Beaches Prepare with FEMA Funds for this Summer’s Wave of Visitors

Over $9 million from federal agency support the reconstruction of these recreational areas

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The seaside towns of Aguadilla, Carolina and Manatí recently received nearly $1.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to restore its beaches. This obligation is part of over $9 million that the agency has earmarked for recreative areas in these and other beaches of the island.

Alanys Liranza González is one of the 8,000 people who frequently visits the Carolina Public Beach and she is glad to be back. “The atmosphere is always pleasant and practical, and the restoration of the area motivates one to return. The facilities have been great to bring friends and celebrate activities here.”

Due to its proximity to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the Carolina Public Beach — which will receive nearly $591,000 from the agency — is one of the beaches on the northeast coast with the largest number of visitors.

“With repairs completed and others in progress, the projects are already underway so that all Puerto Ricans can enjoy the variety of beaches on the island. Furthermore, the works are part of the 87 percent of Public Assistance projects that include mitigation measures to protect these spaces from future disasters,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Miguel Hernández is a beach tennis instructor who will soon celebrate his tenth year of operations at this public beach, serving students from age five and over 60. “The sport brings the family together, [and] helps people of different ages to come and participate. The beach has always been very active and the fact that FEMA granted these funds to recover the facilities has kept people from all over the island visiting,” said the businessman.

Moreover, the recreational area of Los Tubos Beach in the Municipality of Manatí is already in its reconstruction phase, according to Mayor José Sánchez González. Known for its surfing competitions, Los Tubos will benefit from over $623,000 to repair gazebos, lighting and retaining walls, among others. The mayor emphasized that this is a tourism project that will take place without disturbing the Tortuguero Lake Natural Reserve, an ecological phenomenon in which the region’s salty marine waters and the fresh subterranean waters combine.

Ernesto Vélez Gandía, reef restorer and frequent visitor to the beach, mentioned that communication and community participation was key in the final design of the project, in which all sectors participated. “The community will have lots of benefits, firstly because there will never be a charge for anything, nor will spaces be restricted to individuals: it is a space for everyone and belongs to everyone, and that is invaluable. It is a precedent that will last for all generations, that my grandchildren will enjoy the beach as I did, that they will enjoy something as beautiful as this and make it last.”

National events such as bicycle rides and festivals have been held in Los Tubos. The area is also used for family activities, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. For Caritino Rivera, professional diver and owner of a scuba diving store in Manatí, his specialty is service to the tourists and the reconstruction of these facilities is important because Los Tubos beach “is one of the faces of the town of Manatí.” He explained that he also gets locals for diving lessons, as well as surfers from other towns and countries who come for surfing competitions.

Likewise, for the benefit of the more than 1,000 weekly visitors that enjoy the Crash Boat Beach, its recreational area will feature new lighting elements, gazebos, picnic tables and even sand.

Aguadilla Mayor Julio Roldán Concepción said that once the repairs are completed, for which nearly $340,000 has been earmarked, his goal is to resume weddings, birthdays, school events and summer festivals, among others. “We currently have several mobile businesses dedicated to gastronomy and cocktails. There're also short-term apartments and a beach restaurant,” he said.

One of those merchants is Alberto Cordero who explained that his guesthouse and beach business are focused on providing his clients with a “healthy, calm and beautiful” environment. His business has been operating since 2017 and as of that same year, he said, “Crash Boat suffered major damage. Since then, we’ve been working to improve the beach infrastructure.”

To date, FEMA has awarded over $30,400 million in Public Assistance funds for about 10,700 projects that will contribute to the reconstruction of a more resilient Puerto Rico.

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

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 05/24/2023 - 14:50

Disaster Recovery Center Revisits Clinton County

INDIANAPOLIS – A Disaster Recovery Center will revisit Clinton County from May 22 – 24 to help survivors of the March 31 – April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to local resources.

The center will be located at:

Clinton Emergency Management Building

1859 S Jackson St.

Frankfort, IN 46041

Center hours on May 22 -- 23 will be 8 a.m. -- 6 p.m. and hours for May 24 will be 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m.

Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White counties can visit any open recovery center for help. Additional centers are open in Johnson, Morgan and Sullivan counties – to find one near you, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023.

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

nicole.wilson Tue, 05/23/2023 - 20:26

FEMA Supporting Typhoon Mawar Response

WASHINGTON -- President Biden granted emergency declarations today to both the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Guam ahead of Typhoon Mawar. The declarations authorize FEMA to supplement territorial and local response efforts to help save lives, protect property, public health and safety. 

Typhoon Mawar is predicted to impact Guam as a potentially catastrophic Category 4 or 5 storm, with intense, damaging winds up to 160 mph and life-threatening storm surge across the island.

FEMA has more than 50 staff in Guam, with dozens more federal partners on the ground to support incident management, communications, debris removal, engineering, infrastructure, health and medical, environmental response, military support and more, if needed.

Residents should heed the warnings of local and territorial officials. Have a plan for safely sheltering during the storm, check your disaster supplies and ensure you have adequate food, water, medication and other items. When the storm hits, residents should take shelter in an interior room away from windows, putting as many walls as possible between yourself and the destructive winds.

Federal Actions and Safety Tips Ahead of Typhoon Mawar

• Typhoons bring high winds, flooding and storm surge. Residents should quickly heed safety warnings from local and territorial officials. Tune into local information sources and media for updates.
• Territorial and local authorities are leading whole community efforts, with FEMA coordinating federal support to help the people, government and communities on Guam in case resources, personnel and teams can assist with lifesaving and life-sustaining activities.
• If the immediate needs of survivors impacted by the storm supersede local and territorial resources, FEMA can also provide commodities like meals, water, blankets, cots, tents, tarps, baby supplies and more. 

FEMA's distribution center in Guam is also connected to a network of warehouses and logistics capabilities, with another large warehouse in Hawaii. Additional commodities and supplies stand ready, if needed and requested.

Additional preparedness information is available in Ready.gov or download the FEMA App where you can receive weather warnings for up to five different locations nationwide.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/23/2023 - 20:17

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for the Northern Mariana Islands

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to supplement commonwealth and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Typhoon Mawar beginning May 22, 2023 and continuing. 

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe for the islands of Agrihan, Alamagan, Pagan, Rota, Saipan and Tinian.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

Benigno B. Ruiz has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/23/2023 - 15:09

Two Weeks Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Homeowners and renters in Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne counties who had damage or losses in the March 31 to April 1 storms and tornadoes have just two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Tuesday, June 6 is the last day to apply for a grant from FEMA and a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Residents are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA assistance is not taxed and will not affect Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. If there’s a delay in your insurance settlement, any FEMA funding would be considered an advance that must be repaid when you receive your settlement.

If approved for funding under FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, you may receive a limited amount of disaster assistance to make repairs to your primary home and/or repair and replace essential personal property when the damage is not covered by insurance. FEMA grants may also cover childcare, medical or dental care, and other serious disaster-related needs such as transportation and moving-and-storage expenses.

FEMA may refer individuals to the U.S. Small Business Administration even if they do not own a business or home. SBA loans are the largest source of federal disaster funding for people impacted by disasters. The deadline to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA is also June 6. If you decide you do not want to submit a loan application, you will not be eligible for additional assistance from FEMA.

To apply to SBA online or to download applications, go to https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. You may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.

Completed paper loan applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. You may also apply with the help of an SBA representative or submit your loan application at a Business Recovery Center. To find one, click https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230421/its-important-return-your-sba-loan-application.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

sandra.habib Tue, 05/23/2023 - 15:04

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Guam

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the territory of Guam to supplement territorial and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Typhoon Mawar beginning May 22, 2023 and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe territory wide.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

Benigno B. Ruiz has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/23/2023 - 13:40

Claims Office Partners with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to Provide Conservation Restoration Planning to Claimants at No Charge

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to offer landowners the opportunity to request a NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan for their property, tailored to recovering from the Hermit’s Peak Calf/Canyon Fire and subsequent floods. NRCS plans will be provided to claimants at no charge and will be utilized by the Claims Office to streamline the claims review process. Payments based on NRCS plans will be made directly to the claimant.

How This Partnership Can Benefit You 

The Claims Office has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to offer claimants the opportunity to request a comprehensive NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan, tailored to recovering from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent floods, at no cost. Under this partnership, NRCS plans will include cost estimates for recovery actions eligible for compensation under the Claims Office. Plans will be developed by experienced certified planners here in New Mexico and will be developed faster and in more detail than what may be available in the private market.

The Claims Office and NRCS have coordinated to ensure that NRCS plans under this partnership will streamline the claims review process, ensuring claimants receive final compensation that is comprehensive, fair, and transparent. NRCS can provide plans to landowners and properties of all sizes, but plans are specific to natural resource restoration. Payments based on NRCS plans under this partnership will be made directly to the claimant.

Any landowner with impacts to their property as a result of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire or subsequent flooding is eligible to receive a NRCS plan under this partnership.

What is Included in a NRCS Restoration Plan

NRCS Conservation Restoration Plans are comprehensive natural resource plans that provide a holistic approach to recovery. Under this partnership, NRCS plans will give claimants a pathway to restore, rather than enhance, their property in line with best practices specific to northern New Mexico. Conservation plans will address a variety of categories of NRCS-approved common practices, which include but are not limited to:

• Woody residue treatment (removing or laying down dead trees)
• Tree and shrub establishment
• Debris removal
• Access roads
• Fencing
• Soil erosion
• Pipelines
• Livestock wells
• Riparian (riverbank) damage

NRCS plans will include cost estimates to repair or replace resources impacted by the Fire and flooding. Landowners are not required to take action on their NRCS plan. Once complete, landowners can submit their NRCS plan to the Claims Office to support their claim for compensation.  

How to Request a NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan

Landowners have two options for requesting a NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan under this partnership.

The recommended first step is to submit a Notice of Loss to the Claims Office. Once you submit a Notice of Loss, your dedicated Claims Navigator will contact you to discuss your claim and the full scope of your loss. Your Claims Navigator will help you determine if you would benefit from a NRCS plan. If you have already submitted a Notice of Loss and are interested in a NRCS plan, we encourage you to mention this to your Claims Navigator. If you determine that you would benefit from a NRCS plan, the Claims Office will share your contact information with the NRCS, and a staff member will contact you directly to schedule a visit to your property.

Landowners may also choose to contact the NRCS directly to request a Conservation Restoration Plan. If you contact the NRCS directly, NRCS staff will notify the Claims Office to ensure a Claims Navigator contacts you to discuss the process. To request a plan from NRCS directly, you can email ConservationRestorationPlan@usda.gov, or visit one of the two local service centers.

NRCS Las Vegas Field Office 1927 A 7Th St Las Vegas, NM 87701 (505) 425-3594 Ext.3

NRCS Mora Field Office 523 State Highway 518 Mora, NM 87732 (575) 387-2424 Ext. 3

We encourage all landowners whose natural resources were impacted the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire to take advantage of this partnership. The focus of the Claims Office is to ensure all claimants receive full compensation under the law.

When Will This Partnership Be Available?

Claimants may make the request for an NRCS plan under this partnership beginning May 22, 2023. NRCS will meet with claimants to produce Conservation Restoration Plans on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Claims Office and NRCS have a three-year Memorandum of Understanding in place. NRCS plans to offer this service to claimants as long as the partnership is in place.

How to Submit a Notice of Loss to the Claims Office

Notice of Loss forms can be found at fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_notice-loss-hermits-peak-fire-form.pdf. You can submit your Notice of Loss via email at fema-hermits-peak@fema.dhs.gov, or by mail to FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office, or by visiting one of our three Claims Offices. Claims Offices are open Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mora Claims Office Mora County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Drive Mora, NM 87732

Las Vegas Claims Office (Temporary Location) 366 Luna Drive, Las Vegas Las Vegas, NM 87701

General Studies Building, Room 109

(Located on the campus of Luna Community College)

Santa Fe Claims Office 1711 Llano Street, Suite E

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Next to Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe)

 

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/22/2023 - 18:41

FEMA Administrator Delivers Commencement Address, Receives Honorary Degree from Dickinson College

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell delivered the 2023 commencement address at Dickinson College on Sunday, after receiving an honorary degree from Dickinson College President John E. Jones III.

During her speech, Criswell praised the college and its nearly 400 graduates from 26 different countries on the work they’ve done toward climate change.

“We are in a race to save our homes and our neighborhoods. A race to find cures to climate-driven disease,” she said. “Considering Dickinson College was one of the first 10 schools in the nation to achieve carbon neutrality…and that your graduating class alone has collectively taken over 1,500 sustainability courses, perhaps the solutions to our problems are right here in front of me.”

Criswell also discussed the college’s founder and the spirit he instilled for today’s graduates.

“Benjamin Rush was a man who pushed boundaries to propel his beloved nation toward a path of prosperity and innovation,” she said. “And if he were to stand here today and look across this group of graduates, I believe he would say, ‘well done.’ I believe he would also say that no matter how big the challenge, how heavy the burden, it is the Dickinsonian spirit that will help carry you through.”

You can read the Administrator’s full remarks here and watch her speech here.

 

CARLILSE, Penn. -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell delivers the commencement address at Dickinson College on Sunday. (Dickinson College photo)

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/22/2023 - 18:31

FEMA, VDEM Approve Plan to Make Virginia Stronger Against Disasters with a Goal of Expanding Equity

The Commonwealth of Virginia adopts its updated Hazard Mitigation Plan with new goals and actions for the next five years.

PHILADELPHIA- FEMA Region 3 and The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) announce the approval of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The updated plan addresses how communities intend to build resilience and mitigate against hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, hurricanes, and winter weather. The approved plan sets priorities for mitigation activities that protect people, their property, and the environment from the impacts of those hazards. This update allows for state, local, and tribal governments to receive various types of disaster-related funds from FEMA, including Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants, Public Assistance funds, High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) funding and other disaster assistance.

What’s New?

One of the goals in this new, updated Hazard Mitigation Plan is to evaluate the potential impacts of all hazards to vulnerable populations. VDEM used FEMA’s National Risk Index (NRI) tool to identify communities at risk. Incorporating equity assessment tools in the hazard mitigation planning process can expand whole community awareness of potential hazards, their risk, and access to mitigation funding.  

The updated plan develops long-term strategies for protecting the residents of Virginia and properties against future disasters, such as flooding, erosion, wildfires, extreme heat, and pandemics, among others.

Some of the long-term actions outlined in the plan include:

• Implementing home elevation projects in flood-prone areas through use of federal funding.
• Acquiring and demolishing flood-prone structures identified as National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Repetitive Loss and Severe Repetitive Loss properties.
• Reaching out to socially vulnerable populations who repeatedly flood to inform and encourage participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Working with tribal communities to address their specific risks and helping tribes develop their own Hazard Mitigation Plans.
• Updating HVAC systems at colleges and universities to improve air quality and lower the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.
• Protecting critical infrastructure like the Virginia Department of Corrections facilities and making more flood resilient buildings.

“I commend the Commonwealth of Virginia and the many partners who came together to update this Hazard Mitigation Plan that meets FEMA standards,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The actions and projects outlined in this plan put the Commonwealth on a path to a more resilient future and put them in a position to receive future funding from FEMA.”

"We are excited about this update of the commonwealth's Hazard Mitigation Plan," said VDEM’s State Coordinator Shawn Talmadge. "We were able to use historical data working with several partners to put together a plan that will mitigate hazards and protect people, their property, and the environment from the impacts of those hazards."

The plan was updated with data and technology provided by Old Dominion University’s Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC), the ODU Institute of Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR) and University of Virginia's Center for Risk Management of Engineering System. The plan meets High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant and Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Program eligibility requirements.

Over 70 representatives from federally recognized tribes, Planning District Commissions, non-profits, and state agencies served on the State Hazard Mitigation Planning committee, representing all regions of Virginia.  

State Hazard Mitigation Plans are updated every five years. This current plan will be due for an update in March 2028.  

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

erika.osullivan Mon, 05/22/2023 - 14:13

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance is May 25

MADISON, Miss. –This Thursday, May 25, is the last day to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. If you are a survivor of the March tornados and severe storms and interested in help with your recovery, submit your application by 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to midnight. If you use a Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Homeowners and renters in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola or Sharkey counties, who sustained damage to their primary property in the March 24-25 storms, may be eligible. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits. People with homeowner's or renter’s insurance must file an insurance claim first. But if your policy does not cover all damage expenses, you may be able to get federal assistance.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4).

sandra.habib Mon, 05/22/2023 - 13:23

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Broward County.

Location:

Beginning Monday, May 22

Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill, FL 33313

This is in addition to the center currently operating at:

Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Hours for both centers are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.

There are also temporary centers operating:

Today through Friday, May 26 – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Sunday, May 21.

• Dania Beach Library/City Hall, 100 W Dania Beach Blvd. in Dania Beach
• Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

johanna.strickland Mon, 05/22/2023 - 12:16

Nearly $80 Million from FEMA To Address Mental Health in Puerto Rico

The allocations will support the services offered by ASSMCA in various facilities on the island.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The stressful situations experienced by Puerto Rico's residents have disrupted their emotional health, regardless of their age or social status, according to the Administrator of the Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA), Carlos Rodríguez Mateo, when describing the recent disasters that have affected the island.

Rodríguez Mateo also recognizes that strengthened mental health is important for the country's recovery from Hurricane Maria, the earthquakes and other collective crises, as it will enable Puerto Ricans to function effectively in all aspects of their lives.

In keeping with a vision that encompasses all aspects of a robust and resilient recovery, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated nearly $76 million to ASSMCA for several of its facilities around the island for damage from Hurricane Maria; and nearly $4 million to address its recovery from the earthquakes that affected the southern part of the island in 2020.

For his part, the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero, said, “this is one of the agencies whose demand for services increased considerably after Hurricane María, and it has been proven that they require optimal facilities to be able to serve with attention and care. The agency's funds will repair facilities in various regions; the goal is for ASSMCA's staff to continue to be an instrument of support for all citizens.”.

Part of the funding under Hurricane María encompasses nearly $31 million for about 20 facilities, with which lead and asbestos problems have already been resolved. The structures include several recovery centers in Moca and Ponce; the Drug Courts in Arecibo, Ponce and San Juan; the Mental Health Center in Mayagüez; and prevention centers in Bayamón and Ponce.

Among the work pending, there will be replacement of roofs, an elevator and cameras, as well as fire and security alarm systems. About $15 million in mitigation funds under this allocation are earmarked for voltage surge protectors, commercial steel exterior doors, sealing and roof drains, among other measures to mitigate damage from heavy rains and winds.

One of the facilities that received the most funding is ASSMCA's Bayamon location. Here, from children to adults receive treatment through a range of services such as residential treatment clinics for minors and youth. Services include specialized care for children to develop nurturing bonds with their primary caregivers and families during their early years. Community outreach services are also provided through which psychological first aid is offered to the community in response to emergencies and crises. In addition, support is provided to the homeless population, among other services.

Meanwhile, another $7.7 million will go to the toxicology laboratory and two ASSMCA residential facilities at the Río Piedras Medical Center, where care and clinical treatment is provided to adults with addiction problems or mental health issues.

In the south and to address damage from the 2020 earthquakes, ASSMCA has nearly $2.6 million for repairs to the dormitories, cafeteria, recreation area and medical treatment area at the Men's Rehabilitation Center in Ponce. Moreover, another $944,000 will cover ASSMCA's amphitheater at the municipality.

Regarding ASSMCA's projects under development, the Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, noted that “according to the Quarterly Progress Report from January to March 2023, this government agency has 91 permanent works with obligations nearing $75.7 million, in the process of design acquisition and another eight projects with designs in progress to repair the damage caused by Hurricane María and the earthquakes. Meanwhile, reconstruction work valued at $1.4 million is underway at the ASSMCA center in Fajardo. At COR3, we will continue to provide the technical assistance and the necessary resources for ASSMCA to complete this reconstruction work.”

FEMA has already allocated over $30.4 billion for nearly 10,700 projects under Hurricane María; and over $895 million for about 800 projects that will address damage from the 2020 earthquakes. These funds under the agency's Public Assistance will contribute to rebuilding a more resilient Puerto Rico.

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

frances.acevedo-pico Sun, 05/21/2023 - 18:01

Biden-Harris Administration Announces an Additional $160 Million to Build Climate and Disaster Resilience Nationwide, Including Over $50 Million for Tribal Nations

Over 45 Disadvantaged and Underserved Communities Selected for Direct Technical Assistance

WASHINGTON -- As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, FEMA is announcing $160 million in additional funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, local communities, tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to build climate and disaster resiliency, including the selection of more than 400 resilience projects and activities.

Today’s announcement includes $136 million for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and $24 million for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. Both programs are part of the Justice40 Initiative, advancing President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice. In addition, $54 million of this funding is set-aside for Tribal Nations that applied.

The announcement comes as the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates Infrastructure Week and the 18-month anniversary of President Biden signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides nearly $7 billion in funding to support FEMA’s resilience and mitigation programs. To date, over $370 million in awards have been announced from these two programs from the infrastructure law.

“From hurricanes in the east, to wildfires in the west, to tornadoes tearing through America’s heartland, every community faces some level of disaster risk. These frequent and intense events fueled by climate change demonstrate that mitigation funding continues to serve as one of our most powerful tools in reducing the impacts we’re seeing. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law further advances FEMA’s mission to build nationwide resilience through a nearly $7 billion investment across FEMA’s mitigation programs,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We know these mitigation dollars will have the biggest impact at the local level, and that is why we are committed to delivering these funds to communities equitably and in a way that meets their unique needs.” 

During this grant cycle, each state and territory that applied for the set-aside funding were eligible for up to $2 million to support mitigation projects and planning, project scoping, and the adoption and enforcement of hazard resistant building codes. 

Historic Levels of Resilience Funding

The Biden-Harris Administration has approved historic funding levels for FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs. Combined funding for the BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs increased from $660 million to $1.16 billion during President Biden’s first year in office. In 2022, combined funding for these programs nearly tripled to more than $3 billion, including $900 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $6.8 billion to support the agency’s resilience and mitigation programs overall.

Today’s announcement includes just a fraction of the projects that these funds will ultimately enable. FEMA plans to make final project selections using Fiscal Year 2022 funding at a later date, which will include larger and more complex projects for both programs. For BRIC, this will include selections made through a national funding competition. Flood Mitigation Assistance selections will include acquisitions, elevations and local flood risk reduction projects. 

BRIC Non-Financial Direct Technical Assistance Selections

For communities and Tribal Nations with limited resources, FEMA is also announcing 46 selections for BRIC non-financial Direct Technical Assistance. This assistance, for up to 36 months, helps local and tribal jurisdictions reduce disaster damage, build community resilience and sustain successful mitigation programs. FEMA reviews each submitted request and selects communities based on the compelling need, the specific request, and the extent to which the request demonstrates that the assistance will further BRIC’s goals to build community capability and resilience.

As the Direct Technical Assistance program enters its third year, this announcement brings the total number of entities benefiting from this hands-on support to 74 communities, territories, and tribes nationwide. This wide-ranging assistance includes support for climate risk assessments, community engagement, partnership building, hazard mitigation and climate adaptation planning.  

Summary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for FEMA Programs

In addition to the BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided funding for a number of FEMA programs that are taking decisive action to tackle the climate crisis and strengthen resilience nationwide, including in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

• $185 million in State and Local Cybersecurity Grants to address threats to information systems. In total, the agency will make available $1 billion over four years to support strong cyber security practices for states, local communities, tribes and territories. To date, $176 million has been allocated through this program.
• $733 million over five years is available for states and territories to enhance dam safety programs. In Fiscal Year 2022, FEMA awarded $15 million for the National Dam Safety Program to provide technical assistance, planning, design and construction grants for rehabilitating eligible high-hazard potential dams.
• $60 million for the Swift Current Initiative, which provides funding to four states impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021. These states – Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Pennsylvania – were selected because they have the highest number of repetitively flood damaged, NFIP-insured unmitigated buildings and total claims (by count) within their respective regions. To date, more than $30 million has been allocated. 
• $500 million for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund program over five years. This program provides capitalization grants to states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to establish revolving loan funds. These low-interest loans allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and foster greater community resilience. To date, $50 million has been announced.

For more information about FEMA programs funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit here.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/19/2023 - 17:42

FEMA Region 2 Launches “Make a Difference” Recruitment Initiative with Local Colleges and Universities

NEW YORK– FEMA Region 2 is proud to announce the launch of the “Make a Difference” recruitment initiative –  a partnership with colleges and universities in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. 

This collaboration shows FEMA’s commitment to reducing barriers to access by investing in the next generation of emergency managers. By establishing long-term partnerships with higher educational institutions, the “Make A Difference” program will fast-track more than 300 students and alumni toward their first steps of a career at FEMA.

The agency is seeking applicants from a broad range of disciplines who are passionate about public service and making an impact their communities to fill FEMA Region 2 vacancies; this region serves New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Fast-Track Application Process:

Students and alumni can fast-track their application by sending an email to FEMA-makeadifference@fema.dhs.gov, Please include the following three items:

• Resume
• Transcript
• Reference letter from college or university personnel (e.g., career center, professor, program dean)

FEMA encourages all majors to apply. Full-time, part-time and internship opportunities are available across a wide range of functional areas.  

“We are pleased to announce this initiative and remain committed to streamlining the hiring process making it easier for students to apply,” said Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “Partnering with the Higher Ed community is critical to the future of emergency management and we encourage all interested students, regardless of major, to join our diverse team and help us make a difference in the communities we serve.” 

The following local colleges and universities are participating in this initiative: Cornell University; Princeton University; New York University; Yale University; City University of New York (CUNY); State University of New York (SUNY); Rutgers University; Stony Brook University; Baruch College and Hunter College.

"Today, we are proud to announce a partnership with FEMA that will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to engage in public service and make a meaningful impact in their communities," said Macaulay Honors College Dean Dara Byrne, PhD. "Our students, who come from communities affected by climate change, are passionate about making a difference, and this partnership will enable them to do so while gaining valuable professional experience. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration presents and the positive impact it will have on our students and their communities."

“Baruch College is excited to partner with FEMA on this important initiative that will directly bring the talents of our students to help mitigate the impact of the crises of tomorrow,” said Baruch College President S. David Wu, PhD. “Our students are creative problem-solvers who are deeply committed to and passionate about serving their communities and their nation.”

FEMA’s employee benefits include eligibility for public service loan forgiveness, hybrid in-person and telework schedule, commute to work transit allowance, paid annual leave, health, dental and vision insurance and more. 

For more information on the "Make a Difference" initiative, including the application process and available opportunities, please visit Fema.gov/region-2 or contact the recruitment team at Fema-makeadifference@fema.dhs.gov. 

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

Follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion2 or on Facebook at Facebook.com/fema. 

delia.husband Fri, 05/19/2023 - 15:02

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm and flooding Feb. 23-26, 2023.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to tribal governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and flooding on tribal lands.

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

Benigno Bern Ruiz has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/19/2023 - 14:02

FEMA Awards Over $2 Million to Wesleyan University for COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Wesleyan University for the cost of testing students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,015,467 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private liberal arts university in Middletown for the cost of contracting for testing services and purchasing 100,605 COVID-19 antigen tests.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Wesleyan University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $666 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:21

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Mass Department of Transportation for COVID-19 Precautions

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the cost of disinfecting its facilities to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,057,253 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the department for the cost of providing electrostatic sprayers to perform facility disinfection at 25 locations between March 2020 and December 2021.

MassDOT also contracted for facility disinfection at all 25 locations, as well as the installation of plexiglass shields to prevent the spread of the virus.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:18

FEMA Awards Over $5.2 Million to Mass Department of Education for COVID-19 Test Kits

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the state education department for the cost of providing test kits to students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic to help keeps schools open.

The $5,239,327 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the cost of purchasing and distributing 154,532 at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests to education facilities across the commonwealth between December 2021 and July 2022.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:17

FEMA Awards Over $20 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID-19 Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $20 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of steps taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $20,378,541in 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 various costs incurred dealing with the pandemic between March 2020 and January 2022 including:

• $1,075,700 to hire temporary staff to provide medical treatment patients, professional food services to provided meals; professional plumbing and HVAC services services to provide heat and air filtration the new COVID 19 units; translation services; cleaning services; and security services at system hospital locations and COVID 19 testing tents.

• $2,994,020 to pay 731 existing staff for 92,360 hours of additional work time providing medical treatment and patient care for COVID 19 patients at the Health Alliance (HA), Marlborough Hospital (MH), Medical Group (MG), Parent (UMMHC) and UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC) locations.

• $1,716,779 for the purchase and distribution of supplies and commodities including 5 CC sterile and disposable syringes, heavy duty breathing tubes, HEPA filters used in ventilation machines, respirator oxygen tubes, and personal protective equipment such as nitrile gloves, surgical masks, and gowns.

• $6,513,473 to pay 2,394 staff members for 119,043 overtime hours worked.

• $8,078,569 to contract for medical staff to treat COVID-19 patients, as well as for expanding or repurposing existing facilities, providing testing tents, personal protective equipment storage, technical assistance, security services and facility disinfection.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist UMass Memorial Health Care, 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 $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:16

FEMA Public Assistance Funding Authorized for Communities to Restore Permanent Infrastructure

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee’s major disaster declaration for the March 31 to April 1 storms and tornadoes now authorizes additional funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program to pay for eligible permanent work to restore community infrastructure.

Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, McNairy, Tipton and Wayne counties are now approved for reimbursement costs for eligible permanent work under Public Assistance categories C through G. Under the April 7 major disaster declaration, those eight counties along with Macon and Rutherford counties were initially authorized for debris removal (Category A) and emergency protective work (Category B).  

Three counties – Giles, Johnson and Morgan – were added to the disaster declaration and are authorized to seek Public Assistance funding for eligible emergency work as well as five categories of eligible permanent work.

The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program. It provides funding to assist states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain types of private nonprofits as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies.  

Because it is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75% of the eligible costs. The remaining 25% represents nonfederal funds. In Tennessee, the federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and private nonprofit organizations that incurred the costs.

FEMA processes Public Assistance grant funding according to the type of work the applicant undertakes. Eligible work must be a result of the declared incident, be located in the designated area, be the legal responsibility of the applicant, and be undertaken at a reasonable cost.

For the 11 counties designated under the disaster declaration, Cannon, Giles, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Johnson, Lewis, McNairy, Morgan, Tipton and Wayne, the deadline to submit a Request for Public Assistance is Friday, June 16.

Eligible work is classified into the following categories:

Emergency Work

• Category A: Debris removal
• Category B: Emergency protective measures

Permanent Work

• Category C: Roads and bridges
• Category D: Water control facilities
• Category E: Public buildings and contents
• Category F: Public utilities
• Category G: Parks, recreational and other facilities

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

sandra.habib Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:12