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FEMA Approves $7 Million for Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved three projects totaling more than $7 million for the state of Florida to reimburse the city of Callaway and Gulf County for eligible costs of emergency work and permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.
Callaway is receiving more than $5.7 million for two projects: A grant of $3,547,957 will reimburse the city for debris removal operations; and a second grant of $2,176,889 will fund permanent repairs to the Callaway Cemetery, Veterans Park, Brittany Wood Park, Callaway Sport Complex, Gore Park, Collinfurst Park, Patterson Park, and citywide retention pond fencing.
Gulf County is receiving $1,285,370 for the cost of preparing for and responding to the storm, including removal of downed trees, evacuation support and shelter operations.
These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Mon, 03/22/2021 - 20:21FEMA Provides $7.8 Million to the State of Illinois
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced today that $7,831,099 in federal funding has been made available to IEMA for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020.
This funding is an advance payment to IEMA to distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines at the United Center site in Chicago. This grant funding will include costs to setup the site and purchase necessary supplies and equipment to support it.
“FEMA is committed to distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to communities in the Chicago area that need them the most,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This expedited grant funding is a critical part of the effort to protect Illinoisans from the virus and put an end to this pandemic.”
“The United Center Community Vaccination Center has been a lifeline for vulnerable communities that have been hardest hit by this virus,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Director of IEMA. “We are grateful to the Biden Administration, and our federal counterparts, for their compassion, commitment and collaboration as we work together to end this pandemic.”
FEMA provides funding at a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Mon, 03/22/2021 - 18:42Beginning March 23rd Philadelphia’s Center City Vaccination Center to Administer Second Doses Only
Media Advisory
Effective March 23, 2021, the Center City Vaccination Center (CCVC) in Philadelphia, PA will exclusively administer second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for three weeks. First doses will not be available at the CCVC during this time. Vaccination will be by appointment only for those individuals who have received an initial dose of the vaccine; walk-ups will no longer be permitted.
After these three weeks, the CCVC will begin to administer the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine for two weeks. The specific timing and operational details related to this switch to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be announced in the coming weeks.
To register for a COVID-19 vaccine, Philadelphia residents are encouraged to complete the City of Philadelphia's Vaccine Interest Form, if they have not yet done so, at www.phila.gov/vaccineinterest. Eligible residents will be prioritized for an appointment. To check current vaccine eligibility, please visit the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website.
Contact Us
For media inquiries, please contact the FEMA Region 3 News Desk.
Email: femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov
gabriel.lugo Mon, 03/22/2021 - 18:41FEMA Provides and Additional $2.9 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $2.9 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Montana. To date, FEMA has paid more than $11.3 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020.
The $2.9 million was provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for a COVID public awareness campaign, the purchase and distribution of personal protective equipment and testing supplies, and to hire temporary employees for their COVID-19 hotline. Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between March 21, 2020 and December 5, 2020.
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 tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.
minh.phan Mon, 03/22/2021 - 17:33FEMA, State and County Partners to Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccinations in Yakima County at Pilot Community Vaccination Center
BOTHELL, Wash. – A Pilot Community Vaccination Center (CVC) will open in Yakima, Wash., on March 31 to accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations to Yakima’s historically underserved communities at high risk of infection.
This joint effort from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Washington’s Department of Health (DOH) and Emergency Management Division (EMD), Yakima Health District, and Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management will include a fixed, drive-thru vaccination site at the Central Washington State Fair Park as well as mobile vaccination units. Through this partnership, vaccination capacity at this location will expand from approximately 200 vaccines per day to 1,200 vaccines per day between the fixed, drive-thru site and mobile units.
The additional vaccine doses will be provided directly by the federal government and will not be taken from the state or county’s regular allotments. The Yakima County Pilot CVC and accompanying mobile units will expand upon the current county-wide vaccine distribution efforts to include vaccination services to the rural and agricultural communities, including Selah, Naches, Wapato, Toppenish, Zillah, Sunnyside, Mabton, and Grandview.
“This partnership is a positive step toward ensuring all eligible individuals who want a COVID-19 vaccine have access to one. These 1,200 daily vaccine doses will make sure that Yakima’s rural, underserved communities with a high risk of COVID-19 infection are receiving the help they need,” said FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich.
“We are so appreciative to FEMA and our other federal partners for working with the state to make significant additional resources available to the people of the Yakima Valley,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “This will be a tremendous boost to our vaccine equity efforts and will also reach out directly to Washingtonians who don’t have the means of transportation to a fixed vaccination site.”
Communities in Yakima County have been particularly hard-hit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with disproportionately high infection and hospitalization rates as compared to the rest of Washington and the region. Nearly 20% of Yakima residents live below the poverty line. The rural county leads the state’s agricultural and food processing industries. Residents include a significant proportion of essential workers who cannot perform their work from home. People from racial and ethnic minority groups have accounted for approximately 50% of the county’s COVID-19 cases.
"We are grateful for the support from our federal, state, and local partners as we work to vaccinate as many people as quickly and equitably as possible,” said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH. “Additional vaccine will help us slow disease transmission, protect our communities from variants of concern, and pave the pathway back to normal. This site and these new doses will make a difference as we work to vaccinate high-risk critical workers in agriculture and food processing during Phase 1B-2."
“Yakima County is pleased to host a Pilot Community Vaccination Center. Support from our federal partners will allow us to distribute much-needed vaccine to members of our community using our drive-thru location and mobile vaccination teams throughout our agricultural valley. We welcome the partnership with the state and federal government in our local vaccination efforts,” said Ron Anderson, Yakima Health District Board of Health Chair and Yakima County Commissioner.
The Yakima County Pilot CVC will open on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. The address of the Central Washington State Fair Park is 1301 S Fair Ave., Yakima, WA 98901, and this fixed site will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday—Wednesday and Friday—Sunday. On Thursdays it will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mobile unit locations and hours will be available and updated on the Yakima Health District website YakimaHealthDistrict.org.
Please check your phase eligibility using Phase Finder. Then, register for an appointment on Prep-Mod or call 1-800-525-0127. Proof of eligibility is required, which may be an employer/provider letter, work ID badge, or screenshot of Phase Finder approval.
In alignment with President Biden’s plan to respond to COVID-19, FEMA continues to work with our state, local, and tribal partners to expedite vaccinations across Region 10 in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner.
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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and our COVID-19 photo and video library for the latest updates. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
hannah.weinstein Mon, 03/22/2021 - 16:48FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update
WASHINGTON -- FEMA and its federal partners have supported President Biden's Jan. 20 goal of administering 100 million COVID-19 vaccines -- 42 days ahead of the 100-day goal.
In the ongoing battle against this pandemic, FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states and interagency partners who continue standing up and supporting additional community vaccination centers daily. Next week, federal pilot community vaccination centers will open in Atlanta and Detroit.
FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency continues working with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations.
“At FEMA, we are committed to advancing access and equity in the vaccination program,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “This is our highest priority, as we celebrate this milestone and our goal of ensuring everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.”
Community vaccination centers are led by states, and each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. Centers may be supported by federal agencies, including FEMA.
As of March 18, FEMA has provided more than $4.39 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.
Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.
Visit FEMA.gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.
mayshaunt.gary Fri, 03/19/2021 - 19:06FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for COVID-19 Response
REGION 1 – A grant of over $2 million was awarded to The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts.
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) received $2,877,307 for handling the major funding responsibilities of daily operations of Boston Hope Alternate Care Facility, located at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center during the Spring of 2020.
The costs being reimbursed include costs for food services provided to all patients, staff and other related personnel located at the Boston Convention Center, as well as security services, A/V services, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), costs of electrical supply and delivery, and engineering and building automation system services. Alternate Care Sites like Boston Hope supplemented the state healthcare system by providing additional bed space when pandemic projections exceeded hospital capacity.
This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.
FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met before funding is disbursed.
“We are pleased to provide funding to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for the good work they have undertaken in the pandemic; this grant helps manage the financial demands they are experiencing,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in our shared efforts to respond to COVID-19.”
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:
https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
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FEMA ’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:28FEMA Awards more than $5.7 million in COVID-19 Costs for Emergency Feeding in Vermont
REGION 1 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than $5.7 million is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) to cover the cost of the State of Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program. The state’s emergency feeding program called Vermont Everyone Eats was established and coordinated with state-wide sub-contractors (Hubs) who oversee restaurant engagement, meal production and meal distribution. The program, a vital part of Vermont’s emergency feeding initiative, provided meals to the COVID-19 impacted population of the state.
This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations.
“We are pleased to provide this grant to Southern Vermont Community Action, Inc. to help manage financial demands they are experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue to work closely with SEVAC as our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic continues.”
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:15FEMA Awards Nearly $4 Million to Vermont for COVID-19 Response
REGION 1 – The State of Vermont received a grant totaling nearly $4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. Since January 2020, COVID-19 has created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.
The grant, totaling $3,829,746, is awarded to the Vermont Department of Public Safety
for the cost of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and N95 sterilizer machines during the time between March 1, 2020 through September 14, 2020.
The state made the determination to work collaboratively with the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) for procurement of PPE and medical equipment due to their connections and capabilities beyond those of the state. UVMMC provided additional expertise on the fine medical details of PPE, as well as industry and logistical resources for both traditional and non-traditional sources and delivery options.
The resources procured were distributed for emergency use by healthcare and first responder personnel. N95 sterilizer machines were distributed to multiple hospitals and medical centers across the State of Vermont to allow sterilization for multiple re-uses, a critical need when they were bought and a continuingly valuable need until COVID is over.
The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.
“We are pleased to award the Vermont Department of Public Safety this funding to support the financial demands the state is experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We continue to work closely with Vermont in our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic and the needs of their residents.”
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:
https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
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FEMA ’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:07FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to the Rhode Island Department of Health for COVID-19 Response
REGION 1 – The state of Rhode Island received a grant totaling over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help with expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. Since January of 2020, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.
The grant of $1,220,988 is given to the Rhode Island Department of Health to reimburse expenses at the onset of the pandemic. FEMA obligates this funding for the period of March 29, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
Expenses covered through this grant include-costs incurred for providing laboratory and statewide reporting for Rhode Islanders who received COVID-19 tests, and the dissemination of educational resources for testing in multiple languages. The Department of Health also provided epidemiology and operations support to the emergency operation center, and statewide reporting of data On COVID related cases.
The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.
“The Rhode Island Department of Health responded to residents’ needs for testing; FEMA is pleased to help manage financial demands for these efforts,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue to work closely with the state as the pandemic continues.”
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:
https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
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FEMA ’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 21:05FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to New Hampshire for COVID-19 Emergency Operations
REGION 1 – The state of New Hampshire received a grant of over $2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. Since January of 2020, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.
The grant of $$2,282,752 is given to the state to cover costs incurred when activating their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and their Incident Planning and Operations Center (IPOC) in Concord.
FEMA obligates funding directly to the state of New Hampshire for the period April 24, 2020 to November 20, 2020. This grant is funded at 100% through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses recepients for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.
Reimbursement is for tasks completed, including the management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety operations, disinfection of needed facilities, and providing technical assistance to state and local governments on emergency management. Other costs include the purchase and distribution of consumable supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazardous material suits, movement of supplies and persons, security and law enforcement, communications of general health and safety information to the public, and overall coordination of New Hampshire’s response and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Funding to New Hampshire emergency operations is one of many ways FEMA helps manage financial demands on our partners as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue to work closely with the state in our shared efforts to respond to this continuing pandemic.”
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:
https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
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FEMA ’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 20:01
FEMA Awards Nearly $4 Million to the New Hampshire Concord Hospital for COVID-19 Response
REGION 1 – The State of New Hampshire received a grant totaling nearly $4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. A year into the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to threaten the health and safety of the public.
The grant of $3,690,584. is awarded to Concord Hospital that provides medical care in a safe environment, requiring the purchase of additional materials. The facility established Neighborhood Emergency Health Centers in two location to lessen the burden other practices were experiencing with the influx of patients.
Included costs covered by the grant are ventilators purchased in order to better prepare and increase the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with respiratory complications and personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide medical workers with adequate protection materials to maintain a clean and sanitary facility. Concord Hospital established Neighborhood Emergency Health Centers in two locations for symptomatic patients to be tested, screened, triaged, and provided follow up care, allowing other practices to see non COVID symptomatic patients.
The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.
“Supporting New Hampshire, and specifically Concord Hospital, is crucial in working together against COVID-19. FEMA is pleased to provide funding that helps manage the financial demands they are experiencing,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We continue to work closely with the state in our shared efforts.”
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:
https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
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FEMA ’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 19:59
FEMA Approves More Than $4 Million in Grants for Berkshire Medical Center COVID-19 Response
REGION I –Massachusetts will receive $4,336,272 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expenses incurred by the Berkshire Medical Center for the work done during the COVID pandemic. These funds were awarded to address the immediate threat to life and public safety for the period of March 7 to May 31, 2020.
FEMA is supporting the Commonwealth by providing reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures and services. Berkshire Medical Center costs incurred include labor, materials, and contract services in the performance of testing, diagnosis, transport, prescriptions, wraparound services, and treatment of over 500 COVID-19 positive and presumptive COVID-19 cases and thousands of tests within its facilities.
Also funded with this grant are contract labor contracts that were activated, expenses for seasonal employees outside their normal season of work and costs for a COVID-19 specific call center. The Berkshire Medical Center activated its command center to coordinate emergency medical operations, train and support essential workers, and disseminate information to the public
“In partnership with the Commonwealth, FEMA supports these activities that served the residents who were in need and the services that were performed expeditiously and efficiently,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Massachusetts.
This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.
FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA, who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met prior to disbursing the funding.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 03/18/2021 - 19:55
FEMA Awards $110 Million to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to Assist Migrants
WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, FEMA awarded $110 million in supplemental humanitarian funding to the National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
Local nonprofit, faith-based and governmental entities that have provided, or will provide, humanitarian relief to individuals and families at the southern border with shelter, food and supportive services are eligible to apply. Applications will be completed and submitted to EFSP local boards. State government facilities that provided eligible direct services will apply through their EFSP State Set-Aside Committee.
FEMA announced last Friday that $510 million in supplemental funding is being made available to the EFSP via the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” to assist organizations in communities across the country dedicated to providing food, shelter and supportive services to people with economic emergencies, including our nation's hungry and homeless populations.
The Act provided $400 million for local social service organizations aiding our nation’s hungry and homeless. The additional $110 million is for organizations providing humanitarian assistance to migrants at the southern border.
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was established to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both nonprofit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at-risk of experiencing, hunger and homelessness. FEMA chairs the National Board that consists of representatives from several nonprofit organizations.
Program funds help people with economic, not disaster-related, emergencies. Funds can be used for a broad range of services, including: mass sheltering; mass feeding; assistance to food pantries and food banks; payment of one month’s utility bills to prevent loss of services; payment of one-month’s rent or mortgage to prevent eviction or foreclosure; and transition assistance from shelters to stable living conditions.
Additional information including local board and state set-aside committee contacts is available on the EFSP website. Organizations may also send an email request to suppfund@uww.unitedway.org or call at 703-706-9660 to obtain local board and State Set-Aside contact information.
All applications shall be evaluated competitively. Reimbursement and prospective awards addressing humanitarian needs such as life sustaining food and shelter expenses will be given priority.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 03/18/2021 - 19:30FEMA approves $7.8 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved four projects totaling more than $7.8 million for the State of Florida to reimburse for eligible costs of permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.
The projects are:
- Bay County: $4,226,692 for repairs to roadside shoulders and ditches throughout the county
- Mexico Beach: $1,095,064 for repairs to the damaged wastewater collection system components citywide, including replacing manholes and covers as well as clearing sewer lines of Hurricane Michael storm surge
- Panama City Housing Authority: $1,175,476 for repairs to eleven buildings within the Northgate complex
- Springfield: $1,329,832 for cost to demolish and replace the city's hurricane-damaged community building
These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Thu, 03/18/2021 - 18:32FEMA and Utah Release Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy Guide for Local Communities
DENVER – Nearly one year after the damaging earthquake centered around Magna, FEMA and the state of Utah are releasing a strategy to address the risks posed to unreinforced masonry structures. The document, Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy, provides guidance to Utah communities on how to identify their own risk and then take steps to address it.
The five recommendations made in the strategy include the Unreinforced Masonry School Risk Reduction Program, Retrofit Program Focused on Government-Owned Unreinforced Masonry Structures, Statewide Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Program, Utah State Construction Code Enhancements, and Utah State Construction Code – Local Amendments. The full document will be available online at www.fema.gov.
Unreinforced masonry was a common building material throughout Utah up until seismic building codes became more prevalent in the 1970s. These brittle brick buildings do not incorporate the reinforcing steel required by modern building codes. There are an estimated 140,000 such structures across the state. They encompass a wide variety of buildings, from individual homes, to businesses, to schools and houses of worship. Such structures can more easily succumb to the movement and shaking during an earthquake, posing a threat to building occupants as well as individuals outside in close proximity to the structures.
The Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy is a direct result of an earthquake summit in Salt Lake City in June 2019. The overarching goal includes accelerating statewide progress on mitigation of unreinforced masonry structures. The purpose of the summit was to raise awareness about the risk of unreinforced masonry buildings, identify mitigation opportunities and brainstorm funding solutions. More than 100 participants from across the public and private sectors participated in the two-day event. One need identified by participants included a resource guide for local communities to use and implement solutions.
FEMA and the state of Utah recognize the importance of mitigation in reducing exposure to future losses from disasters. The interagency National Mitigation Investment Strategy— published in August 2019 — was developed to help the nation be more intentional about setting resilience and mitigation investment priorities to benefit the whole community., The Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy was selected as a pilot project for this national effort in recognition of Utah’s acknowledgement of a serious seismic risk and dedication to finding a solution.
While this product was developed for communities across the Wasatch Front, it also is replicable. Its collaborative approach is intended to support and guide the development of unreinforced masonry risk reduction programs across the United States. The strategy has been written to provide state and local policymakers with a clear list of actions to take as soon as possible, through policy and with budgeting, legislation, and executive actions, as appropriate. Implementation of the suggested actions will help to make our communities more resilient and save lives and property in the process.
Brian.Hvinden Thu, 03/18/2021 - 18:25FEMA Continues Community Outreach Efforts to Combat Vaccine Inequity in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – On March 3rd, 2021, FEMA Region 3, along with the City of Philadelphia, its federal partners, and volunteer organizations, opened a mass vaccination site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The goal of opening this site was to provide Philadelphia residents with a centralized location to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. The site’s central location in Philadelphia, buoyed by robust public transportation access, allows for residents from across the city to access the site. As designed, the Pennsylvania Convention Center vaccination site has the capability to vaccinate 6,000 Philadelphia residents per day. These doses are in addition to the weekly allocation given to the City of Philadelphia and not taken from the city’s allotment.
Before and during the planning process, FEMA Region 3, in conjunction and consultation with our partners, have adopted an aggressive strategy to promote the first step in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: Registration. Along the way, FEMA Region 3 and its partners recognized that we could do more to address vaccine inequity as it pertains to doses delivered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Through our support of such a new large-scale effort, and meeting the urgency of the moment, we have learned a lot and understand how to pivot accordingly. We recognized that our process was not a perfect one and our strategy needed to change to better reflect the diversity of Philadelphia. Because of that, for a 6-day period beginning on March 17th and running through March 22nd, the Pennsylvania Convention Center site began to accept walk-up appointments from Philadelphia’s 22 most underserved zip codes. Approximately 3,000 doses a day are set aside for walkup appointments.
Still, FEMA Region 3 and our partners recognized that we could do more. And, we have. FEMA Region 3 began a first-in-the-nation type outreach campaign to address vaccine inequity in Philadelphia. This issue is not native to Philadelphia, and we understand that, but it is paramount that we do all we can to get this right.
FEMA Region 3, in preparation for and in response to vaccine inequity in Philadelphia, has done the following:
- The process began by involving Philadelphia City Government, namely, Philadelphia City Council. FEMA Region 3 arranged for walkthrough’s for City Council members so they could see the operation first-hand. City Council, diverse by its own nature, took us up on that offer and have been a working partner to address concerns of their communities ever since.
- FEMA Region 3 began a comprehensive media campaign to get the word out through radio, print, and television. FEMA Region 3 has carefully picked media outlets based off their audience, their reach to underserved communities, and their reach in general. To date, we have done interviews with all major television stations, arranged for walkthroughs with reporters, addressed media inquiries from print reporters, and conducted 14 radio interviews, played across 11 stations, to include delivery in both Spanish and Haitian-Creole.
- FEMA Region 3 implemented a first-in-the-nation “Street Team” to walk the pavement and to date have engaged more than 240 businesses throughout the city’s most underserved and most populated neighborhoods. From corporate chains to corner stores, our vaccine interest flyer can be seen hanging in the windows of the most important small businesses in our communities. On that flyer is a QR Code that folks can scan with their phone that will send them directly to the Philadelphia vaccine registration website.
- FEMA Region 3 established a first-in-the-nation geographic-specific Speaker’s Bureau so that neighborhoods in Philadelphia that want answers get answers directly from FEMA employees that live in their community. To date, we completed eight (8) Speaker’s Bureau events, confirmed seventeen (17) upcoming events, and are working with more than 50 other Registered Community Organizations or community leaders interested in an event or receiving vaccination information and tool kits. To date, 282 community organizations have received tool kits to share information with their community on the safety, efficacy, and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. At these events, FEMA Region 3 has called community members who could not attend in-person and assisted with their vaccine registration over the phone.
- FEMA Region 3 has developed public service announcements (PSA’s) which have been run by our partners over radio and are in development with two of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams. Additionally, FEMA Region 3 is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on paid media opportunities.
- Recognizing that social media is a platform used by many, FEMA Region 3 has been chronicling Philadelphia’s vaccine journey through video and pictures and telling those stories over social media.
While some may see the above as merely bullet points on a news release, those working on the ground are lucky enough to hear the stories of those who finally, for the first time in nearly a year, feel safe, who feel that the return to normalcy is within reach. These mere bullet points have resulted in countless human stories to include the following few examples:
- A woman shared a story with a team member at a community event FEMA Region 3 helped put together. The woman shared that she lost 14 friends and family members due to COVID over the last year. The woman was so stressed that she had a heart attack and was in the hospital for six days. She hasn’t seen her mom in South Carolina in two years. She got her first shot at the Convention Center and is looking forward to her second shot so she can finally reunite with her family.
- A woman at a community event shared a story about how exhausted she was after climbing the SEPTA stairs to get the vaccine at the Convention Center. She questioned whether she made the right decision. As she proceeded to the Convention Center, she was approached by a member of the staff who helped and escorted her to her vaccine. She was happy with her decision to go.
- One gentleman said he was amazed at the organization and professionalism at the convention center. When he saw the line wrap around the building, he questioned if he should wait in it. After deciding it was the right decision, he was shocked that it only took 30 minutes to get his vaccine. Another women said she left her home at 7:15pm for her vaccination shot and was putting the key back into her front door at quarter to nine. She went on to say how pleased she was with the experience and said never thought she’d be home that quickly.
And there are more.
- Acting FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator Janice Barlow offered the following: “FEMA Region 3 continues on with one goal in mind: The fair and equitable access to a COVID-19 vaccine for all, especially those in our underserved communities throughout Philadelphia. We will continue to conduct outreach, continue our mission, and continue to work with our partners in this effort to course-correct when needed.”
- As we conduct this once-in-a-generation effort to vaccinate Americans, we can all play a part. We can be good neighbors and help those who are confronted with access issues. We can help register our family members for their COVID-19 vaccine. And, for those of us who have gone through the vaccination process, we can tell our stories to help alleviate concerns about safety and process.
Together, we can beat this.
Caption - FEMA Region 3 employees from Philadelphia speak with the Northwood Civic Association to assist residents in completing the city’s vaccine interest form.
Caption - A FEMA Region 3 employee from Philadelphia meets with a local business owner while distributing flyers with information regarding the city’s vaccine interest form and registration process.
Caption - A FEMA Region 3 employee from Philadelphia provides a tour of operations at the Center City Vaccination Center to Philadelphia community leaders.
gabriel.lugo Thu, 03/18/2021 - 16:27FEMA Provides An Additional $14.3 Million To Colorado For COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $14.3 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Colorado. To date, FEMA has provided more than $401 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020.
The $14.3 million was provided to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
- $7.8 million was provided to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to utilize contract services to buildout St. Mary Corwin Medical Center as an Alternate Care Site (ACS) to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
- The Division used $4.6 million to provide materials for emergency medical care including, but not limited to, KN95 masks, thermometers, gloves, surgical gowns, and other medical supplies. In addition, the Division utilized contracts for sanitation services subject matter experts to provide technical assistance to the SEOC, and support staff.
- $1.9 million was provided to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to utilize contract services to buildout St. Anthony North Health Campus by converting the 2nd and 3rd floors of the facility to accommodate COVID-19 patients in order for the facility to serve as an ACS in warm status.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January. 20, 2020 and September. 30, 2021.
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 tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.
minh.phan Wed, 03/17/2021 - 22:40Prepare Now for Imminent Dangerous Storms from the Mississippi Valley to Alabama
WASHINGTON -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a high risk update for today across portions of the Mississippi Valley into Alabama due to the threat of possible strong tornadoes, hail larger than 2 inches and winds above 75 miles per hour, and a moderate risk upgrade was issued for tomorrow.
Conditions across the high-risk area are favorable for strong, long-track tornadoes. This is especially true from northeast Louisiana through northern Mississippi into northwest Alabama.
More than one round of severe storms is possible across parts of Mississippi and Alabama today during the afternoon into the overnight hours. Storms are currently ongoing across portions of western Oklahoma and are expected to continue in coverage, intensity and redevelopment as the system pushes eastward.
Now is the time to prepare for severe weatherSign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If you are in the forecast areas, monitor a NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials.
Download the free FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and information so that you and your loved ones know what to do before, during and after disasters. The app provides real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.
Prepare for a tornado and plan where you will go if a tornado watch is issued in your communityStorm cellars, safe rooms or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter or a safe room is not available, put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows and doors.
Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.
Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible. Motor vehicles, trailers and mobile homes are not good locations to ride out a tornado. If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
For additional severe weather tips visit Ready.gov.
mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/17/2021 - 21:30Allen County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Open House
CHICAGO – On March 24, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in conjunction with Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will host an online flood risk information open house for Allen County. The event will be presented using the Zoom teleconferencing service and will provide residents an opportunity to review a recently completed preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood information, delineate areas subject to significant flood hazards within the county, and offer information public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain. The updated floodplain maps are limited to the portion of Allen County within the Little Miami River Watershed.
The virtual open house will be staffed by representatives from various local, state, and federal agencies who will provide information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the floodplain mapping process. Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also intends that they be used to assist planning processes and outreach efforts to increase resiliency in response to flood and storm events. Meeting information follows:
WHAT: Allen County, Ohio Flood Risk Information Open House WHEN: Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom account. Meeting ID: 992 1820 4571 Passcode: 564400 https://stantec.zoom.us/j/99218204571?pwd=SzhiaWhTRk1qbEpWSUFUTGtGc0U3QT09
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 attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRMs and FIS report can be downloaded at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/. For more information, email the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Wed, 03/17/2021 - 20:34Pages
