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Historic Buildings in Old San Juan Will Be Repaired with FEMA Funds
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Three centuries-old structures located in Old San Juan that are considered architectural jewels and house hundreds of years of history within their walls will be repaired with nearly $10.7 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These are the Catedral de San Juan Bautista, Iglesia Santa Ana and the Capilla Santo Cristo de la Salud, all facilities that are part of the National Register of Historic Places.
The cultural and historical value of these buildings is incalculable, which underscores the importance of repairing the damage caused by Hurricane María and restoring these spaces of great significance to Puerto Rico. According to historian José Marull del Río of the State Historic Preservation Office, for example, the Iglesia Santa Ana once housed five oval works with saints of the Order of Mercy, created by Puerto Rican painter José Campeche. It is also the only current example of a 19th century urban structure of its kind.
Likewise, the Catedral de San Juan stands out as the oldest cathedral on the island and the second oldest in America. Moreover, the construction of the Capilla del Cristo dates back 270 years.
“These facilities are important spaces of Puerto Rican history and identity. The mission of our Environmental and Historic Preservation division is one of great impact, where we seek to address the damage taking into account the laws that protect structures such as these, which are a great example of our heritage,” said federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.
Due to the historic characteristics of the structures, repairs must comply with the Department of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties. These guidelines are used to determine the type of treatment — either preservation, rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction — to be applied based on the level of historic significance of the facility and the use and condition the structure is in.
Repairs already completed for the three facilities include lime plaster, brick slabs and flooring, stairs, wood supports and doors. Some of the pending work includes replacing the roof membrane, electrical conduit and wiring, floor tiles and chandeliers. Plaster, stained glass and windows will also be repaired; and interior and exterior painting will be completed, among other work.
For the Catedral de San Juan, over $177,000 of its reconstruction funds are for mitigation measures: the waterproofing of the roof will be reinforced, a coating will be applied to the clear glass windows to prevent cracks and breakage, and impact-resistant non-reflective panels will be installed to protect the stained-glass windows. These repairs are intended to strengthen the structure so that it will not sustain similar damage during atmospheric events that may occur in the future.
Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), said, "Our team is committed to continue supporting the subrecipients of faith-based organizations in the development of their reconstruction projects. I urge these organizations to apply for a Working Capital Advance for the development of works that will make the infrastructure resilient and help preserve its historical and cultural value.”
To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $30.4 billion in Public Assistance funds for roughly 10,600 projects that will support the rebuilding of a more resilient Puerto Rico.
For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 y recovery.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Sun, 05/07/2023 - 18:51
ICYMI: FEMA, NOAA Tour Gulf States to Urge Preparedness Ahead of Hurricane Season
WASHINGTON -- This week, FEMA leaders participated in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual Hurricane Awareness Tour in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
Representatives from all levels of government joined community partners to showcase the coordinated approach to hurricane readiness and response, while urging the public to prepare now.
“No one is immune from disasters. Act today to keep yourself, your family and your community safe,” said FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery Keith Turi. “The steps you take now matter. Download the FEMA App and sign up for your local community’s emergency alerts. Make an emergency plan. Visit ready.gov or Listo.gov for Spanish speakers, for information on what your emergency plan should include.”
At each stop, the public met FEMA and NOAA hurricane experts, scientists and crew members. Attendees had the unique opportunity to tour aircrafts that help forecasters keep us safe -- NOAA’s WP-3D and the U.S. Air Force Reserve WC-130J.
HOUSTON -- FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery Keith Turi provides opening remarks at Ellington Airport Houston. (FEMA photo)
NEW ORLEANS -- FEMA Region 6 Regional Administrator Tony Robinson (left) with John Gharbi and son at Lakefront Airport New Orleans. (FEMA photo)
NEW ORLEANS -- Fourth and fifth-grade students from St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans line up to tour the Air Force Reserves command weather airplane at Lakefront. (FEMA photo)
JACKSON, Miss. -- FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator Gracia B Szczech (middle) stands with airport workers, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Stephen McCraney, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Meteorologist in Charge National Weather Service Bill Parker at Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. (FEMA photo)
JACKSON, Miss. -- FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech chats with crew member Chief Master Sgt. Jay Latham of the Hurricane Hunters team aboard one of the team’s planes at Jackson’s Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. (FEMA photo)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- (from left) Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie with flight crew at Tallahassee International Airport. (FEMA photo)
mayshaunt.gary Fri, 05/05/2023 - 22:11President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Declaration for the State of Alabama
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes March 24-27, 2023.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Chambers, Colbert, Coosa, Elmore, Lauderdale, Macon, Marion, Morgan, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.
Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
mayshaunt.gary Fri, 05/05/2023 - 21:15Nearly $4 Billion in Flood Insurance Payments Reach Policyholders After Hurricane Ian
Recovery Boosted Through Advance Payments and Insurance Villages
WASHINGTON -- Months after Hurricane Ian swept across the southeast United States in 2022, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has paid over $3.9 billion to more than 48,000 policyholders.
The amount includes more than $3.4 billion to repair or rebuild property and $445 million to replace damaged contents, with an average payment of more than $104,000. As of May 2, about 95% of the nearly 48,000 claims in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina have been closed.
“Flooding is the most common and most reoccurring natural disaster. Yet, damage caused by flooding is rarely covered by most homeowners and renters’ insurance,” said David Maurstad, Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “Flood insurance remains the best defense against this threat, enabling policyholders to protect their property and more quickly jumpstart their road to recovery.”
Immediate Response
FEMA began to issue advance payments within a week of the Sept. 28 landfall in Florida to help policyholders jumpstart their recovery. Policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian were able to receive between $5,000 and $20,000 prior to an inspection by an adjuster.
In total, nearly $300 million in advance payments went to 41,000 policyholders.
Additional Steps
FEMA works closely with NFIP insurers -- Write Your Own insurance companies and NFIP Direct -- to support NFIP policyholders after a flood disaster. FEMA took additional steps to ease burdens on its policyholders so they could take advantage of flood insurance benefits.
- FEMA provided on-the-ground support to assist the Florida State Department of Insurance sponsored insurance villages in affected areas within the state to help policyholders with their claims. NFIP representatives attended those events to work with policyholders on outstanding claims.
- FEMA extended the proof of loss requirement for Florida NFIP policyholders who suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from the standard of 60 days to 365 days from the date of loss.
- FEMA authorized its Write Your Own insurance company partners and the NFIP Direct to pay claims based on the adjuster’s report without requiring policyholders to sign a proof of loss. This is still in effect today.
FEMA deployed NFIP expert support staff to assist NFIP insurers with disaster response.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:43FEMA Awards State of Rhode Island Almost $19 Million for COVID Technology Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $19 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the cost of technology it used to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $18,927,864 FEMA Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for the cost of contracting for technology and data analytics to fight the pandemic between April 2021 and June 2022.
RIDOH contracts included staffing for case investigation and program management which included nurses, physician, case investigators, epidemiologists, staff for outbreak detection, response, quarantine and isolation support, interpreting and translation services.
The state also contracted with IBM to provide support for case investigation including Command Center Management, COVID-19 Inbound Call Center Assessment & Improvement Plan for COVID-19 Hotline, and COVID-19 Inbound Call Process Definition & Deployment for K-12 School COVID-19 Hotline and case investigation.
A contract with KPMG assisted in capacity building and resources support, including coordinating the planning, development, and delivery of new hire onboarding and training, monitoring CDC and RIDOH guidance, and identifying potential changes to training and professional development processes and procedures.
“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.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $793 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:14FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Hospital Staffing
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of hiring temporary staff to handle the increased patient loads at public health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2,079,767 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the cost of contracting for medical and nursing staff to support the state-run medical facilities between April 2020 and July 2021.
The department contracted for 123 staff such as registered nurses, certified medical assistants, physicians, and respiratory therapists for a total of 20,595 hours at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain, Tewksbury Hospital, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:13FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of setting up and operating public vaccination sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,105,390 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for the cost of contracting for staff and using its own materials to provide vaccination clinics to the public between February and August 2021.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:12FEMA Awards Almost $16 Million To Eastern Maine Medical Center for Covid-19 Staffing Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $16 million to the State of Maine to reimburse Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for the cost of hiring temporary staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $15,736,284 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the 411-bed hospital and Level II trauma center in Bangor for hiring temporary medical and nursing staff to deal with increased patient loads between September 2021 and May 2022.
Eastern Maine Maine Medical Center contracted with Freedom Healthcare Staffing, SimpliFi, Medical Solutions, O’Grady Peyton and Health Carousel Staffing to provide Registered Nurses (RN), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Tele/MS Tele Telemetry Nurses to assist in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Eastern Maine Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
So far, FEMA has provided more than $270 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:09Additional California Counties Affected by Severe Winter Storms Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Residents of Madera, Mendocino and Mono counties are now eligible for federal disaster assistance through FEMA.
Madera, Mendocino and Mono counties were added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding that began on Feb. 21. They join the counties previously designated for Individual Assistance: Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.
In addition, Amador, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Inyo, Madera, Modoc, San Francisco and Santa Cruz counties are now eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which reimburses local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. The newly designated counties join Alpine, Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, Sierra, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne counties, which were designated earlier for Public Assistance.
In counties designated for Individual Assistance, survivors may be eligible for grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such replacement of damaged personal property and expenses for transportation, childcare, moving and storage.
To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply is June 5, 2023.
Houses of worship and certain nonprofit organizations may be eligible for Public Assistance. The program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.
The federal cost share for Public Assistance projects is 75 percent with 25 percent covered by the state or local governments. Applicants with questions about making a Request for Public Assistance should email: DisasterRecovery@CalOES.CA.gov.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:08FEMA Awards Over $1.2 Million to University of New Hampshire for COVID Testing
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.2 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the University of New Hampshire for some of the costs of providing testing for students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,206,942 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the public university will reimburse it for purchasing supplies to administer and process COVID-19 tests during March 2022, as well as contracting for temporary staffing by medical laboratory technicians and clinical lab assistants processing specimens and administering tests at the lab in Durham.
The purchased materials included pipette tips, reagent reservoir, 80% ethanol, Taqpath solution, 96 well plate, optical adhesive covers, viral pathogen solution, 3ml tube saline, and pipette tips o-rings.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the University of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $214 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 18:01FEMA Awards Nearly $2 Million to New Hampshire for COVID Testing Supplies
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $2 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse it for some of the costs of purchasing testing supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,960,000 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for purchasing supplies to administer COVID-19 tests between January 2020 and July 2022, specifically 2,000,000 six-inch sterile collection swabs.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $214 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 17:58FEMA Awards Providence College Nearly $2.8 Million for Covid Sheltering Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $2.8 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse Providence College for some of the costs of sheltering students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2,792,703 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic university for the cost of providing hotels rooms and wraparound services for students exposed to COVID-19 between January and May 2021.
The school contracted with the Providence Marriott and Hilton Providence to provide isolation housing to undergraduate students who tested positive for COVID-19 and quarantine housing for students identified as close contacts of those who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Providence College will also be reimbursed for the costs of meal services, laundry services, security, disinfectant cleaning services, and onsite medical personnel.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Providence College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $793 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 17:57FEMA Awards Rhode Island Over $124 Million for Covid Testing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $124 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the cost of providing testing for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $124,208,921 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for the cost of purchasing and distributing at-home test kits and providing public testing sites between March 2020 and July 2022.
RIDOH purchased and distributed 3,888,090 individual rapid at-home COVID-19 antigen tests at a cost of $33,849,560, as well as contracting to provide 1,307,950 COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to the public at a cost of $43,546,718.
The remainder of the costs incurred included contracting for temporary staff to support the testing locations, leased space for the testing sites, waste removal services, natural gas and electric services, a consulting physician, unarmed security services, ambulance services, management consulting services, printed materials and office supplies to support testing activities.
“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 COVID-19 pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $793 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 17:56FEMA Awards Rhode Island Nearly $1.6 Million for Covid Equipment Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.6 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the cost of purchasing, warehousing and distributing materials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,573,283 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) for purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, nitrile gloves, and surgical masks between February and June 2022.
RIEMA also purchased warehouse supplies such as tie down straps, ticket holders, shelving for supplies, cleaning supplies, coolers, cups, water, and tents, and rented tents, box trucks with lift gates, and forklifts.
The agency contracted for warehouse staffing for receiving and processing orders, managing and rotating inventory, loading and shipping product, as well as information technology resources and equipment for managing operations.
“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 COVID-19 pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $793 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Thu, 05/04/2023 - 17:37FEMA Provides Additional Support for Territory’s COVID-19 Response
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- FEMA has committed an additional $33.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to reimburse the territory for emergency medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $33.5 million Public Assistance grant will reimburse the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health for contracting emergency medical services to provide ambulances, personnel, equipment and supplies to assist with the territory’s COVID-19 response from July 2, 2022, through February 28, 2023.
“FEMA’s partnership with the territory led to unified efforts that supported lifesaving and life-sustaining measures during a challenging time for the U.S. Virgin Islands and the nation,” said FEMA Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Coordinator Mark A. Walters. “We answered the territory’s request to support its COVID-19 response in March 2020 and it was a privilege to support its efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus over the last three years.”
“The Department of Health is elated to learn that FEMA has provided additional funds to cover the cost of critical, life-saving services to the people of this Territory. The services rendered were a valuable and vital asset in the Territory’s response to COVID and were instrumental in the USVI’s ability to return to normalcy. Our many thanks to the hardworking FEMA team that continues to collaborate and work alongside the Territory in response to manmade and natural disasters,” said Virgin Islands Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion.
As of May 3, 2023, FEMA has committed $146.1 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to reimburse the territory for its COVID-19 response. FEMA’s support for the territory’s COVID-19 response includes funding and technical support for:
- Vaccine centers, emergency operations centers, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical care surge build outs, staffing, testing and emergency response.
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- Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. Learn more at www.fema.gov/assistance/public . To learn more about the COVID-19 response in the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4513 and www.covid19usvi.com .
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Disaster Recovery Center Open in Benton County
INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Benton County from May 4-6 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.
Recovery specialists from FEMA, the State and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.
The center will be located at:
Benton County Annex
410 S Adeway Rd.
Fowler, IN 47944
Center hours on May 4-5 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.
Hours for May 6 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.
To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.
The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.
FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.
nicole.wilson Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:15Disaster Recovery Center Open in Grant County
INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Grant County from May 4-6 and May 15-17 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.
Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.
The center will be located at:
YMCA Grant County
123 Sutter Way
Marion, IN 46952
Center hours on May 4-5 and 15-16 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.
Hours for May 6 and 17 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.
To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.
The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.
FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.
nicole.wilson Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:11Disaster Recovery Center Open in Owen County
INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Owen County from May 4-6 and May 15-17 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.
Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.
The center will be located at:
Spencer Owen Administration Building
205 East Hillside Ave.
Spencer, IN 47460
Center hours on May 4-5 and 15-16 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.
Hours for May 6 and 17 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.
To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.
The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.
FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.
nicole.wilson Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:07Spend FEMA Funds for Specified Disaster-Related Expenses
As eligible Tennessee homeowners and renters begin receiving disaster funds from FEMA for rental assistance, home repairs or other categories of assistance, it is important to keep track of your spending. Use the money for the specified reason stated in your FEMA letter.
Helpful Tips- Approved applicants in Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne counties will receive a letter from FEMA. It will provide information about the types of assistance you are eligible to receive and the amount of assistance FEMA is providing for each eligible need.
- Types of assistance may include home repairs (e.g., structure, water well, septic and sewage systems). Homeowners approved for FEMA’s Home Repair Assistance may receive additional mitigation funding for your owner-occupied primary residences to help you rebuild stronger. Mitigation funding addresses roof repair to withstand higher winds and help prevent water seeping in. Other types of assistance may include:
- Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily
- Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle
- Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster
- Reimbursement for increased childcare expenses
- Repair or replacement of specialized occupational tools and essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
- Moving and storage expenses related to the tornadoes and other disaster-related expenses
- You may spend your Home Repair grant from FEMA in ways that help make your home safe, accessible and functional. Remember to document how you used the disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least three years for verification of how you spent the money.
- Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses such as utilities, food, medical or dental bills, travel, entertainment, or any discretionary expenses not directly related to the disaster.
- Federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free.
- The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Tuesday, June 6. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app
- Call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6
- You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get help with your application. Find a center here: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.
sandra.habib Wed, 05/03/2023 - 15:17FEMA Obligation Supports the Conservation of Freshwater Fish
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Fish Hatchery in the municipality of Maricao will have a new opportunity to continue cultivating fish species that sustain the population of aquatic life in the islands' reservoirs. The hatchery facilities, which are part of the National Register of Historic Places, will be repaired with over $6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The hatchery is considered one of the municipality's main attractions due to the large number of species that are raised and then relocated to the mountain rivers - its annual production of largemouth bass ranged from 50,000 to 200,000 fish per year.
The funds allocated to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) will address some of the damage that has kept the hatchery closed to the public since Hurricane María. The gazebos, dike walls and the main drainage channel will be replaced, including the cleaning and unclogging of drainage pipes.
“This is the only state government facility dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of diverse fish in all of Puerto Rico. This is why FEMA supports the renovation of the hatchery, which fosters scientific research related to aquaculture and in turn has an economic impact on the municipality,” said federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.
According to biologist María Olmeda, leader of the hatchery project for the DNER, before Hurricane María, fish " farming" was done in almost all of the island's reservoirs. "The hatchery has been instrumental in the development of Puerto Rico's freshwater fisheries. More than collaborating in the introduction of fish, it has been key to sustain and maintain healthy fish populations already established," she said.
According to the biologist, prior to Hurricane María, the hatchery was considered one of the best and most modern in the Caribbean, where there was a historic production of fish that were transferred to the different reservoirs of the island. In addition, the group working at the hatchery was able to produce pure Florida largemouth bass, which are more resistant to the island's temperatures and live longer.
Maricao mayor Wilfredo Ruiz said the nursery has been an icon of the municipality, particularly between the 1980s and early 2000s. “The Fish Hatchery was the main attraction for tourism in Maricao. As people came to see it, it moved the economy by boosting the patronage of businesses and restaurants in the area. There were many businesses that closed because of the lack of activity due to the closure of the fish hatchery,” he recalled.
In his opinion, with the funds allocated from FEMA, the nursery will benefit sport fishing while it will also serve as a space to collaborate with research projects of the science fairs of colleges and universities in Puerto Rico and abroad. Another benefit of having a repaired facility is that it will allow for the conservation of the Puerto Rican parrot that is currently in captivity in the area.
In addition, the project has over $163,000 to prevent similar damage in the future. Some of these measures include placing a concrete base for the gazebo, installing eco-friendly retaining walls, and adding concrete under the fish hatchery, dam and bridges to give them more stability.
"Fulfilling Governor Pedro Pierluisi's commitment to support projects that promote diverse economies, as well as those aimed at scientific research, we at COR3 will assist the DNER in these efforts aimed at completing the reconstruction of this iconic Fish Hatchery in Maricao, which will provide a safe environment and infrastructure in optimal conditions for our people and members of academia," said the Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Eng. Manuel A. Laboy Rivera.
To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $30.4 billion in Public Assistance funds for roughly 10,600 projects that will support the rebuilding of a more resilient Puerto Rico.
For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 y recovery.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 05/03/2023 - 15:16Pages
