Consolidated Debris Removal Program Open to Property Owners

FEMA encourages all property owners affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires to request participation in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program by submitting a Right-of-Entry form to Maui County. This will help to ensure cultural and historic properties are protected during debris removal operations and eliminate potential runoff of toxic ash into Maui’s sensitive watersheds.

• Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, FEMA is required to review the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, also known as the Private Property Debris Removal program. In Hawaiʻi, the program invites participation from all affected property owners including privately owned commercial properties. 
• In coordination with the State Historic Preservation Division, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Native Hawaiian organizations, FEMA followed the expedited emergency notification process and developed an Archaeological Treatment Plan. It outlines how debris removal activities should be conducted on properties that are included in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program.
  • The Archaeological Treatment Plan also outlines a process to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential adverse effects to cultural and historic properties. Its goal is to limit operational delays and conduct debris removal activities in a way that aligns with and respects local culture. 
• Because of the scale and complexity of debris removal operations, previously documented and undocumented historic properties and cultural resources within the burn zone may be impacted by the operation.
• Currently, about 1,600 individual properties are eligible for the Consolidated Debris Removal Program. FEMA covers 100% of all eligible costs for debris removal, building stabilization and structural support. 
• For properties designated as National Historic Landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contributing to the National Historic Landmark District, owners must submit separate Right-of-Entry forms to Maui County: one for stabilization, another for debris removal operations. 
• It is important to note that there will be concurrent debris removal, construction activities and various recovery operations taking place within the burn zone alongside Consolidated Debris Removal Program operations. These other activities are not funded by FEMA and are not considered part of the federal program.
• Non-FEMA funded projects, activities and recovery operations are exempt from Archaeological Treatment Plan protocols. 
• Property owners who wish to participate in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program may submit a Right-of-Entry form to Maui County at Fire Debris Removal (mauirecovers.org).

zella.campbell Fri, 11/03/2023 - 03:12

Million-Dollar Allocation from FEMA to Rebuild Municipal Roads

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Residents of several communities in the towns of Yabucoa, Lares and Orocovis will benefit from repairs to more than ten municipal roads, following the allocation of over $12 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage after Hurricane María. 

These allocations are part of nearly $1.8 billion earmarked for bridges and roads projects in all of the municipalities in Puerto Rico.

“Roads provide access to various needs of the population, especially during times of emergency. These reconstructions will guarantee greater safety for the communities because, in addition to repairs, they will include measures to prevent future damage in the event of other natural events,” explained Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

The municipality of Yabucoa received an allocation of over $6 million to repair nine roads that provide access to state roads 918, 920 and 182. These repairs will provide safer traffic for around 300 families in the Calabazas neighborhood. Although the road is still in use, drivers must use caution to avoid landslides and in certain sites cars can only pass in one direction to avoid landslides.

In addition to asphalt and infrastructure repairs, over $2.1 million of this allocation will go to mitigation measures to prevent erosion, which include the installation of gabion walls with netting to support drainage; wider gutters to increase and redirect water collection; as well as wingwalls and a catch basin with grate.

Other roads within these allocations are the Cooperativismo and Regino roads in the municipality of Lares, which have over $4.1 million and will benefit nearly 50 families of the Castañer village, which is located at a considerable distance from downtown. Repairs to these roads include replacing asphalt and repairing the embankment with a gabion wall. Funds within the project include over $1 million for mitigation: roadside swales will be installed to help reduce rain runoff and the gabions will now be green to help protect the road from erosion.

Likewise, the municipality of Orocovis has over $1.8 million in agency funds for the restoration of one of its municipal roads off of PR-1155. The repair has over $215,400 for hazard mitigation measures that will reduce erosion, such as adding an infiltration trench along the roadway and planting live stakes and deep-rooted grass over embankments.

Six years after Hurricane María, Puerto Rico has over $31.3 billion in FEMA allocations for nearly 10,800 projects that will address its reconstruction. Of these, over 6,400 projects are aimed at the recovery of municipalities, for a total of over $4 billion.

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.

manuel.deleon Thu, 11/02/2023 - 18:00

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.6 Million to Anna Maria College for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.6 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Anna Maria College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,593,306 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic college in Paxton for the cost of setting up and operating a testing center on campus between January 2020 and May 2022.

Using both its own employees and contracted labor, Anna Maria College opened and operated an on-campus testing center that administered 62,987 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty, and staff.

The college also purchased and distributed 1,620 COVID-19 antigen rapid self-tests, and provided gloves, masks, gowns, thermometers, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer for its testing activities.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Anna Maria College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

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 $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:51

FEMA Awards Over $5.1 Million to Babson College for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Babson College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,120,936 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private business school in Wellesley for the cost of purchasing at-home test kits and providing on-campus testing between July 2020 and June 2022, as well as other associated costs.

Using both its own employees and contracted labor, Babson opened and operating an on-campus testing center that administered 193,195 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty, staff, visitors and vendors.

The college also purchased and distributed 5,776 COVID-19 antigen rapid self-tests, and provided provide gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, fit test kits, thermometers, test tube labels, plexiglass, stanchions, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer for its testing activities.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Babson College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

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 $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:50

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Tufts Medical Center for COVID Staffing

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Tufts Medical Center for the cost of providing temporary clinical staffing to care for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. 

The $4,006,882 grant will reimburse the teaching hospital in Boston affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine for the cost of hiring temporary staff to accommodate the surge of COVID-19 patients and to fulfill the need for additional healthcare providers. 

Between July and October 2022, 59 registered nurses worked 28,421 hours to provide care for COVID-19 patients, including testing, treatment, triage and daily temperature checks, increased monitoring visits, checking venting and feeding tubes, continued disinfection of patient rooms, and providing supportive care for COVID-19 complications. 

 “FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Tufts Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

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 $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:48

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $211 Million in FEMA Funding Opportunities for Two Dam Safety Grant Programs

Grants Made Possible by President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Provide Funding to Protect Dams and Protect Communities from Disasters

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell today announced the Biden-Harris Administration, through FEMA, will commit more than $211 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda -- a key component of Bidenomics -- to enhance dam safety efforts across the nation to ensure that communities have the critical infrastructure needed to protect against future disasters and prevent against future flooding. 

Dams are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure, yet many are aging and deteriorating, and dam failure may occur within hours of the first signs of breaching because of intense storms. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing nearly $6.8 billion toward communitywide resilience to reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs. This includes a total of $733 million for the two dam safety programs over five years to help state, territorial and local governments take action to address high-hazard potential dams that pose dangers to life and property if they fail.

“Dams are lifelines for many communities, but when they’re not properly secured and supported, they can also pose an extreme threat to surrounding areas. By investing in critical infrastructure and helping these lifelines sustain extreme weather, we will be able to avoid the risks a failed dam poses to lives and livelihoods,” said Administrator Criswell. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping us ensure that our nation is better equipped with vital infrastructure to keep communities safe and protect them against the impacts of climate change.”

The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program is making about $185 million available and another approximate $26 million available through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program. The investments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help protect communities from flooding, avoid disaster costs and strengthen resilience to climate change.

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

Eligible non-federal dams are:

• Located in a state or territory with a dam safety program.
• Classified as high-hazard potential by the dam safety agency in the state or territory where the dam is located.
• Current in their emergency action plan, which must be approved by the state or territorial dam safety agency.
• Failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state or territory and poses an unacceptable risk to the public.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect human life and property.  The state administrative agency, or an equivalent state agency, is eligible to apply. Each eligible state or territory may submit only one grant application. 

The funding opportunities open Nov. 6 and will be found on Grants.gov. The deadline to apply is Feb. 29, 2024.

FEMA will post informational webinars to provide an overview of this year’s two dam safety funding opportunities to help interested applicants. For more information about dam safety and the webinars, visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 11/02/2023 - 16:08

FEMA Awards Over $2.4 Million to Boston Children’s Hospital for COVID Protective Gear

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Boston Children’s Hospital for the cost of purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.

The $2,455,200 grant will reimburse the pediatric research hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School for the cost of purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect staff and patients and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Between March and May 2020, Boston Children’s purchased disposable masks, face shields, children’s masks, isolation gowns, and eye shields. 

 “FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Boston Children’s Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

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 $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 16:01

FEMA Awards Over $3.8 Million to Northeastern University for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Northeastern University for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,835,599 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private research university in Boston for the cost of services required to provide testing at its Boston and Burlington-based campuses between February 2020 and October 2021.

Northeastern contracted for administrative staff, medical professionals, specially trained scientists, and laboratory technicians; for technology services for secure scheduling, data transfer, data analysis, reporting, and testing results; for documentation management to ensure the privacy of medical records; for stand-by interpretation services for those with limited English proficiency; and for transportation services for viral samples.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Northeastern University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

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 $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 15:59

FEMA approves More Than $18.93 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky Division of Emergency Management

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved more than $18.93 million for the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) for debris removal operations undertaken to remove debris deposited throughout Kentucky by last summer’s severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.  Following the storms and flooding, debris removal, part of FEMA’s Public Assistance program, was essential in helping address the immediate threat to the general public’s health and safety as well as to property.

“Debris removal is a big hurdle to overcome in response to a disaster,” said KYEM Director Jeremy Slinker. “We confronted many challenges in this undertaking. I am grateful and pleased that many partners joined in helping Eastern Kentucky.”  Approximately 80, 872 tons of vegetative debris, 59,093 tons of construction and demolition debris, 1,439 of destroyed and/or damaged household appliance, 477 units of E-Waste (refrigerants from appliances. This is working fluid used in the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning systems and heat pumps which in most cases undergo a repeated phase of transition from a liquid to a gas and back again).
 

Debris was removed to 10 permitted temporary debris storage and reduction sites, and then hauled to a final disposal site. (The total amount of debris was approximately the size of a football field).

FEMA Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. The federal cost for this project is 75% and 25% for the Commonwealth. All work and costs were between Aug. 8, 2022 and Feb. 1, 2023. FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer John Brogan, said, “In keeping with our mission, FEMA responded to Kentuckians’ plight by reducing local communities’ hardship and helping to restore some normalcy in their lives.”  The project costs are for $23,972,236 for Debris Removal, $1,275,878 for Debris Monitoring, which totaled $25,248,115, funded at a 75% federal cost share of $18,936,086. 

For more information on eastern Kentucky’s recovery from last year’s historic flooding, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 11/01/2023 - 21:57

Chatham and Garfield Park Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Permanently

CHICAGO – The Disaster Recovery Centers in Chatham and in Garfield Park will close operations permanently Saturday, November 4 at 5 p.m.  Cook County residents who suffered losses during the June 29 – July 2 storms and flooding, and still need in-person assistance can find the remaining centers at FEMA Disaster Recovery Locator.

The Chatham (Pullman) Imani Village center, located at Avalon Park, 9501 S. Cottage Grove Ave Door B., Chicago, will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until it permanently closes Saturday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.

The Garfield Park center, located at the Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until it permanently closes Saturday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.

Recovery Centers are not the only way to get help from FEMA. While the application period is now closed, FEMA will continue to receive and process appeals and assist applicants with questions. The FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, is staffed by multilingual operators ready to assist survivors with registrations and any other questions they have. Survivors can also use Disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA App on their phones.

For additional information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).

alexander.alba Wed, 11/01/2023 - 21:42

All Cook County Disaster Recovery Centers Open Late Nov. 1

CHICAGO – The remaining four Disaster Recovery Centers still in operation will open at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 1 because of the snowfall. The centers will close at 5 p.m. The centers will resume their normal hours of operation, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 2, 2023.

The centers involved are Chatham Imani Village, 9501 Cottage Grove Ave., Door B; Garfield Park, Community Service Center,10 S. Kedzie Ave.; North Austin Washington Square Mall, 4851 W. North Ave.; and Cicero at Morgan College, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay.

alexander.alba Wed, 11/01/2023 - 16:16

Upcountry Maui Disaster Recovery Center to Close Oct. 31

HONOLULU – The Upcountry Maui Disaster Recovery Center will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, but FEMA specialists are still available to help with your applications and direct you to local, state and federal assistance programs.
 

The Upcountry center’s location:

Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center (Lower Multi-Purpose Room)
91 Pukalani Street
Makawao, HI 96768
Oct. 28: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Oct. 29
Oct. 30—31: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Two other Disaster Recovery Centers remain open in Kahului and Lāhainā. Find their address at
fema.gov/DRC.
 

At the Disaster Recovery Center, survivors of the Aug. 8 high winds and wildfires on Maui can get information or referrals to programs offered by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal, state and local agencies and organizations. You can also learn about the next steps in your recovery although you do not need to visit a recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance.

Even with the scheduled closing, help from FEMA is just a phone call away. Survivors can get answers from specialists at the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators speak many languages and lines are open from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your
language.

It is important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay your recovery.

 The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Thursday, Nov. 9. Here are the 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, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
▪ For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6F
C&index=6

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org and
fema.gov/disaster/4724. 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.

scott.reuter Wed, 11/01/2023 - 16:01

Barre Disaster Recovery Center to Close November 9

The Barre Disaster Recovery Center will close permanently at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 9.

The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed Saturday and Sunday) at:

Alumni Hall Building
Third Floor
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Vermonters can visit the center to get in-person help regarding disaster assistance. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to help upload documents, answer questions and guide you through the appeals process.

You can get help without visiting the center: go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. 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 call.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 11/01/2023 - 15:52

FEMA Helpline Changing Hours of Operation

In light of decreased demand from Typhoon Mawar survivors, the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 is now open 19 hours daily, with revised hours from 9 p.m. (ChST) to 4 p.m. (ChST) the following day, effective immediately.

Guam residents who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after Typhoon Mawar are encouraged to stay in contact with FEMA to resolve issues, provide updates on their applications or submit new information.

Applicants changing addresses, phone numbers or banking information should notify FEMA immediately. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

Callers to the FEMA Helpline should refer to the nine-digit number they were issued at registration. This number is on all correspondence applicants receive from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

Survivors can also call the helpline to:

• Update insurance information.
• Receive information on the home inspection process.
• Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak on your behalf.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information about your claim.
• Update FEMA on your housing situation.
• Learn how to appeal an eligibility determination.
• Get answers to other questions about your applications.

In addition to calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, applicants may also update their information the following ways:

• Online at disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA mobile app.

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.

Follow FEMA at X (previously known as Twitter) and Facebook.

 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). 

camille.schuetze Wed, 11/01/2023 - 04:10

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.6 Million to Connecticut for COVID Overtime Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.6 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for the cost of paying overtime to public safety staff during the pandemic.

A Public Assistance grant of $3,590,225 will go to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection (CTDESPP) for the cost of paying employees overtime to staff the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) between March 2020 and June 2022.

439 CTDESPP employees worked a total of 27,893 hours of overtime in the identification, coordination, scheduling and deployment of available resources across the state to implement mitigation, preparedness and response measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

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 over $906 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 10/31/2023 - 15:51

Keep In Touch With FEMA

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Floridians who applied for assistance from FEMA should stay in touch with the agency to update application details with any new information. Missing or outdated material could delay an application.

Information that may need to be updated could include:

• Your current housing situation, phone number or mailing address.
• Adding or removing the name of a person designated to speak for you.
• Adding or changing names of household members and number of people living in the home.
• Changes in your application for FEMA assistance.
• Correcting or verifying home and property damage.
• Updating your payment preference.

To update your information you can create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

When contacting FEMA be sure to refer to the nine-digit application number you were issued when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence you receive from FEMA.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

barbara.murien… Tue, 10/31/2023 - 14:57

Announcement of Federal Assistance for Calhoun and Logan Counties’ Infrastructure Repair

CHICAGO — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities available through the Public Assistance (PA) or Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) programs. Calhoun and Logan counties were recently deemed eligible for PA assistance. HMGP remains available statewide. 

A public notice for the current disaster recovery mission is attached and posted on the following website: Disaster Public Notice: FEMA-4728-DR-IL | FEMA.gov.

This public notice addresses the agency’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by the June 29 – July 2 severe storms and flooding in Illinois. This public notice concerns activities that may affect historic properties, activities that are located in or may affect wetland areas or the 100-year floodplain, and critical actions within the 500-year floodplain. The notice describes the agency’s legal requirement to include the public in its evaluation of proposed activities’ impact to or by floodplains and wetlands, and effects on historic resources. 

This may be the only public notice provided regarding these FEMA actions. Information about assistance projects may be obtained by submitting a written request to the Regional Administrator, DHS-FEMA Region V; 536 South Clark St., Chicago, IL 60605. The information may also be obtained by calling: (312) 408-5500, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Comments should be sent in writing to the Regional Administrator, at the above address, within 30 days from October 26, 2023.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).

darrell.habisch Tue, 10/31/2023 - 13:21

Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Today is the final day for Vermont residents affected by July’s severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides to apply for FEMA assistance.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. tonight, October 31.

If you had storm-related expenses and live or own a business in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor County, FEMA assistance can provide grants and U.S. Small Business Administration loans to help cover housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

To apply in person, visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Barre, where FEMA specialists can answer questions, help upload documents and refer you to resources. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. It is located at:

Alumni Hall Building, Third Floor
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

The center will close permanently at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 9.

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 10/31/2023 - 12:51

Mawar Debris from Residential Right of Way Cleaned Up in All 19 Villages

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers debris removal mission comes to a close as contractors completed cleanup of eligible Typhoon Mawar related debris from residential right of way in all 19 villages in Guam.

A coordinated effort among the Office of the Governor of Guam, Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense, the Mayors Council of Guam, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Guam Department of Public Works, Environmental Chemical Corp., Pacific Federal Management and FEMA made it possible to carry out the debris removal and to support Guam residents on their recovery journey.

The Governor’s Office has made the initial request to FEMA and its partner agencies to conduct the mission. The mayors of Guam have been an indispensable resource throughout the right of way mission. The mayors provided critical information to USACE on the locations of residential roads and acted as advocates for their community. The local mayors have signed the memorandum on debris removal in all 19 villages. USACE asks that any remaining debris including ineligible and hazardous waste be disposed of properly and not be left out. Any debris remaining will be the residents’ responsibility to dispose of.

Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday through Monday. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the cleanup cost associated with the violation.

To view the Debris Mission Dashboard detailing the completed debris mission operation, visit

Guam Debris Mission DR4715 - Dashboard (PUBLIC) (arcgis.com)

 

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission, visit

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

 

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, please visit our website. 

 

Follow FEMA at X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook.

 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

alyssa.sutherland Tue, 10/31/2023 - 06:05

Consult With FEMA Experts at Local Hardware Stores for Repair, Rebuilding Advice

ATLANTA – As Georgia residents repair and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, FEMA continues to team up with local hardware stores to provide free information and tips on how to make hurricane-damaged homes stronger and safer. 

FEMA specialists will be available in Quitman, Adel and Valdosta 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 on these dates and at these locations: 

Monday through Saturday, Oct. 30–Nov. 4 

Stone's Home Centers in Brooks County
1106 W. Screven St. 
Quitman, GA 31643 

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, Nov. 6–9 

Home Depot in Lowndes County
1825 Norman Dr. 
Valdosta, GA 31601 

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, Nov. 6–9 and Saturday Nov. 11
(not available Nov. 10 in observance of Veteran’s Day)

Adel Trading Co. Home Center in Cook County
313 West Fifth St. 
Adel, GA 31620

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Mon, 10/30/2023 - 21:29