Filing False FEMA Applications May Lead to Criminal Charges

Filing False FEMA Applications May Lead to Criminal Charges

LANSING, Mich. – If you apply for FEMA Assistance and purposely claim disaster damage that never happened, you you may be charged with a serious crime.

FEMA must make sure taxpayer dollars go only to Michigan homeowners and renters in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties who suffered genuine loss caused by the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. The agency takes payment of funds to the true survivors very seriously.

Those who are caught filing a false application for FEMA assistance can be charged with a felony and, if convicted, face a maximum 30-year prison term and up to $250,000 in fines.

Any applicant who has made a mistake when reporting damage or has misrepresented losses may correct or cancel their claim. Individuals need to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution. The helpline accepts calls seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

If you know of someone who is filing a fraudulent application, report this or other instances of fraud, waste or abuse.

You may contact the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 800-323-8603. 

You also may fill out a fraud complaint online at the OIG’s website (www.oig.dhs.gov) or mail to: DHS Office of Inspector General: Mail Stop 0305; Department of Homeland Security; 245 Murray Drive SW; Washington DC 20528-0305, and mark it for the attention of the Office of Investigations – Hotline.

 

You also may call FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) Tip line at 866-223-0814 or email to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov.

Your call may be answered by a recorded message. You will be asked a few questions. The information will be entered into the data system and given to a field investigator. If you leave a name and phone number, it will be the investigator who will call back, not the person who took your call. An inspector has 90 days to confirm the complaint. 

Conducting audits and investigating possible fraudulent activities is done in all federal disaster operations. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes cases that result in criminal charges.

The deadline to apply with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Multilingual operators are available. 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.

To apply in person, visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757. 

kirsten.chambers Wed, 04/10/2024 - 19:53

Macomb County Disaster Recovery Center Closes Tomorrow

LANSING, Mich. – The Macomb County Disaster Recovery Center in Chesterfield will close permanently at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10. See below for the address: 

Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station

33991 23 Mile Road

Chesterfield, MI 48047

You don’t need to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance or to check on the status of your application. The easiest way to reach FEMA is to call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help you apply, answer your questions and provide referrals to resources. Language translation is available. 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. 

You may also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App.

Survivors can visit any of the three other Disaster Recovery Centers for assistance:

 

Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus​

21000 Northline Road

Taylor, MI 48180

Closes at 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

 

Butzel Family Recreation Center

7737 Kercheval Avenue

Detroit, MI 48214

 

Kemeny Recreation Center

2260 S. Fort St.

Detroit, MI 48217

 

Centers are open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. All centers are closed Sundays. 

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.

kirsten.chambers Wed, 04/10/2024 - 19:46

Be Alert to Fraud After the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County Severe Storm and Flooding

San Diego, Calif. — Fraudulent activity typically increases after a disaster. Con artists may try to get money from survivors or ask for personal information to try and steal their identity. 

In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors. In other instances, imposters may pretend to be officials of FEMA or other government agencies.

FEMA personnel carry official identification badges with photos. FEMA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. Survivors can report fraud by email to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 866-223-0814.

If a FEMA inspector comes to a survivor’s home and the survivor did not submit a FEMA application, the survivor’s information may have been used without their knowledge. If so, survivors need to inform the inspector that they did not apply for FEMA assistance so the inspector can submit a request to stop further processing of that application.

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

If survivors wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping a fraudulent application made in their name, the Helpline will assist survivors to create a new application.

Scams

• Survivors should not believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.
• They should be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to their home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have survivors’ nine-digit FEMA application numbers to verify credibility and have official identification badges with photos.
• Survivors should not share banking information with a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect personal financial information.
• If a survivor thinks they may be the victim of a scam or price gouging, they should report it immediately to the local police or sheriff’s department or contact the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation at 866-275-2677 or 916-327-7585 or email ASK.DFPI@dfpi.ca.gov.
• If you suspect identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov.

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storm and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758. 

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

camille.schuetze Wed, 04/10/2024 - 18:41

Assistance Available for Vehicles Damaged by the Severe Storm and Flooding in Maine

If you have damage to a vehicle as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred Jan. 9-13, auto insurance and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are the primary resources available to help with your repairs. If you’re unable to receive help through insurance or SBA, you may qualify for assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. Here’s how to find out if you qualify for vehicle repair or replacement assistance:

• First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a vehicle. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
• Return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, you may be referred to the SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan application.
  • Submit your application to SBA as soon as possible. Even if your insurance claim has not been settled, you can still submit an application.
  • Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • If you qualify for an SBA low-interest loan, you don’t have to accept it. However, if you qualify and don’t accept the loan, you may not qualify for additional FEMA assistance.
  • If SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, and you have registered with FEMA, you will automatically be referred to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program.

To begin the process with ONA, you need to verify the following:

• Your vehicle was damaged during the storm and flooding. Damage can be recorded by the FEMA housing inspector, or you may refer to your FEMA eligibility letter for help on where to send documents. 
• Ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
• A minimum of liability insurance that meets the State of Maine requirements for insurance at the time of the disaster-damage.
• You have no other usable vehicle, can confirm the vehicle was damaged within the disaster-designated area, and provide a mechanic’s statement listing the cause of damage, the cost of repair and whether the vehicle is repairable or totaled.
• FEMA accepts copies, so please keep all original documents for your own records.  

Other vehicle needs:

• If you have more than one storm-damaged vehicle, you will have to write a statement explaining why your household needs more than one working vehicle. Include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.
• If your vehicle is farm equipment, such as a tractor, contact your local Farm Services Agency office to inquire about the USDA disaster assistance program or go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/index.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA offers low-interest federal disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes. SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funds for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged property. For more information about the SBA loan process call 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit the SBA website at sba.gov/disaster.

Registering with FEMA

The registration process with FEMA is the first step in your recovery and requires information such as insurance policies and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By phone: 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Download the FEMA App.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other federal benefits.

Register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:58

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cumberland County

The State of Maine and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Cumberland County. The DRC is a temporary facility established to help survivors recover from the severe storms and flooding from January 9-13. The location of the DRC is:

Old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse
1594 Harpswell Islands Road
Orr’s Island, ME  04066

The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Other DRCs currently open to assist survivors:

Wells Fire Station #2, 585 N Berwick Rd, Wells, ME  04090

Moore Community Center, 125 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605

DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Maine state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:51

Pinellas County Residents Awarded Significant Flood Insurance Discount After Upgrade in Community Rating

WASHINGTON -- Earlier today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell presented Pinellas County, Florida officials a plaque to commemorate their new flood insurance rating. 

Pinellas County will now have a Community Rating System class 2 status with the National Flood Insurance Program, which will give policy holders a 40% discount on their flood insurance. There are more than 27,200 flood insurance policies in the county. 

"This is what it looks like when a community invests in resilience and those investments pay off,” Administrator Criswell said. “Not only are the lives of Pinellas County residents improved upon, but the county is saving them money and creating a more resilient community for them to call home. All of these investments serve as a down payment on a better future for all of us, especially as we continue to face more severe storms and hurricanes that are creating more catastrophic flooding events."

Across the country each year, $2.4 billion is saved through the National Flood Insurance Program’s floodplain management standards, which has totaled $100 billion in losses avoided in the program’s history. Additionally, structures built to meet or exceed the program’s minimum floodplain management standards incur at least 65% less flood damage.          

The class 2 rating became effective April 1. Under the insurance rating approach, nearly all policyholders within a participating community can see premium decreases from their community’s rating. 

The Community Rating System provides a comprehensive set of 19 floodplain management activities, further divided into 100 individual elements, which communities can be recognized for implementing. Credit points are assigned to these elements. The credit point totals determine a community’s ranking which can be anywhere from a class 9 level, providing a 5% premium reduction, up to a class 1 level, providing a 45% premium reduction.

Pinellas County is now one of only 11 communities with a class 2 or higher ranking. Only two communities nationwide have a class 1 rating, including Roswell, California and Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

Nationwide there are approximately 1,500 Community Rating System communities, with more than 200 of them being in Florida.

erika.suzuki Tue, 04/09/2024 - 21:41

Assistance Available for Vehicles Damaged by the Severe Storms and Flooding in Rhode Island

CRANSTON, R.I – If your vehicle was damaged as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred Dec. 17–19, 2023 and Jan. 9-13, 2024, auto insurance and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are the primary resources available to help with your repairs. If you’re unable to receive help through insurance or SBA, you may qualify for assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. Here’s how to find out if you qualify for vehicle repair or replacement assistance:

• First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a vehicle. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
• Return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, you may be referred to the SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan application.
  • Submit your application to SBA as soon as possible. Even if your insurance claim has not been settled, you can still submit an application.
  • Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • If you qualify for an SBA low-interest loan, you don’t have to accept it. However, if you qualify and don’t accept the loan, you may not qualify for additional FEMA assistance.
  • If SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, and you have registered with FEMA, you may be referred to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program.

To begin the process with ONA, you need to verify the following:

• Your vehicle was damaged during the storm and flooding. Damage can be recorded by the FEMA housing inspector, or you may refer to your FEMA eligibility letter for help on where to send documents. 
• Ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
• A minimum of liability insurance that meets the State of Rhode Island requirements for insurance at the time of the disaster-damage.
• You have no other usable vehicle, can confirm the vehicle was damaged within the disaster-designated area, and provide a mechanic’s statement listing the cause of damage, the cost of repair and whether the vehicle is repairable or totaled.
• FEMA accepts copies, so please keep all original documents for your own records.  

Other vehicle needs:

• If you have more than one storm-damaged vehicle, you will have to write a statement explaining why your household needs more than one working vehicle. Include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.
• If your vehicle is farm equipment, such as a tractor, contact your local Farm Services Agency office to inquire about the USDA disaster assistance program or go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/index.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA offers low-interest federal disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes. SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funds for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged property. For more information about the SBA loan process call 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit the SBA website at sba.gov/disaster. If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-877-8339.

Registering with FEMA

Registering with FEMA is the first step when requesting federal assistance from a presidentially declared disaster or emergency. The application requires information such as insurance policies and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. If you have phone, cellular service and/or internet access, you can register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By phone: 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Download the FEMA App.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other federal benefits.

Register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For the latest information, visit 4765 | FEMA.gov or 4766 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.

For updates on the Rhode Island response and recovery, follow the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/RhodeIslandEMA, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandEMA, or visit www.riema.ri.gov.

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

barbara.murien… Tue, 04/09/2024 - 21:31

FEMA Experts Available for Repair and Rebuilding Advice

San Diego, Calif. — Over 78% of homeowners who applied for FEMA disaster assistance after the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storm and flooding disaster received additional funds for mitigation activities. These funds are available to eligible applicants for making their homes more resilient against future storms. 

FEMA specialists will be available in San Diego to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work. There is no charge and reservations are not required.

The specialists will be available at:

Home Depot

355 Marketplace Avenue

San Diego, CA 92113

9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday – Saturday

April 9 – 18, 2024

 

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024 San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

camille.schuetze Tue, 04/09/2024 - 20:59

Damaged Furnace, Well or Septic System? FEMA Can Help

CRANSTON, R.I. – If you live in Kent, Providence or Washington counties and lost access to water because a private well or septic system was damaged, or if your furnace or heating system was damaged by the severe storms and flooding on December 17-19, 2023, or January 9-13, 2024, you may be eligible for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. 

For private wells, heating systems, furnaces and septic systems, FEMA may provide assistance to cover the cost of a licensed contractor, or a professional licensed technician visit to provide a repair or replacement estimate, even if the work has already been completed.

FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or private well, which are not insurable items. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storm. If the damage is determined to be caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. 

If you have already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, contact the FEMA Helpline to receive instructions about how to amend your application. 

If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, you should call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.

For the latest information visit 4765 | FEMA.gov or 4766 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.

For updates on the Rhode Island response and recovery, follow the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/RhodeIslandEMA, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandEMA, or visit www.riema.ri.gov.

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

barbara.murien… Tue, 04/09/2024 - 13:39

Damaged Furnace, Well or Septic System? FEMA Can Help

If you live in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington or York counties and lost access to water because a private well or septic system was damaged, or if your furnace or heating system was damaged by the severe storms and flooding that took place January 9-13, 2024, you may be eligible for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. 

For private wells, heating systems, furnaces and septic systems, FEMA may provide assistance to cover the cost of a licensed contractor, or a professional licensed technician visit to provide a repair or replacement estimate, even if the work has already been completed.

FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or private well, which are not insurable items. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storm. If the damage is determined to be caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. 

If you have already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, contact the FEMA Helpline to receive instructions about how to amend your application. 

If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, you should call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 04/09/2024 - 12:58

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Alaska

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alaska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm, flooding and landslides on Nov. 20, 2023.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and 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 the severe storm, flooding and landslides in the Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Southeast Island Regional Educational Attendance Area and the City and Borough of Wrangell.

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

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

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 04/08/2024 - 20:41

To Qualify for Federal Assistance, You Must Apply with FEMA

CRANSTON, R.I. – Survivors of the severe storms and flooding that occurred Dec. 17–19, 2023 and Jan. 9-13, 2024, living in Kent, Providence or Washington counties may have already reported their damages to the State of Rhode Island, spoken to someone from FEMA, or registered for assistance with a community organization. That does not mean you have applied for federal assistance with FEMA. 

In order to be eligible for federal assistance, you must apply directly with FEMA.

Once you complete the application for federal assistance with FEMA, you will receive a FEMA registration number which will confirm your enrollment.

Remember, renters and homeowners must apply with FEMA to be eligible for federal assistance.  Businesses can only apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for assistance.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance may be able to help with:

• Lodging Expense Reimbursement
• Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing
• Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you, go online to: DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Ex: DRC 04074)
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

For more information about how an SBA loan may benefit you, visit sba.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-877-8339.

Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov.

For the latest information, visit 4765 | FEMA.gov or 4766 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.

For updates on the Rhode Island response and recovery, follow the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/RhodeIslandEMA, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandEMA, or visit www.riema.ri.gov.

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

barbara.murien… Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:53

More than $108 Million in Mitigation Funds for Hurricane Fiona Projects

San Juan, Puerto Rico — To learn from past experiences and apply those lessons to avoid reoccurring problems, is the main drive for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program. To date, FEMA has approved more than $108 million for eligible mitigation projects due to Hurricane Fiona, to reduce disaster risks from future events in several communities of Puerto Rico. 

“FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program is a key element of our reconstruction efforts because the projects will result in a stronger and more resilient Puerto Rico in the face of future natural or atmospheric events. These agility with which we have been able to advance such projects after Hurricane Fiona is a testament to the collaborative work between our government and FEMA for the benefit of the American citizens on the Island,” said Pedro R. Pierluisi, Governor of Puerto Rico.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that protect life and property from future disaster damage to build a more resilient nation. The Government of Puerto Rico manages the Hazard Mitigation 406 grant under funding provided for in the Stafford Act, through the Public Assistance Program, if mitigation measures are deemed cost-effective, eligible, and technically feasible. 

“So far, Mitigation program specialists have identified 1,109 Public Assistance projects that include at least a Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP), which represents 95% of all projects. The total estimated cost for these projects is more than $231 million. But more importantly, these represent thousands of opportunities for our communities to protect life and property, and to become more resilient for the next incident,” said Robert Little, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Fiona.

A great example is the mitigation project for the water filtration plant Antonio Santiago Vázquez better known as Superacueducto in Barrio Bajadero, Arecibo. A $4.9 million project that includes $2.7 million in hazard mitigation measures to address the spillway erosion caused by Hurricane Fiona, will strengthen the plant’s resilience to future disasters. 

A significant component of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewage Authority, this filtration plant produces 100 million gallons of water per day (mgd) from which 65 million gallons are distributed to the metropolitan area. This system serves potable water to approximately 600,000 residents in its route from Arecibo to other eight (8) municipalities on the north coast and eastern region of the island. 

As a result of Fiona, the Río Grande de Arecibo's water level rose to a height of 12 feet, surpassing the spillway's overflow level, which is situated on the north side of the regulating lake and supplies the plant's pumps. To address this situation, sheet piling will be installed on the shore of the regulating lake dam and restore it to its original condition. 

Furthermore, the project aims to protect this critical essential service and took into consideration the balance between emergency safety and natural resources. It raised environmental concerns for which FEMA provided recommendations on how to manage and safeguard the habitat of two endangered Puerto Rico endemic species of this area: the Atlantea tulita (known as the Harlequin Butterfly or Quebradillana) and the Epicrates inornatus (known as the Puerto Rican Boa). 

The recovery process from Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico remains consistent with 1,773 projects approved, totaling over $737 million in FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program funds to address emergency and permanent projects for damaged infrastructure in the Island. These obligated funds, along with the $649 million in Individual Assistance that FEMA provided to survivors, totals $1.3 billion which has supported recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, since Hurricane Fiona affected it almost 19 months ago.

To learn more about Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Fiona, please visit:  www.fema.gov/disaster/4671 and for the Hazard Mitigation Program, visit: Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants | FEMA.gov

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

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Fiona, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4671. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico page, Twitter @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol.

For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on Twitter at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page. 

FEMA provides free services to help people communicate with us and understand FEMA programs. If you need a Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL) interpreter, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or a spoken language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov to schedule a personal appointment. If you need help accessing a FEMA program or service, call FEMA at 1-833-285-7448 [Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish, 3 for the language line] or send an email to FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.  

yuisa.rios Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:17

Las Vegas Claims Office Extends Hours to 10 p.m. on Monday, April 8

SANTA FE, NM – The FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office in Las Vegas will remain open until 10 p.m. on Monday, April 8, resuming regular business hours Tuesday, April 9.

Individuals impacted by the fire and flooding who have filed a claim with the Claims Office or are interested in learning more about the claims process are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours. 

Navigators, Claims Reviewers, Advocates, and other Claims Office staff will be available to provide one-on-one assistance and resources to support recovery efforts, such as:

• Receiving Notices of Loss
• Receiving Proofs of Loss and supporting documentation
• Providing documentation checklists for common types of losses to simplify and expedite the process
• Claims status updates
• Problem solving

The Las Vegas Claims Office location is 216 Mills Ave., in Mills Plaza. 

Standard operating hours are:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. – 7: 30 p.m. 
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - Noon

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice

erika.suzuki Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:12

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hancock County

The State of Maine and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Ellsworth. The DRC is a temporary facility established to help survivors in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington or York counties recover from the severe storms and flooding from January 9-13. 

Other sites may be opening soon.

The location of the DRC is:

Moore Community Center
125 State St.
Ellsworth, ME 04605

Hours of operation for all centers are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

The other current site is:

Wells Fire Station #2
585 N Berwick Rd
Wells, ME  04090

DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Maine state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

kwei.nwaogu Fri, 04/05/2024 - 17:01

Survivors Have Two Weeks Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

San Diego, Calif. — Survivors of the Jan. 21-23, 2024 San Diego County severe storm and flooding event have two weeks to apply for financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 19, 2024.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Three Ways to Apply

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT daily. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply select the link: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

SBA disaster assistance loans

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA disaster loans may cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other sources. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan. However, completing the application may make you eligible for other FEMA assistance, such as disaster related car repairs, essential household items, and other expenses. 

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital (Economic Injury Disaster Loans). Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Apply in person at the:

SBA San Diego County Business Recovery Center:

Southwestern College, Higher Education Center National City

First Floor, Room 7100 - Center for Business Advancement

880 National City Blvd.

National City, CA  91950

Mondays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Applicants may apply online at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024 San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758. 

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status.

Disaster Recovery Centers are protected areas designated to provide emergency response and relief for disaster survivors. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection do not conduct enforcement operations at or near these locations, except in limited circumstances such as an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm. Additionally, FEMA will not proactively share the personal information of flood survivors with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

 

camille.schuetze Fri, 04/05/2024 - 15:48

FEMA Assistance Tops $20 Million for San Diego County

San Diego, Calif. — FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), along with other federal, state and local partners, have undertaken a whole community effort to support residents of San Diego County in their recovery from the Jan. 21-23, 2024 severe storm and flooding disaster. To date, FEMA and SBA have distributed over $20 million in disaster recovery assistance for survivors.

• More than 2,427 households have been approved for FEMA grants, including:
  • $15.1 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • Nearly $3.4 million approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
• FEMA’s door-to-door crews have visited 13,316 households to help survivors apply for assistance.
• Over 78% of homeowners who applied for assistance received some additional funds for mitigation efforts.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 65 loans for $1.7 million. 

There Is Still Time to Apply

San Diego County residents have until April 19, 2024 to apply for FEMA assistance

• Online: DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By phone: call 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Mobile App: download and use the FEMA app.
• At a Disaster Recovery Center, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday at: 
  • Mountain View Community Center located, 641 South Boundary Street, San Diego CA 92113
  • Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton Street, Spring Valley CA 91977

Each DRC is accessible to people with disabilities. Assistive technology equipment is available to help disaster survivors interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is also available, and the centers have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms. If you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

If you need ASL support at a DRC, please contact Aaron Kubey aaron.kubey@fema.dhs.gov in advance to schedule a date and time for an ASL interpreter to meet you there.

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storm and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758. 

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status.

Disaster Recovery Centers are protected areas designated to provide emergency response and relief for disaster survivors. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection do not conduct enforcement operations at or near these locations, except in limited circumstances such as an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm. Additionally, FEMA will not proactively share the personal information of flood survivors with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

camille.schuetze Thu, 04/04/2024 - 19:22

FEMA Approves $35 Million to Rebuild State Public Housing Destroyed in Maui Wildfires

HONOLULU – FEMA has approved $35 million to help the State of Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority fund reconstruction of three buildings and a community center at Piʻilani Elderly Homes as well as the David Malo Circle housing complex, which were destroyed in the Maui wildfires.

At the Piʻilani Homes senior complex at 1028 Wainee St. in Lahaina, the Aug. 8 fires destroyed 16 rental units within three buildings on the property. At David Malo Circle, all nine buildings consisting of 18 housing units at H-1-16 Mill St. were also destroyed that day. 

FEMA’s estimated funding for the Piʻilani project is $14,120,421, including $262,923 to replace the contents; the state’s share is $1,568,935. FEMA’s estimated share for the David Malo Circle project is $20,891,921 and the state’s share is $2,321,324.

“With this substantial funding injection, we are poised to resuscitate these crucial housing facilities, catering to the needs of our valued seniors, disabled individuals, and families, thereby fortifying the safety and prosperity of our community,” said Hakim A. Ouansafi, executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. “Our commitment to a rapid and efficient recovery effort is unwavering.”

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, the estimated costs of the two Lahaina housing projects include restoration of the Piʻilani and David Malo properties to their pre-disaster design, capacity and function within the existing footprints. The costs also include replacing contents of both single-story properties. The Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority has not yet determined how these facilities will be rebuilt.

Because Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses Hawaiʻi applicants 90% of the eligible costs. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred those costs. The remaining 10% represents nonfederal funds. 

The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program, providing funding to help communities responding to and recovering from major presidentially declared disasters or emergencies. Two days after the wildfires broke out, the president approved a major disaster declaration on Aug. 10.

The declaration made Public Assistance funding available to help pay for emergency services to save lives and protect property, for debris removal and for projects to permanently restore community infrastructure damaged or destroyed in the wildfires.

The federal funding approved for Piʻilani Elderly Homes and community center as well as the David Malo Circle housing complex is based on estimates derived from FEMA’s Rapid Assessment of Public Infrastructure Data. That process uses geospatial and aerial imagery as well as assessor information to develop an estimated cost for public infrastructure that was destroyed or damaged in the disaster.  

The State of Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority is expected to submit an amendment for these initial cost estimates which will capture the actual cost of the restoration once design plans are developed. Insurance settlements will be deducted from the projects’ expenses, based on the state’s insurance policy coverage limits and actual insurance settlements. 

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.  at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.

nicole.timonshipman Thu, 04/04/2024 - 18:16

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Wrangell

ANCHORAGE, Alaska. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open April 8th in Wrangell to assist residents who were affected by the November 20th landslides. The Center is a temporary facility established to help survivors navigate through the assistance programs available to them.

Location: 
The Nolan Center
Civic Center Room
296 Campbell Drive

Dates and hours of operation:
Monday, April 8th – Friday, April 12th
9 am – 7 pm

The Disaster Recovery Center is open to those who would like to speak, in person, to specialists from FEMA and the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA). These representatives will be available to help survivors apply for disaster assistance and answer questions about the registration process. FEMA staff will also be at the Disaster Recovery Center to offer tips about rebuilding and protecting yourself and your property from future disasters. 

You do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register for FEMA Assistance. Residents may also apply for FEMA assistance by calling the Alaska Helpline at 1-866-342-1699 between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM AKT, Monday through Friday. The Helpline has staff trained to answer Alaska-specific questions. You can also apply by visiting disasterassistance.gov or using the FEMA mobile app. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters to pay for repair or replacement costs not fully compensated by insurance or other assistance. For more information, go to: www.sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. But if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA. Even if you have already registered for the State of Alaska's disaster assistance program, you must also register with FEMA to determine if you may be eligible to receive additional funds through FEMA. 

If a reasonable accommodation -- such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation is needed – email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also notify FEMA staff in person. 

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FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff in the field know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language 

interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov. 

Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information. 

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 04/04/2024 - 16:12

FEMA Supports the Restoration of Puerto Rico’s Historic Reserves

The agency awarded over $1 million to the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, dedicated to ensuring the conservation of ecologically valuable land on the island, received an obligation of over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair its headquarters and other facilities affected by Hurricane María, including the San Cristóbal Canyon, Hacienda Buena Vista and the Ramón Power y Giralt House. 

“The Trust’s work to preserve these lands is an integral part of Puerto Rico’s recovery and it is a mission that transcends future generations. Our national heritage is irreplaceable and we at FEMA are very pleased to be able to collaborate with the work the Trust is doing for the well-being of our island,” said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

With funds from this obligation, repairs were made to the former Lions Club located in the San Cristóbal Canyon. The structure serves as a work center for the staff that manages the reserve, to store equipment and also to hold community activities. Some of the repairs included the roof, electricity, security doors, walls and windows, among others. Another obligation of nearly $4,500 was allocated to repair the power cables, pipes and shut-off valves for the irrigation system, and for the electrical switch for the pumping system in the nurseries and Casa Los Llanos.

Para La Naturaleza’s environmental interpreter, Roberto J. Celpa Rondón, mentioned that the nurseries are used for the reproduction of endangered species and include some such as the Cornutia obovata, an endemic plant of Puerto Rico, and others such as palo de ramón and palo de jazmín.

“The protection that the nature reserve is giving to the bodies of water that run inside the canyon is also important. We have three bodies of water nearby, the Barranquitas River or Piñona River and the Aibonito River that join the Usabón River, which in turn is a tributary of the La Plata River, so we are protecting a very important watershed that provides water to many people in the island’s metropolitan area,” he added.

Another protected area of high ecological value is Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce, an important coffee and fruit plantation built in 1845. It is a historic space with structures that are more than a century old and a hydraulic turbine that is unique in the world and is still operational. 

At the Hacienda, nearly $248,000 will be used to repair the old garage, which dates back to the 1900s and is currently used as a store. An additional $64,000 allowed the Trust to complete other repairs to the store, as well as to the main house, the warehouse, the offices and the former slave quarters and coffee dryer, where wood and masonry walls, corrugated metal and wood ceilings and interior walls, among others, were repaired.

The superintendent of the Trust’s Southern Region, Mariana Rivera Figueroa, explained that from the Hacienda’s visitor center they manage about 23 protected natural areas from Guayama to Cabo Rojo. “Here, we also work on many projects that have to do with environmental education, historical education and reforestation. We also have a native tree nursery, an agroecological garden, a medicinal garden, an agroforestry cacao and a coffee field,” she added.

Likewise, the Ramón Power y Giralt House in Old San Juan, headquarters of the Trust, also received funds to repair the historic structure. This house is an example of 18th and 19th century Spanish colonial architecture and was the home of Ramón Power y Giralt, the first Puerto Rican deputy in the Cádiz Courts in Spain. The two-story building, with masonry walls and brick panels over ausubo beams and windowsills, was acquired by the Trust in 1989 and was restored in accordance with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture’s historic rehabilitation guidelines for Old San Juan. Part of the repairs included replacing the wood doors and balconies, cleaning humidity stains and replacing the waterproofing treatment on the roof.

For the Trust, the ability to restore historic sites and rehabilitate our natural areas allows them to advance their conservation mission. “Through Para La Naturaleza, founded 54 years ago, we integrate society in the conservation of natural ecosystems and the restoration of historic sites in Puerto Rico through educational programs, volunteerism, citizen science, agroecology, reforestation and community partnerships,” they said in an official statement. The entity has about 65,000 annual participations, including tours for communities and schools, volunteering initiatives and crowdsourcing.

On the other hand, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “the reconstruction of these spaces with a high historical value gives resilience to these structures reducing the possibility of greater damage in the event of another natural disaster. At COR3 we support the execution of these permanent works that have a positive impact on the socioeconomic development of the areas where they are located.”

To date, FEMA has obligated over $32.5 billion for over 10,900 recovery projects in Puerto Rico following the passage of Hurricane María. Of these funds, over $7.3 million are earmarked for repairing different facilities of The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

SAN CRISTÓBAL CANYON, BARRANQUITAS, PUERTO RICO

BARRANQUITAS, Puerto Rico (June 6, 2023)– The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, dedicated to ensuring the conservation of ecologically valuable land on the island, received an obligation of over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair its headquarters and other facilities affected by Hurricane María, including the San Cristóbal Canyon in Barranquitas. Photo FEMA/Eduardo Martínez

HACIENDA BUENA VISTA, PONCE, PUERTO RICO

PONCE, Puerto Rico (March 8, 2024) – FEMA allocated nearly $248,000 to the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico to repair buildings at Hacienda Buena Vista, including the old garage, which dates back to the 1900s and is currently used as a store. An additional $64,000 allowed the Trust to complete other repairs to the store, as well as to the main house, the warehouse, the offices and the former slave quarters and coffee dryer, where wood and masonry walls, corrugated metal and wood ceilings and interior walls, among others, were repaired. Photo FEMA/Eliezer Hernández

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 04/04/2024 - 15:48