thanks to the dedication of individuals who have served with FEMA Corps, we have provided important support to disaster survivors and communities during natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“For the past 10 years, FEMA Corps members have played a vital role in helping communities across the nation recover from historic floods, destructive wildfires and unprecedented pandemics. Their dedication to helping people is admirable and we are fortunate to have them as a part of our FEMA family,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “I am so grateful for their dedication to public service and for our decade-long partnership with AmeriCorps to help train the next generation of emergency managers.”

During the celebration, AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell held a ceremonial signing of the new agreement, gave remarks and participated in a panel discussion with current members and graduates of the FEMA Corps program.

FEMA Corps is a unique, team-based service program that provides 18‐24‐year‐old participants the opportunity to serve communities impacted by disaster, while gaining professional development experience with intense training through the AmeriCorps NCCC program. Members are responsible for completing Corps Training Institute, earning 1,700 service hours, participating in physical training and contributing to various team activities.

Since 2000, AmeriCorps NCCC teams have assisted 20.6 million people in disaster areas, recruited or coordinated nearly 940,000 volunteers, assisted more than 33,000 veterans, served 6.1 million meals, protected more than 1.6 million acres of land through firefighting and fire management, and more.

Learn more about the AmeriCorps and FEMA partnership and service opportunities with FEMA Corps.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:22

FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island More Than $43 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $43 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $43,089,992 in Public Assistance grants will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for setting up a network of community-based testing sites and collaborating with both private and public laboratory partners to complete a total of 413,175 COVID-19 tests between January and September 2021.

Some of the funding will also reimburse the cost of setting up and operating monoclonal antibody (mAb) infusion sites for individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and met the treatment criteria.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Rhode Island 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.

These grants brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $458 million to reimburse the state 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 Rhode Island, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4505

adrien.urbani Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:11

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.6 Million To The University Of Connecticut For COVID Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.6 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the University of Connecticut for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The public land-grant research university in Storrs will receive a total of $1,578,835 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of providing 12,824 tests for students and staff between June 2020 and June 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the University of Connecticut 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 nearly $403 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state 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 Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4500.

adrien.urbani Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:09

FEMA Awards More Than $1 Million To Sacred Heart University For COVID Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Sacred Heart University for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The private Catholic university in Fairfield will receive a total of $1,047,555 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of steps taken to operate safely between March and December 2020, including:

• $1,000,031 for 6,109 diagnostic screening tests of students and staff for COVID-19; and
• $47,524 for the cost of purchasing 436 rapid test kits

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Sacred Heart University 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 nearly $403 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state 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 Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4500.

adrien.urbani Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:07

FEMA Awards More Than $2.1 Million To State Of Connecticut For COVID Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.1 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health will receive a total of $2,149,305 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of providing approximately 28,462 tests for the public between July and December 2021.

The state used multiple contractors to set up and operate 17 testing sites at various locations around the state.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut 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 nearly $403 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state 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 Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4500.

adrien.urbani Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:05

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.8 Million To The College Of The Holy Cross For COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the College of the Holy Cross for the cost of testing students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,776,155 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Jesuit college in Worcester for the cost of providing 31,790 coronavirus tests between August 2020 and January 2021, as well as providing masks, touchless hand sanitizer dispensers, and air filters for improved air quality.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the College of the Holy Cross 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 almost $950 million 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, 05/16/2022 - 20:54

FEMA Awards State Of Vermont More Than $11.6 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $11.6 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $11,640,655 in Public Assistance grants will go to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for contracting to provide testing services for the public at large and for those who needed tests to access state facilities.

One grant of $2,750,634 will reimburse the cost of setting up and operating a statewide network of testing sites and wraparound services between September and December 2021.

A second grant of $8,890,021 will pay the costs of administering 180,289 tests required for the safe opening and operations of state facilities, including employees and visitors at state buildings, between October 2021 and January 2022. That also included inmates, staff, and visitors at correctional facilities; students, staff, and visitors at public and non-profit schools;  residents, staff, and visitors at non-profit long-term care facilities; and staff, campers, and visitors at public and non-profit summer camps.

“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 almost $356 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state 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 Vermont, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4532.

adrien.urbani Mon, 05/16/2022 - 20:52

FEMA Awards $2.4 Million to Marshall County for Tornado Debris Removal

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved $2,409,846 to reimburse Marshall County for expenses paid for the collection and proper disposal of storm debris after the Dec. 10-11, 2021, tornadoes.

Marshall County hired a contractor to remove and dispose of vegetative debris between Dec. 27 and Jan. 25. The work and costs associated with the Marshall County debris removal project include expenses for labor, equipment, material and contract costs.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants on a cost share basis to reimburse state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repair work.

Because of the magnitude of damage from the tornadoes, President Biden in January authorized a cost share adjustment to 100% federal funding for debris removal for a 30-day period of the commonwealth’s choosing (Dec. 27 – Jan. 25).

FEMA’s award is paid directly to the commonwealth to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

neily.chapman Mon, 05/16/2022 - 19:41

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $33 Million in FEMA Funding Opportunities for Dam Safety, Applications Open May 16

New Grant Made Possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Provides Communitywide Resilience Investments to Protect Dams, Prevent Disaster Suffering

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell today announced the Biden Administration through FEMA will commit $33 million for two funding opportunities to enhance dam safety efforts across the nation, including $15 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The investments will help protect communities from flooding, avoid costs from future disaster and strengthen resilience to climate change. The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program is making $22 million available and another approximately $11 million available through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing $6.8 billion that FEMA will invest in communitywide resilience to reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs, including $733 million in dam safety grants over the next five years. 

“Aging and deteriorating dams in America cannot compete with the impacts of climate change,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

“With the increase of both extreme storms and downstream populations, the safety of America’s dams is paramount to the resilience of our neighborhoods. FEMA is committed to providing funding dedicated to maintaining and strengthening dams that pose severe risks to vulnerable communities.”  

The application period for the fiscal year 2022 funding opportunities will open May 16. Non-federal governments and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to review the announcement on Grants.gov and apply by the July 15, 2022 deadline. These funding opportunities will help to ensure the safety of communities whose economic development and social welfare benefit from dams, many of which are aging and deteriorating.

Grants through the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program are available to non-federal governments and nonprofits for technical, planning, design and construction assistance to rehabilitate eligible high hazard potential dams.

Eligible non-federal dams are:

• Located in a state or territory with a dam safety program
• Classified as high hazard potential by the dam safety agency in the state or territory where the dam is located
• With a current, approved emergency action plan by the state or territorial dam safety agency
• Failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state or territory or poses an unacceptable risk to the public

The State Assistance Grant Program provides funds to establish and maintain effective state programs that ensure dam safety and protect human life and property.

In a state or territory with an enacted dam safety program, the state administrative agency or an equivalent state agency is eligible to apply. Each eligible state or territory may submit only one grant application.

For more information, visit FEMA's Dam Safety webpage.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/16/2022 - 17:28

May 21 Resource Fair Open to Families Affected by the Tornadoes

MAYFIELD, Ky. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is bringing together federal and state agencies as well as legal aid services under one roof to offer their services and resources to families recovering from the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes. The Disaster Recovery Resource Fair will be held on May 21 from 10 a.m. CT to 4 p.m. CT at the high school gym in Mayfield.

The fair is a collaborative effort of local, state and federal resources to help answer survivors’ questions and provide resources as they rebuild and repair their homes and lives after the devastating tornadoes.

Subject matter experts will be on hand to discuss programs and resources that are available to survivors, including information on:

• Housing
• Homeowners insurance
• Foreclosure prevention
• Title issues/successions
• Legal services
• Disaster mitigation
• Various types of loans
• And more!

Sign language interpreters and Spanish language interpreters will be available at the event to assist disaster survivors. Survivors who have questions about the event can email the HUD Kentucky Field Office at ky_webmanager@hud.gov or call (502) 582-5251.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

neily.chapman Mon, 05/16/2022 - 16:27

Madison County, Ohio Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from FEMA will host a virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Madison County, Ohio, on May 24, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. ET. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process in Madison County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting.

Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.

WHAT:              Madison County virtual Flood Map Information Open House 

WHEN:             May 24, 2022, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom                           account or clicking the following link:                           https://stantec.zoom.us/j/97594703959?pwd=RGxpRElYMTVqRk16dVNKQzR2WUNQQT09                           Meeting ID: 975 9470 3959, Passcode: Madison

You may also call into the meeting using one of the following telephone numbers and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.

        (301) 715-8592          (312) 626-6799          (646) 876-9923

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill. For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

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

troy.christensen Mon, 05/16/2022 - 15:24