Last Four FEMAs Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Permanently

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The temporary Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Caguas, Mayagüez, Ponce and Vega Baja will close permanently on Dec. 8, 2022, at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, operational hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday until they close.

After DRCs close, survivors can still view the status of their application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using FEMA’s mobile app. Individuals can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss their case with a FEMA representative. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 12/05/2022 - 15:25

ICYMI -- FEMA Announces Community-Driven Relocation program, Shares Additional Resources for Tribal Communities

WASHINGTON -- Earlier this week, the Biden-Harris administration announced the launch of a new Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation program, led by the Department of the Interior, to assist tribal communities severely impacted by climate-related environmental threats.

Through investments from President Joseph R. Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the Department of the Interior is committing $115 million for 11 severely impacted tribes to advance relocation efforts and adaptation planning. Additional support for relocation will be provided by FEMA and the Denali Commission.

This announcement is part of larger efforts being undertaken by the Community-Driven Relocation Subcommittee as part of the White House National Climate Task Force, which the White House launched in August 2022. This Interagency Subcommittee is co-led by FEMA and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).

“Now more than ever, communities across the nation are making, or have already made, the tough decision to seek higher ground and relocate away from harm’s way,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “As climate change continues to displace people, FEMA, alongside our federal partners, will continue to use every tool at our disposal, including community-driven relocation, to make all communities more resilient, especially those that have been historically underserved.”

Community-Driven Relocation Subcommittee

The phrase “community-driven relocation” is deliberate. The intent is to collectively reinforce that it is essential for the consideration or implementation of planned relocation projects to be grounded in a community’s ability to define and determine their future.

The interagency Community-Driven Relocation Subcommittee aims to bridge the gap between communities seeking assistance with relocation and the resources available across the federal government. Within the subcommittee, there is representation from the White House and 14 federal agencies.

FEMA Mitigation Grants Available for Relocation Projects

FEMA will continue to provide communities with appropriate support to facilitate their relocation priorities. To date, FEMA mitigation grant funds can support relocations through multiple funding streams. This includes Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs through buyouts of individual properties, relocation of critical facilities, and in a few cases includes the movement of entire communities.  Multiple FEMA programs can be leveraged for relocation funding.

Approximately $17.7 million has been provided, or is in the process of being provided, to assist the Newtok Village, the Native Village of Napakiak, and Quinault Indian Nation in their efforts to acquire, demolish and build new infrastructure out of harm’s way. These projects were funded with grants from the following three programs Building Resilient Infrastructure and Community, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and a 2019 sunset grant program known as Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program.  In addition, through Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation Community, the Quinault Indian Nation received a Congressional appropriation of $1.4 million.

A fact sheet summarizing these projects and more information about FEMA’s efforts to support community-driven relocation can be found here.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 12/02/2022 - 21:23

Centros de Recuperación por Desastre abren para ayudar a sobrevivientes del huracán Ian

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Centros de Recuperación por Desastre han abierto en los condados de Georgetown y Horry para ayudar a los residentes de Carolina del Sur que fueron afectados por el huracán Ian a solicitar asistencia.

Se hacen todos los esfuerzos por ubicar los centros de recuperación en zonas que queden tan cerca como sea practicable a las comunidades afectadas por el huracán Ian para que todo centro esté convenientemente disponible a los sobrevivientes.

El centro de Horry abrió el jueves y se prevé que el centro en el condado de Georgetown abrirá el viernes en la mañana. Un tercer centro de recuperación abrirá el lunes 5 de diciembre en el condado de Charleston. Los centros cuentan con el personal altamente capacitado de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), también como los representantes de las agencias estatales de Carolina del Sur y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeñas Empresas.

CONDADO DE HORRY

Centro recreativo de Carolina Forest, Salón multiuso B

2254 Carolina Forest Blvd.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Abrió: 1 p.m. el jueves 1 de diciembre

Horario: 9 a.m. a 6 p.m. de lunes a viernes; 9 a.m. al mediodía los sábados; cerrado los domingos

 

CONDADO DE GEORGETOWN

Centro recreativo regional de Waccamaw

83 Duncan Ave.

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Abrirá: 1 p.m. el viernes 2 de diciembre

Horario: 9 a.m. a 6 p.m. de lunes a viernes; 9 a.m. al mediodía los sábados; cerrado los domingos

 

CONDADO DE CHARLESTON

Obras Públicas de North Charleston

5800 Casper Padgett Way

North Charleston, SC 29406

Abrirá: 1 p.m. el lunes 5 de diciembre

Horario: 9 a.m. a 6 p.m. de lunes a viernes; 9 a.m. al mediodía los sábados; cerrado los domingos

 

Los especialistas en los centros de recuperación pueden ayudarle a actualizar sus solicitudes con FEMA y a aprender más sobre los programas estatales y comunitarios y otras formas de asistencia disponibles. Pueden clarificar la información que usted ha recibido de FEMA u otras agencias; pueden explicar sobre la asistencia de alquiler disponible para propietarios de vivienda e inquilinos; y pueden enviar sus documentos solicitados por fax a un centro de procesamiento de FEMA y digitalizar o copiar información o documentos nuevos que se necesitan para los expedientes de casos.

Se exhorta a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal de FEMA antes de visitar al Centro de Recuperación por Desastre. A continuación, se enumeran las otras maneras de solicitar asistencia:

-         Visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es;

-         Use la aplicación móvil de FEMA; o

-         Llame a la Línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Hay ayuda disponible en muchos idiomas. Si usa un servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, proporcione el número para ese servicio a FEMA. Los operadores de la Línea de ayuda hablan muchos idiomas y las líneas están abiertas todos los días de 7 a.m. a 11 p.m. Marque 2 para español. Marque 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.

-         Para un video accesible sobre cómo solicitar asistencia, visite youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre también son accesibles para personas con discapacidades. Cuentan con equipo de tecnología de asistencia que permite a los sobrevivientes de desastre interactuar con el personal. Servicios de Interpretación por Video a Distancia están disponibles y servicios de interpretación del lenguaje de señas están disponibles en persona previa solicitud. Los centros también tienen estacionamiento, rampas y baños accesibles.

Además de los centros de recuperación, los equipos de asistencia a sobrevivientes del desastre están recorriendo los vecindarios en zonas afectadas por el huracán Ian para ayudar a los residentes a solicitar asistencia y responder preguntas sobre la asistencia federal. Estos especialistas de FEMA llevan vestimenta de FEMA y tienen credenciales federales con sus fotografías. Este servicio no tiene ningún costo.

Para la información más actualizada sobre la recuperación de Carolina del Sur del huracán Ian, visite FEMA.gov/es/disaster/4677. También puede seguir a https://twitter.com/SCEMD o la Región 4 de FEMA; @FEMARegion4/Twitter y Facebook.com/FEMA.

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

Toda asistencia por desastre de FEMA será brindada sin discriminación basada en la raza, el color, el sexo (incluido el acoso sexual), la orientación sexual, la religión, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad, el dominio limitado del inglés o la situación económica. Si usted cree que sus derechos civiles están siendo violados, llame a la línea de Recursos de Derechos Civiles al 833-285-7448.

ron.roth Fri, 12/02/2022 - 16:11

ICYMI: FEMA Hosts Third Annual Civil Rights Summit

WASHINGTON -- FEMA hosted its third annual civil rights summit on Nov. 29 and 30, assembling a diverse and experienced lineup of speakers from both the federal family and community organizations to discuss integrating civil rights into our work.

In addition to speakers from FEMA, presenters included representatives from nonprofit, federal and academic organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the American Red Cross, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, University of South Carolina School of Law, FEMA’s National Tribal Affairs Advocate and the City of Philadelphia Fire Commissioner, among others. A full list of speakers is available here.

During the summit, presenters shared their wealth of knowledge and information gleaned from their areas of expertise and personal experiences, while speakers from FEMA focused specifically on how the agency is working to make civil rights a priority in the work it does now and into the future.

“We are on a mission at FEMA to honor and build upon the decades-long and heroic work of our nation’s civil rights leaders to advance equity and justice for all,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “That’s why we believe it’s not enough to simply increase equity during and after disasters; we must get help to all people, in all communities, well before disaster strikes.”

“Underserved communities are often hit the hardest by disasters and other hazards, worsening inequities already present in society. Continuing to ignore the needs of underserved communities will only propagate cycles of inequity, which can lead to attitudes of mistrust and despair,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “This summit underscores FEMA’s commitment to breaking this cycle through instilling equity and civil rights as a foundation of emergency management.”

“I am incredibly grateful to our civil rights and community partners, as well my FEMA and emergency management family, for attending and participating in today’s summit,” said FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights Director Leslie Saucedo. “It’s a demonstration of our shared desire to grow and improve how we serve the public following a disaster, on what many describe as their worst day.”  

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice -- AAJC is encouraged by FEMA’s equity focus on its new strategic plan and emergency management activities because it is imperative that communities of color, immigrant families and underserved communities are treated with equity, dignity and respect during natural disasters,” said Asian Americans Advancing Justice -- AAJC’s President and Executive Director, John C. Yang. “We strongly advocate for FEMA to develop multi-language resources and culturally competent services for Asian American communities, which has more than 100 languages and 50 different ethnicities, to ensure that our communities are not at a disadvantage when danger strikes.”

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have spoken at FEMA’s Civil Rights Summit alongside such esteemed panelists and colleagues,” said the Trevor Project’s Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs Preston Mitchum. “In serving a community as diverse and unique as the LGBTQ community, we at The Trevor Project understand the critical importance of prioritizing equity and intersectionality across every aspect of our work. I look forward to continue working with FEMA and other community partners to build on the important discussions from today and advance equity and access to culturally competent mental health crisis care across the nation.”

Topics of discussion at the summit included civil rights and housing inequities; how intersectionality creates patterns of discrimination in our civil rights system; the disenfranchisement and vulnerabilities of underserved communities in civil rights; and the community, FEMA and emergency management.

The summit builds on the three-part series hosted in the fall of 2020 and the one-day event in the fall of 2021 by raising awareness of FEMA’s programs and civil rights efforts. The prior two summits focused on civil rights, accessibility to FEMA programs, prioritizing equity and civil rights and creating an inclusive, community-based approach to emergency management and disaster response and recovery.

The summit also further emphasizes FEMA’s commitment to instilling equity as a foundation of emergency management, as outlined in the agency’s 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan released in January. To achieve this goal, FEMA has prioritized equity and civil rights to make its assistance more “survivor-centric,” our eligibility requirements less rigid and its outreach more mindful of the unique communities it serves by:

• Creating dual-language advertising campaigns to educate and remind residents of flood preparedness.
• Creating an expedited process for mitigation grant selections and assistance.
• Making a significant commitment to underserved communities by expanding BRIC funding in 2023 to $2 billion.
• Changing the documentation to prove homeownership factored in homeowners who had inherited properties with no formal deed.

To read more about the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan, please visit here.

For more information about FEMA’s External Civil Rights Division, how to submit a civil rights complaint, the Civil Rights cadre, and to download the Civil Rights Anti-Discrimination Flyer, go to External Civil Rights Division | FEMA.gov. Contact the Office of Equal Rights at 833-285-7448, 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS), or FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 12/02/2022 - 15:25

U.S. Small Business Administration Applications are Required before FEMA Individual Assistance can be Provided

Anchorage, Alaska – If you were asked to apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of your Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Individual Assistance application, you must submit your application in order to be eligible for additional FEMA Individual Assistance AND State of Alaska Individual Assistance.

As FEMA processes your Individual Assistance application, they may refer you to the SBA before a decision can be reached. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters. If you are referred to the SBA, you MUST fill out the application. SBA loan officers will process the application to determine if you are eligible for an SBA disaster assistance loan. Before you can be considered for FEMA or State of Alaska assistance, applying to the SBA is a required as part of the FEMA and State of Alaska application process for those selected.

After submitting your application, if you are not approved for a loan then you will be referred back to FEMA and you may be eligible for assistance with personal property, transportation, or a Group Flood Insurance Policy. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs as a result of a presidentially declared disaster. If eligible, potential assistance can help repair or replace subsistence equipment and select personal property lost in the storm.

If you are approved for an SBA disaster loan you do not have to accept the loan. If you are approved for the loan and turn it down, you have six months to change your mind and re-activate the application if you discover additional damage or if your insurance settlement is not enough to cover your repairs. However, please keep in mind that if you are approved and you do not accept it, you will NOT be referred back to FEMA for the additional assistance mentioned above.

Please note that other types of federal assistance are NOT impacted by a referral to the SBA or by your decision regarding the loan offer, but FEMA Individual Assistance to cover personal property items, including subsistence equipment, IS impacted by your SBA application and offer decision.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela.  For more information or assistance on SBA applications, 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 is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or 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.

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For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff 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: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Fri, 12/02/2022 - 04:28

Apply for Assistance Even If You Are Unsure

Anchorage, Alaska – If you live in the Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAA’s) of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon and were affected by the Sept. 15– 20 severe storms, flooding and landslides, you should apply for FEMA and State of Alaska Disaster Individual Assistance- you only have until Dec. 6, 2022.

Even if your home was not damaged but you own a fish camp or had damage to your personal property, it is important that you apply. FEMA is unable to cover fish camp structures but may cover personal property stored inside the camp or other personal property that was damaged as a result of the disaster. However, the State of Alaska’s Individual Assistance program may cover fish camp structures; this is a part of why it is important to apply to both.

Even if you are unable to survey damage to your property or are unsure if you experienced damage from the storm you should still apply to both before the Dec. 6 deadline. You can report the extent of the damages later, but if you do not apply you will not be eligible for FEMA or State of Alaska Individual Assistance.

The State of Alaska and FEMA are working together to help get you the assistance you need. Make sure to apply with both programs to receive help. Failure to apply with both FEMA and the State of Alaska could result in denial of assistance from one or both programs.

• Survivors can apply with FEMA by calling our Anchorage-based hotline at 1-866-342-1699 or online at disasterassistance.gov. TTY users calling from an Alaska area code can dial 711 or, if you are calling from an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service.
• Survivors can apply with the State of Alaska by calling 1-844-445-7131 or going online at ready.alaska.gov/IA. 

FEMA encourages you to always reach out to get answers to your questions. You can ask about the status of your application or other topics ranging from home inspections to information on appealing FEMA’s eligibility determination or adding the name of someone to speak for the applicant. The hotline is also a helpline – so please reach out immediately so we may address any questions you may have.

As FEMA processes your Individual Assistance application, it may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) before a decision can be reached. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters. If you are referred to the SBA, it must be ruled out that you would not qualify for an SBA loan before you can be considered for FEMA assistance with personal property or transportation, so completing the SBA application is required as part of the FEMA and State of Alaska Disaster Individual Assistance program.  Failing to do so will stop the application process.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela.  For more information or assistance on SBA applications, 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.

 

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For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff 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: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

 

mary.j.edmon Fri, 12/02/2022 - 04:14

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Florida Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken in the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian from Sept. 23 to Nov. 4, 2022.

Under the President's order, the time period for 100 % federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, has been extended for an additional 15-day period through Dec. 7, 2022.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 12/01/2022 - 20:55

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Exceeds $3 Billion

WASHINGTON -- More than $3 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and to households after Hurricane Ian to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

FEMA has provided $779 million to households and $358 million to the state for emergency response, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.1 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $882 million in claims.  

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance. Deadline for applications is Jan. 12, 2023.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have visited 281,000 homes and interacted with 136,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• 36 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in impacted areas, with nearly 80,000 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,824 households with 4,086 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 234,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. FEMA approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to provide options for those whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane. FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing need in those counties because of a lack of available housing resources. FEMA will notify applicants who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.1 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• As of Dec. 1, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 44,700 flood insurance claims and paid more than $882 million to policyholders.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. These positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof installed 20,119 roofs in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. (Mission completed.)
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022 through Oct. 23, 2022. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days. For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 12/01/2022 - 20:55

FEMA Specialists Canvassing Charleston, Georgetown, Horry Counties

COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA specialists are going door-to-door in communities hard hit by Hurricane Ian to help disaster survivors apply for assistance and to provide critical information about available federal and state resources.

Disaster survivor assistance specialists are visiting homes and businesses in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties. For those who may have already applied for FEMA disaster assistance, the specialists can also provide status updates and make minor changes to your FEMA applications.

The specialists wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge to help you apply to FEMA or provide you referrals to federal, state and community assistance programs.

FEMA is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities or access and functional needs have equal access to the same programs and services as the general population. FEMA is also committed to ensuring anyone with a disability, limited English proficiency, or access or functional needs be treated fairly.

Disaster survivors don’t need to wait for a FEMA specialist to visit your home or business. There are several ways to apply:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Use the FEMA mobile app; or
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For the latest information on South Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4677. You may also follow FEMA Region 4; @FEMARegion4/Twitter and at Facebook.com/FEMA.

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

ron.roth Thu, 12/01/2022 - 17:01

FEMA Provides $10 Million to New Jersey for Climate Resilience Projects in Communities Impacted by Hurricane Ida

Investment comes from FEMA’s Swift Current Initiative, funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to fund flood mitigation projects post-Hurricane Ida

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA announced it has obligated $10 million for flood resilience projects in New Jersey through its Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Swift Current initiative, taking strides towards timely hazard mitigation by expediting money to communities working to become more resilient to floods. 

This is the first FEMA initiative to be funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Hurricane Ida demonstrated that even those outside the direct path of a hurricane can suffer devastating consequences. The people of New Jersey witnessed this devastation firsthand, as some of the most flood-prone parts of the state saw record levels of flooding,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.  “Thanks to funding provided to FEMA’s Swift Current Initiative by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure law, New Jersey will be able to convert many affected properties to open spaces, making this community more resilient to damage from future storms and related flooding.”

Ten million will go toward acquiring and demolishing 31 properties -- 28 of which were substantially damaged by Hurricane Ida -- in the Borough of Manville, New Jersey. Somerset County lands near the Raritan and Millstone rivers will be converted to open space, conservation and flood storage.

Another $280,000 in this round of obligations will also be used to reconstruct two flood-prone structures in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The properties will be rebuilt to higher standards to reduce flood damage and potential NFIP claims payments.

In total, the Swift Current initiative allocates a total of $60 million to Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Pennsylvania -- all states affected by Hurricane Ida -- to equitably expedite mitigation grants to disaster survivors with repetitively flooded homes. The application period opened April 1 and by Aug. 1 the applicants reached the amount available through the Swift Current initiative.

More information about these and other selections is available on FEMA’s website. FEMA continues to review all other subapplications submitted to the Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current Initiative and will announce further selections in the upcoming months.   

Swift Current funding will be distributed as follows. These states were selected because they have the highest number of unmitigated severe repetitive loss and repetitive loss properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program and total flood insurance claims as a result of Hurricane Ida within their respective FEMA regions. 

• Louisiana, $40 million 
• New Jersey, $10 million
• Mississippi, $5 million
• Pennsylvania, $5 million

Swift Current seeks to substantially speed up the award of Flood Mitigation Assistance funding after a flooding event and reduce the complexity of the application process. Its goal is to obligate flood mitigation dollars for repetitively and substantially flood damaged properties insured through the National Flood Insurance Program as quickly and equitably as possible after a disaster event. 

The Flood Mitigation Assistance program is an annual competitive grant program that provides funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  

The program recognizes the growing flood hazards associated with climate change, and of the need for flood hazard risk mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation, equity and resilience to flooding. These hazards are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. 

For more information about the Swift Current initiative, visit fema.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 12/01/2022 - 16:22

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.4 Million to Boston for Winter Storm Kenan Snow Removal Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the City of Boston for the costs of plowing and removing snow after Winter Storm Kenan in early 2022.

The city will receive a total of $3,377,000 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of snow removal and sanding/salting after the January 28-29 “bomb cyclone” produced blizzard conditions in some parts of New England.

Keenan caused record or near record snowfall in four counties in Massachusetts, including the City of Boston, creating an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public since emergency vehicles couldn’t navigate the streets.

The Boston Public Works Department provided snow plowing and salting/sanding operations for 785 miles of city streets, and twelve different vendors removed and hauled snow to 11 sites throughout the city for disposal.

President Joe Biden’s disaster declaration made federal funding available to commonwealth, 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 in Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties, and for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

FEMA has awarded more than $13.3 million in Public Assistance grants to state and local governments for the disaster to date.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to reimburse the City of Boston for some of the costs incurred recovering from Winter Storm Kenan,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Restoring access to roads for first responders after a storm of this type is critical to maintaining public safety.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:54

FEMA Awards Vermont Almost $6.6 Million For COVID Services and Treatment

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $6.6 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing services to the homeless population and antibody treatments to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,599,727 in Public Assistance grants will go to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for providing wraparound social services to homeless populations in non-congregate sheltering, and for providing monoclonal antibody treatment across the state.

A grant of $3,731,539 will reimburse for services that supported non-congregate sheltering for Vermont’s at-risk population, including staffing to support intake, discharge, safety and/or management of non-congregate sheltering sites; provision of essential goods to meet basic needs; outreach, education, and wellness checks to households; access to health care screening and testing; and alternative isolation housing as needed.

In addition, the state hired qualified staff to prevent and respond to emergent safety issues and/or crises onsite, and to help households at sites re-apply for General Assistance Emergency Housing benefits between December 2020 and March 2022.

A second grant of $2,868,188 will reimburse AHS for contracting with Rescue, Inc. to provide monoclonal antibody treatment services to 1,104 patients. Three teams of five licensed EMS providers equipped with infusion and patient monitoring capabilities provided more than 10,000 hours of care between December 2021 and May 2022.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Vermont Agency of Human Services with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided almost $430 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:26

FEMA Awards Over $3 Million to Backus Hospital for COVID Response Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse William W. Backus Hospital for the additional costs of operating safely and handling increased patient loads during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,018,814 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the 213-bed, nonprofit acute care community hospital in Norwich for purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies, and purchasing or leasing equipment including oximeters, patient monitors, telemetry devices, respirators, and defibrillators between March 2020 and August 2021.

The hospital also provided additional technicians and staff to support patient care; disseminated information through multiple media sources to provide public health warnings and guidance; and purchased facility cleaning and disinfection services and supplies.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist William W. Backus Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided almost $593 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:24

FEMA Awards Over $2.1 Million to Massachusetts RMV for COVID-19 Operating Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the costs of keeping the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) open safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,113,969 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for the cost of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking other measures to keep essential staff and the public safe at RMV locations between July 2020 and January 2021.

The RMV also bought temporary countertop or desktop sneeze guards; glass panel mounted screens; communication devices; disinfecting supplies for facility and road test vehicle cleaning; signage; and dissemination of public information. They also contracted with seven vendors to provide disinfecting and cleaning services.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.4 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:20

FEMA Awards Almost $1.8 Million to Southcoast Hospitals Group for COVID-19 Staffing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Southcoast Hospitals Group, Inc. for the costs of hiring temporary staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nonprofit, community-based health system that operates three hospitals in southeastern Massachusetts and facilities in Rhode Island will receive a $1,763,861 Public Assistance grant to reimburse it for hiring temporary medical staff to handle increased patient loads between January 2020 and July 2021.

Southcoast Hospitals Group contracted with healthcare staffing partners Cross Country Staffing, Fastaff LLC, Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services LLC, Planet Healthcare LLC, Trustaff Travel Nurses, and Medical Solutions LLC, to provide direct patient care at its facilities.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Southcoast Hospitals Group, Inc. with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.4 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:18

FEMA Awards Almost $4.7 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID-19 Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.7 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the costs of testing, acquiring equipment and hiring temporary staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,693,148 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for providing testing, leasing equipment, and hiring temporary staff between January 2020 and March 2022.

One grant of $3,364,294 will cover the cost of testing 107,246 people between January and July 2020, as well as the cost of hiring temporary healthcare workers; setting up tents with generators and HVAC installation for the tents; and hiring security for the facilities.

The hospital system also contracted for translation services to facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and COVID-19 patients; for transportation services to deliver items between hospital locations and transport the remains of patients who had died; and for administrative services.

A second grant of $1,328,854 will reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of purchasing reagent dispensers, accessories for bed monitors, and bedside monitors as well as renting 945 ventilators between August 2021 and March 2022.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist UMass Memorial Health Care with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.4 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:15

One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Individual Assistance

Anchorage, Alaska – Residents of the Regional Educational Attendance Areas of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon have until Dec. 6 to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State of Alaska disaster assistance. To receive disaster Individual Assistance, you must apply before the deadline.

Make sure you register with both FEMA and the State of Alaska to be eligible for Individual Assistance.

• FEMA Hotline: 1-866-342-1699 (Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM AKT.)
  • • FEMA Hotline TTY users can dial 711 or, TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service.
• State of Alaska Hotline: 1-844-445-7131 (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 4 PM AKT.)

Don’t forget – the hotline is a helpline! Call to apply, get help with an existing application, or have your questions answered.

There are other ways you can apply for disaster assistance:

• Applications for FEMA Individual Assistance can also be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA mobile app.

 

• To apply for State of Alaska Individual Assistance survivors can go online to ready.alaska.gov/IA.

 

Residents who applied for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan as the next step in the application process. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. You are not required to take out a loan, but failure to fill out the application may prevent you from receiving certain types of FEMA funding.

• Applicants may apply for SBA, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. 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. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.  

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff 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: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Thu, 12/01/2022 - 01:34

KYEM and FEMA Continue Collaborating to Help Eastern Kentuckians Recover from Floods

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The deadline for registering with FEMA has passed, but FEMA continues to work with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to help survivors and affected communities recover from the July flooding.

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers have transitioned into Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) managed by the commonwealth. Survivors can go to a MARC and still get help with their pending FEMA applications, appeals and any disaster-related questions.  

A MARC is a single “one stop shop" location where public and private organizations come together to provide assistance to those affected by a disaster. MARCs bring agencies together and are collaborative operations. The centers are a critical venue for the coordinated recovery of those affected by a disaster.

MARC locations and hours are:

• Clay County: Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Friday; Closed Saturday and Sunday
• Breathitt County: Breathitt County Library, 1024 College Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Floyd County: Foley Mission Center, 6134 KY-80, Martin, KY 41649 (across from Save-A-Lot)
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Perry County: Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Dr., Hazard, KY 41701
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Pike County: Dorton Community Center, 112 Dorton Hill Rd., Pikeville, KY 41501     |
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday

If you have registered for assistance, FEMA encourages you to keep in touch to track your application or appeal. You should also notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and to report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

You don’t have to visit a MARC to communicate with FEMA. Here are other ways:

• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.  
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App.

Since the federal disaster assistance registration period ended Oct. 28, more than $7 million in additional funding for housing repairs and critical needs has been awarded to Eastern Kentucky flood survivors. The assistance becomes available as applicants provide required documents, give FEMA up-to-date contact information and otherwise follow up on their appeals and complete their applications.

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

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/30/2022 - 22:38

60-Day Hurricane Ian Update: FEMA Reaching Survivors

BRANDON, Fla. – FEMA is reaching Hurricane Ian survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recovery. FEMA teams are going door-to-door in hard-hit communities, operating one-stop Disaster Recovery Centers and supporting community outreach.

In less than two months since the disaster declaration, FEMA has provided $771 million in grants to 538,028 applicants for the Individuals and Households Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided

$1 billion in disaster loans, the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $793 million in claims and FEMA has provided $358 million to the State of Florida for emergency response. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have visited 261,000 homes and interacted with 129,000 individuals. More than 1,800 households are sheltered in hotels at FEMA expense.

FEMA has extended the application deadline to Jan. 12, 2023, for survivors in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

There are multiple Disaster Recovery Centers operating throughout the impacted area. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362.

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 11 p.m. Eastern Time. 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.

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team visits a neighborhood impacted by Hurricane Ian, talking with resident about FEMA assistance. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Disaster Survivor Assistance team members speak with local residents in neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Ian and provide information about how to apply for federal assistance following Hurricane Ian. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A Disaster Survivor Assistance team member helps a Hurricane Ian survivor apply for assistance. (FEMA photo by Austin Boone)

SANFORD, Fla. – FEMA specialists help Hurricane Ian survivors apply for assistance at the Midway Safe Harbor Center. (FEMA photo by Bob Kaufmann)

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Hurricane Ian survivors hear from FEMA and other agency partners about important recovery information at the First Presbyterian Church. (FEMA photo by Chrissy Gonsalves)

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Hurricane Ian survivors receive one-on-one help from FEMA specialists at a Disaster Recovery Center. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A FEMA specialist provides information to members of the United Haitian Church. (FEMA photo by Chrissy Gonsalves)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – American Sign Language Interpreters provide recovery information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members at an event in Fort Myers. (FEMA photo by Austin Boone)

NAPLES, Fla. –Residents visit a Disaster Recovery Center in Collier County at Veterans Community Park. Local, state and federal agencies are on site to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ian. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialists speak with residents about how to rebuild stronger against future storms. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

 

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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.

zella.campbell Wed, 11/30/2022 - 18:34

Biden-Harris Administration Makes $135 Million Commitment to Support Relocation of Tribal Communities Affected by Climate Change

WASHINGTON -- The Biden-Harris administration today announced the launch of a new Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation program, led by the Department of the Interior, to assist Tribal communities severely impacted by climate-related environmental threats. Through investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the Department is committing $115 million for 11 severely impacted Tribes to advance relocation efforts and adaptation planning. Additional support for relocation will be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Denali Commission.

By recognizing the real and immediate threat of climate change, this program is one of the first designed to coordinate closely with community leaders to help begin the process of relocating crucial community infrastructure away from imminent threats and build long-term resilience to climate impacts. These projects will yield critical information to inform replication in other communities and initiate a long-term strategy for future relocation and climate resilience efforts.

“From wildfires out west to typhoons in Alaska, I have seen firsthand the devastating affect climate change and extreme weather has on communities across the nation, especially in Indian Country. That is why FEMA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration take seriously our responsibility to provide tailored assistance to Tribal Nations before, during and after disasters,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “While FEMA continues to help Tribal Nations plan for future conditions and strengthen tribal community resilience through our suite of hazard mitigation tools and resources, we are excited to partner with our federal family on larger projects such as community-driven relocation to further support all Tribal Nations.”

“As part of the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to protect Tribal sovereignty and revitalize tribal communities, we must safeguard Indian Country from the intensifying and unique impacts of climate change,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “Helping these communities move to safety on their homelands is one of the most important climate related investments we could make in Indian Country.”

“The Denali Commission commends the Biden-Harris administration in recognizing the climate adaptation needs of Alaska Native Villages with the significant announcement of the demonstration project,” said Garrett Boyle, Federal Co-Chair of the Commission. “The Commission commits its support for this effort and the participating Alaska Native Villages. This effort comes at a pivotal moment of need for the Villages and the environment and builds on the Commission’s previous investments of nearly $50 million for strategic climate adaptation and resilience efforts.”

The announcement was made during the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, which provides an opportunity for the Administration and Tribal leaders from the 574 federally recognized Tribes to discuss ways the federal government can invest in and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships as well as ensure that progress in Indian Country endures for years to come.

Alaska Native villages are at risk of severe infrastructure damage due to climate-related environmental impacts, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Tribal communities in the contiguous 48 states are at risk of similar threats plus threats from flooding, drought and wildland fire. A 2020 BIA study estimated that up to $5 billion will be needed over the next 50 years to address Tribal relocation infrastructure needs in response to climate change impacts.

The U.S. Department of Interior and FEMA jointly established a Community-Driven Relocation (CDR) Subcommittee as part of the White House National Climate Task Force. This interagency Subcommittee will convene agencies to explore key considerations, issues and strategies for working in partnership with communities to support voluntary movement away from high-risk regions.

The investments announced today will support two types of grants: relocation grants for severely impacted communities currently ready to implement relocation and managed retreat plans, and planning grants for communities that need additional planning support in evaluating climate threats and mitigation strategies.  

Relocation Grants

The Newtok Village and Native Village of Napakiak, both in Alaska, as well as the Quinault Indian Nation in Washington have been selected to receive $25 million each to begin community driven relocation, for a total of $75 million in funding. The initial steps for these communities will serve as demonstration projects for future climate resilience efforts by providing early learning opportunities for best practices, developing standard guidelines and tools to serve as a blueprint for future efforts, and demonstrating the success of a consolidated and coordinated interagency approach to relocation and managed retreat. The demonstration projects will focus on the relocation and establishment of core infrastructure identified by the communities to create a center of gravity for full community relocation. Community relocation will be a staged process that will occur in the coming years.

In addition to the funds dedicated by the Department of Interior, FEMA has awarded, or is in the process of awarding, approximately $17.7 million to assist the three communities in their efforts to acquire, demolish and build new infrastructure out of harm’s way.

• The Newtok Village, located on the Ninglick River in Alaska, is experiencing progressive coastal erosion from ocean storms and degrading permafrost. Multiple erosion studies conclude that there is no cost-effective way to halt this process, and that the people of Newtok must relocate to a new site. At the current rate of erosion of approximately 70 feet per year, the river is expected to threaten structures within two years and the village’s critical infrastructure within four years. Mertarvik is the site of the new village, located approximately nine miles across the Ninglick River from Newtok. The new village site has roads but only a handful of homes. 
• The Native Village of Napakiak, located on the Kuskokwim River in Alaska, is experiencing serious erosion that is threatening the school, fuel farm, water supply well, airport, homes and other critical infrastructure. Severe weather, storm surges and flooding are also major concerns. The ongoing erosion is estimated to be 25-50 feet per year. Most of the current critical infrastructure is expected to be destroyed by 2030. The village has comprehensive plans for managed retreat and relocation, but implementation has been delayed by lack of funding.
• The Quinault Indian Nation, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, seeks to relocate its Taholah Village. Taholah lies at the confluence of the Quinault River and Pacific Ocean, and is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges and river flooding. The village also faces tsunami hazards from the more frequent distant earthquakes on the Pacific rim and the more destructive local tsunamis caused by earthquakes near the western coast of the United States.  The Tribe identified an area at higher elevation for relocation. Efforts have been made to begin the relocation process, but the lack of funding has made relocation a piecemeal process.

In December, the federal government will begin a community-driven 120-day planning period that will include the Interior Department and partnering federal agencies traveling to the three communities to establish formal relationships and begin the planning process with discussions on:

• the communities’ goals and needs;
• the roles and responsibilities of the communities and Federal agencies;
• the project scope and components;
• timelines, funding, and budget; and 
• risk identification and management.

Three Tribal relocation coordinators funded by the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) annual grants will manage implementation at each community, oversee a local support team, and serve as the main points of contact. TCR will provide financial and technical assistance to support Tribal strategies and provide coordination to match the communities to federal financial and technical assistance.

Planning Grants

Eight additional communities that need further planning support to reach decisions and prepare for relocation or increased climate resilience measures will receive $5 million, for a total of $40 million. These communities face significant and widely varied climate risks, including coastal and riverine erosion, permafrost degradation, wildfire, flooding, food insecurity, sea level rise, hurricane impacts, potential levee failure and drought.

Planning grants of $5 million each are being awarded to:

• Native Village of Point Lay (Alaska).
• Huslia Village (Alaska).
• Native Village of Fort Yukon (Alaska).
• Native Village of Nelson Lagoon (Alaska).
• Havasupai Tribe (Arizona).
• Yurok Tribe (California).
• Chitimacha Tribe (Louisiana).
• Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe (Maine).

Communities were evaluated by TCR using a structured interagency evaluation that ensured a thorough review of community risk, preparedness, response plans, capacity, needs and intent.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a total of $466 million to the BIA over five years, including $216 million for climate resilience programs, provided as $43.2 million annually for five years. Of that funding, $130 million is provided for community relocation and $86 million is provided for Tribal climate resilience and adaptation projects. The Inflation Reduction Act provides BIA with an additional $220 million for climate adaptation and resilience, of which the Department anticipates spending $40 million to support Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation efforts, with the remainder supporting broader Tribal climate resilience activities.

Today’s announcement is in addition to $45 million in Tribal Climate Resilience awards made by BIA earlier this month. With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these awards will fund a variety of climate resilience efforts, including six grants for relocation.

For more information on projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Tribal communities through the BIA, visit the BIA’s interactive map.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 11/30/2022 - 18:06