Vermont’s Course to A Resilient Recovery

Montpelier, VT ­– For weeks, Vermont garnered attention, posting some of the lowest numbers for confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in the nation, according to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet, Gov. Phil Scott isn’t taking any chances. As the month of August began, Scott ushered in a mandatory mask requirement for the state of Vermont. Public schools will reopen September 8th to give faculty and staff more time to prepare for teaching in this unfamiliar pandemic environment. Life, as residents have known it, has changed; regardless of how few or how many, COVID-19 has left its mark. What lies ahead now is a road to recovery.

State, local, rural, non-profit agencies, federal partners and FEMA have been paving that road since the pandemic surfaced. “This is the most significant disaster in terms of size, scope, scarcity and also susceptibility that our agency has faced in its 41-year history,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Vermont. “I can’t think of a single FEMA member who hasn’t had a friend, or a family member affected by the COVID virus.”

In January, FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) joined forces to track, analyze and prepare for COVID, coordinating with numerous partners to support communities with resources needed to combat the virus. More than $11.6 million in federal Disaster Relief Funds have been granted to Vermont. As of August 3, the federal government provided a significant amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the state, including more than 783,000 gloves, 211,000 N95 respirator masks, 70,000 face shields and 100,000 non-surgical gowns.

Public Assistance

FEMA also approved $12,516,240 for the Vermont Agency of Human Services (VAHS) to help defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance program.

“We’re here for the long haul,” said Webster. “The projects that Public Assistance grants fund are necessary to support Vermont on its road to recovery. It’s critical to the mission.”

During the incident period, the COVID-19 pandemic created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public requiring emergency response and protective measures. In response to the pandemic, the state of Vermont utilized contracts for non-congregate sheltering for individuals that include high-risk populations, and those who had been exposed to COVID-19 who are considered high risk to COVID-19.

Crisis Counseling

Providing for the people of Vermont during these stressful times FEMA, in close coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), has provided $140,645 through the Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) Immediate Services Program (ISP) to help counsel those affected by all aspects of COVID-19. The ISP grant was awarded on May 26, originally funding the program for 60 days, however, the State of Vermont requested, and was granted, a 60-day extension, through September 27, 2020.

“FEMA’s mission has, and will always be, to support people before, during and after a disaster,” said Webster. “The crisis counseling program is imperative to doing just that.”

Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, Crisis Counseling services, which are free and anonymous, can be provided via telephone, internet, or social media. Vermont’s crisis counseling program, “COVIDSupportVT” offers resources for businesses, individuals and communities and can be accessed at: https://covidsupportvt.org/: https://www.facebook.com/covidsupportvt/ and https://www.instagram.com/covidsupportvt/.

Long-Term Recovery

In addition to resources and funding, FEMA’s role is to increase communication and collaboration among stakeholders, and support disaster recovery planning by leveraging opportunities to recover stronger, safer and smarter. A Long-Term Recovery Task Force was formed to chart the resurgence process in FEMA Region 1, which includes the states of Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. One of the group’s first steps was to do a Rapid Needs Assessment for each state. The Global Resilience Institute (GRI) recently completed its Rapid Needs Assessment for the State of Vermont and is being reviewed by the State. The “representative” communities selected by Vermont were Bennington, Middlebury and Newport, where the GRI conducted 89 interviews with public officials, private sector leaders, and community leaders in the nonprofit and social services sectors to form an understanding of the impacts COVID-19 had on the communities studied.

“With the state’s concurrence, what we will do with the information from the Rapid Needs Assessment is bring together the appropriate federal agencies, among the 108 federal agencies that are partnered to the CARES Act,” said Webster. “And then with a laser-focus, we will facilitate discussions with state officials on how they can quickly access CARES Act funding.”

The findings and recommendations for long-term recovery will consider the conditions experienced by towns and cities of different sizes and economic characteristics. The results will be made available as the review and analyses are completed.

Key issues identified are:

• Dairy, tourism and healthcare have been heavily impacted
• Food and housing insecurities are core challenges.
• Investments should be considered in workforce development and broadband infrastructure.

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

adrien.urbani Mon, 08/10/2020 - 12:17

COVID-19: Rhode Island Recovery Efforts Begin

REGION 1 – As residents throughout New England adjust to life with COVID-19, the state of Rhode Island and federal partners coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to work together to help communities recover from the burden of Coronavirus.

As of July 28, more than $30.2 million in federal funding has been granted to the state; the federal government has also provided crucial supplies including 507,426 gloves, 511,303 surgical masks and 470,320 N95 respirators. Federal partners like the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved over $442 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help businesses statewide, and the state received nearly $34.5 million from the US. Department of Housing and Urban development to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless due to hardships caused by COVID-19.

Today, FEMA continues to support their state partners as they progress down the road to recovery. FEMA’s Recovery grant programs will help the state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, defray the costs of responding to the pandemic. FEMA’s partnerships and expertise will help the Ocean State meet its long-term recovery goals and recover stronger, safer and smarter.

“FEMA’s role in Long-Term Recovery is to support disaster recovery planning by increasing or fostering communication and collaboration among stakeholders,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Rhode Island. “The process allows states to access technical assistance and funding from a variety of federal agencies, in addition to FEMA’s grant funding, to help fill gaps in recovery.”

Providing for the people of Rhode Island during these stressful times, FEMA, in close coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, has provided $209,979 through the Crisis Counseling Immediate Services Program (ISP) to help counsel victims of COVID-19. This program helps people recover and rebuild their lives after a disaster and provides survivors with the tools needed to understand their current situation and reactions. Counseling services can be provided via phone, internet, or social media and can help survivors reduce stress and find emotional support; develop coping strategies and connect with other people and agencies who can help them in their recovery process.

Rhode Island received an extension through Sept. 27, 2020 to its ISP grant to continue developing a crisis counseling program during the Regular Services Program (RSP) application review process.

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) grant program provides essential funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

To date, more than $216,931 in PA funding has been approved to reimburse local governments for costs associated with emergency protective measures enacted to quickly respond to COVID-19.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is no less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients like local and county governments.

The Long-Term Recovery process begins with a Rapid Needs Assessment. The state has chosen representative communities (Providence, Newport and North Kingstown) for in-depth interviews and identification of recovery needs. The sectors of interest are hospitality, tourism and fisheries.

While FEMA’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts continue, the Agency is preparing for hurricane season, building response capacity and leveraging technology where possible to reduce person to person contact. “These capabilities include damage inspections done virtually through facetime, hotels for sheltering and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) flyovers for property damage assessments. Such information can be critical to hurricane response, as well as COVID cases,” said Webster, who also noted FEMA Region 1 is training and cross-training staff members to build a more robust response and management to respond to multiple incidents.

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

adrien.urbani Mon, 08/10/2020 - 12:10

Utah Quake Survivors Should Also Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance

SALT LAKE CITY – President Trump’s federal disaster declaration has made help available to Utahns who suffered damage as a result of the Magna Quake and aftershocks. 

Residents and businesses in Davis and Salt Lake County are eligible.  Damage must have occurred between March 18 and April 17.

Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are an important form of this assistance. These loans are not just for businesses. Homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations can also apply.

The first step to getting help is registering with FEMA.  You can do so by phone at (800) 621-3362 or online at disasterassistance.gov. TTY users can call (800) 462-7585.  Help is available in most languages.

FEMA housing assistance helps ensure that people are in safe, secure and functional housing.  Funds can be provided for temporary rental of another home or basic repairs to allow people to return to their damaged home. 

For those without insurance, SBA low-interest loans are a primary means of recovery.  Most of those who register with FEMA will be referred to the SBA. If referred, you must complete and return the SBA application in order to maintain your eligibility for additional FEMA financial aid programs.

If SBA offers you a loan, you are not required to take any or all the money. However, if you are offered a loan and decline, that may limit your eligibility for other federal financial assistance.

Here are some facts to consider:

• Homeowners may qualify for low-interest disaster loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may apply for up to $40,000 for personal property losses (contents). Interest rates for homeowners and renters are as low as 1.563%. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial situation.
• Homeowners may be eligible for additional funds to pay for mitigation measures. Examples include reinforcing foundations and structures, building retaining walls, installing a sump pump and/or relocating utilities. After approval of your SBA disaster loan, you may apply for up to 20% of your disaster related physical loss for such projects.
• Homeowners may be eligible for a loan to assist with relocation.
• Businesses and nonprofits can apply for up to $2 million.  Funds can be used to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Business loan rates are as low as 3.75%. The rate for private nonprofits is 2.75%.
• You don’t have to wait for an insurance settlement before applying. However, SBA cannot duplicate benefits. Which means that funds you receive from insurance, grants and other programs are considered by SBA when determining your eligibility.  Loan applicants applying for other assistance should ask how approval of an SBA loan might affect their eligibility.
• For homes and businesses with substantial disaster damager, SBA may decide to refinance recorded liens on the real estate and/or machinery & equipment.

You can complete SBA loan forms online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For more information on SBA, visit www.SBA.gov/disaster.   If you have questions, call SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center at (916) 735-1500 or (TTY: 800-877-8339), or email FOCWassistance@sba.gov.

For more information on Utah’s recovery from the Magna Quake, visit, www.fema.gov/disaster/4548, or https://earthquakes.utah.gov/magna-quake/. 

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/07/2020 - 17:21

FEMA Suspends Some Flood Map Reviews in Southern California

OAKLAND, Calif. –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will suspend processing two types of flood map revision requests in six southern California counties starting August 14, 2020. This pause will affect only requests for Letters of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F) and Conditional Letters of Map Revision based on fill (CLOMR-F) in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

This suspension may last several years as FEMA assesses the potential effects of issuing LOMR-Fs and CLOMR-Fs on identified threatened and endangered species and their critical habitats. During this period, FEMA may also initiate a formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. LOMR-Fs and CLOMR-Fs are revisions to Flood Insurance Rate Maps that show changes to the high-risk flood zones due to the placement of compacted fill.

FEMA will process applications for new LOMR-Fs or CLOMR-Fs received before August 14, 2020. Requests to reopen CLOMR-F and LOMR-Fs closed due to inactivity must also be received before August 14, 2020. New requests received after August 13, 2020 will not be processed until further notice.

Additional information is available by contacting the FEMA Map Information Exchange at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627.)

Today’s announcement will not impact the sale of flood insurance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Fri, 08/07/2020 - 15:38

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Connecticut to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4, 2020.

Federal funding is available to the state, the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe, the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B) at 75 percent federal funding. This assistance is available for all eight counties of the state and the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut.

Robert “Bob” V. Fogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of the damage assessments.

 

zella.campbell Fri, 08/07/2020 - 10:13

FEMA Approves Funding for 1,624 Small Permanent Projects in Puerto Rico

These projects are part of an investment of $820 million in permanent work for the island

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Over the course of 2020, FEMA and Puerto Rico’s Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency, or COR3, approved funding for 1,624 small permanent work projects that will help rebuild communities affected by Hurricane María. The repairs represented under this particular group of projects total $65 million in grants, which will have a direct economic impact on the island. A record 2,374 permanent work projects have been approved in the first seven months of the year.

In an effort to expedite project awards and move recovery forward, FEMA and COR3 prioritized sites whose repair estimates were $123,100 or less. This initiative proved to be successful for municipalities across the island – 93 percent of the small permanent work projects obligated are to address damage to roads, community recreational areas, sports centers and other key municipal areas.  

“Small projects, along with large infrastructure sites, make up a central aspect of the island’s recovery. We are committed to supporting the Government of Puerto Rico and COR3 in helping repair smaller sites that are the essence of Puerto Rican communities,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo. 

For his part, the mayor of Quebradillas, Heriberto Vélez Vélez, mentioned the importance of a $75,000 grant to repave and reinforce the bridge and Street #18 of the San José neighborhood, which provides access to 10 families. “This project complements other projects such as the panoramic street and Puerto Hermina, so its impact amounts to approximately 5,000 families.  This bridge is also used for tourism purposes, so we have definitely begun to make the necessary repairs to certain areas that were severely affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said the mayor.

Similarly, the municipality of Cataño benefited from this strategic work plan with an award of over $44,000 to repair its town square. This space lends itself to a number of cultural activities, as well as a meeting place for residents who visit to play dominoes.

“We have a beautiful seafront and rebuilding the town square will have immense benefits as it adds to our tourist attractions — one of our municipality’s strengths. Therefore, it is very important to repair it and make it available to the public in the best possible conditions,” said the mayor of Cataño, Felix “El Cano” Delgado Montalvo.

In addition, some 380 residents of the Algarrobo neighborhood in Aibonito will benefit from improvements to their basketball court and baseball park with the help of over $93,000 in federal funds. The repairs include the replacement of fences and lighting in the area, which will provide more safety for the enjoyment of residents of all ages.

“Small reconstruction projects are what have a direct and more immediate impact on the communities in the municipalities. Due to the initiatives of COR3 and FEMA to advance these projects, the obligations of this group have increased in the past months and are equally important as the larger projects. We will continue working to maintain the steady pace of the recovery that Puerto Rico needs,” said COR3 Director, Ottmar Chávez. 

FEMA continues working alongside the Government of Puerto Rico and COR3 to strategize the island’s recovery projects. To date, nearly $7.2 billion has been approved for Puerto Rico under FEMA’s Public Assistance program.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane Maria, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and on Twitter @COR3pr.

Cataño, Puerto Rico (July 2, 2020) -- The municipality of Cataño benefited from the small permanent projects strategic work plan with an award of over $44,000 to repair its town square. This space lends itself to a number of cultural activities, as well as a meeting place for residents who visit to play dominoes.

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 08/06/2020 - 07:46

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Nicholas County, W.Va.

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Nicholas County and the City of Richwood, West Virginia. Community stakeholders are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials as a result of the June 2016 flooding disaster. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around Aug. 6, 2020. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/1yzGz4

For more information about the flood maps:

·       Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon)

·       Contact a FEMA Mapping and Insurance specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-336-2627 or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com. 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent, visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov

Follow Us

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.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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amanda.hancher Wed, 08/05/2020 - 13:03

Santa Cruz County Receives $3.6M Grant to Protect Rio Del Mar from Flooding

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted $3.6 million to Santa Cruz County, CA for stormwater improvements to reduce chronic flooding in Rio Del Mar, a low elevation residential and commercial neighborhood alongside Aptos Creek and the Pacific Ocean.

Urbanization, aging infrastructure, and sea level rise have contributed to the frequent flooding of 44 residential and commercial properties, even after moderate to severe rainstorms. Sometimes it is so severe that emergency access to the area is impossible due to complete road inundation along principal routes, preventing a safe evacuation for more than 400 homes along Beach Drive and the low-lying Rio Flats floodplain.

The new system will improve area flood protection five-fold by permitting the free flow of floodwater, eliminating backwater accumulation, and reducing the time contaminants remain in the sensitive habitat of Aptos Creek, where threatened and endangered fish species reside.

The $4.8 million project includes a $3.6 million grant from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), with the remaining $1.2 million from non-federal sources.

FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities, and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. In the past 31 years, FEMA has invested nearly $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Tue, 08/04/2020 - 17:35

FEMA Announces Funding Opportunities for $660 Million in Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants

WASHINGTON - FEMA posted funding notices today for two hazard mitigation grant programs for more than $660 million. 

The two grant programs, the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, will provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness. These programs allow for funding to be used on projects that will reduce future disaster losses.

The funding notices are available on Grants.gov, and the application period opens on Sept. 30.

Eligible applicants must apply for funding using the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO). Please submit applications at FEMA Go Portal no later than 3 p.m. EST on Jan. 29, 2021. Applications received by FEMA after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

FEMA Offering Webinars

FEMA is offering informational webinars for interested applicants to provide an overview of the grant programs and details about the agency’s funding priorities and review process. The presentation materials as well as the time and call-in information is the same for each session.

Any state, tribal or territory prospective applicant may attend. Each webinar will be at 2 p.m. EST on Aug. 18, 20 and 25. A webinar for tribal applicants will be held at 2 p.m. EST on Aug. 27.

Additional webinars are also scheduled about the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO), which is now the management system for these grant programs.  The development of FEMA GO is a multi-year effort to modernize and transform the way FEMA conducts grants management. FEMA GO will streamline the process to apply for, track and manage FEMA grants.

In September, FEMA will host two webinars on “Avoiding Application Pitfalls.”  Registration information for all upcoming webinars will be provided soon.

Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant

The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 establishes the goal of reducing or eliminating claims under the National Flood Insurance Program through long-term mitigation actions. For the program, the agency’s predetermined funding priorities include flood mitigation planning and efforts for repetitive as well as severe repetitive loss properties.

In this application cycle, $160 million is available in Flood Mitigation Assistance grant funds. There is a set-aside of $70 million for community advance assistance and flood mitigation projects. View the Notice of Funding Opportunity at: Grants.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-20-MT-029-000-99.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grants

The new BRIC grant program is for pre-disaster mitigation activities and replaces FEMA’s existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation program. 

The BRIC priorities are to:

• incentivize public infrastructure projects.
• incentivize projects that mitigate risk to one or more lifelines.
• incentivize projects that incorporate nature-based solutions.
• incentivize the adoptions and enforcement of modern building codes.

View the NOFO at: Grants.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-20-MT-047-00-99.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 08/04/2020 - 17:06

FEMA grant brings Bay County Schools Hurricane Michael reimbursement to $65.6 million

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved an additional $2,453,819 for the State of Florida to reimburse Bay County Schools for management costs following Hurricane Michael, bringing total reimbursement to date to $65.6 million.

The school district was reimbursed for costs of tracking, charging and accounting for emergency and permanent work after the storm, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, temporary facilities, vehicles, school building contents, supplies and equipment.

FEMA previously approved $63.2 million for the district’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses.

This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects after final approval.

Once a project is obligated by FEMA, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters. For a list of resources available to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Michael, visit www.floridadisaster.org/info. For more Hurricane Michael recovery information, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4399. Follow FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Twitter at @FEMARegion4 and @FLSERT. You may also visit FEMA and the Division’s Facebook pages at Facebook.com/FEMA and Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 08/04/2020 - 16:23

FEMA approves additional $18 million for Bay County Hurricane Michael debris removal

 PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved $18,011,929 for the State of Florida to reimburse Bay County for eligible costs of debris removal following Hurricane Michael.

Between Oct. 10, 2018 and Nov. 24, 2018 workers removed 2,349,740 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 109,437 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris.

FEMA previously approved $212.7 million for Bay County’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses, bringing the total to nearly $230.7 million.

 

This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects after final approval.

Once a project is obligated by FEMA, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters. For a list of resources available to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Michael, visit www.floridadisaster.org/info. For more Hurricane Michael recovery information, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4399. Follow FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Twitter at @FEMARegion4 and @FLSERT. You may also visit FEMA and the Division’s Facebook pages at Facebook.com/FEMA and Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 08/04/2020 - 16:19

FEMA Awards More than $12.5 Million to Vermont Agency of Human Services for COVID-19 Expenses

REGION 1 – FEMA approved $12,516,240 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services (VAHS) defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

FEMA funds will reimburse VAHS for emergency measures taken to protect life and property throughout the state. VAHS contracted with hotels/motels to provide non-congregate housing and sheltering for high risk populations by providing a safe place to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet.” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Vermont. Vermont Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Vermont through Vermont Emergency Management,” concluded Webster.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to the State of Vermont and it is the state’s responsibility to work with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met and disburse funding.

The State of Vermont received this funding due to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act declared on April 8, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

adrien.urbani Tue, 08/04/2020 - 15:13

FEMA Approves Over $16 Million in Additional Funds for 88 Recovery Projects

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – In the face of recent weather disturbances, FEMA along with Puerto Rico's Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, approved over $16 million in additional grants for repairs after Hurricane María. The allocated funds are for the week of July 24 to 30 and represent 88 projects related to the recovery and reconstruction of Puerto Rico.

Among the weekly obligations is about $115,000 to the municipality of Fajardo for asphalting and the replacement of the concrete ditch in multiple roads that give access to about 450 residents. Some of these repairs will be carried out on C Street in the Vista Hermosa sector, the Reyito Rivera roadway in the Paraíso neighborhood and on Igualdad Street in Barrio Quebrada, among other roads.

Also noteworthy is the allocation of over $90,000 to the municipality of Yabucoa for its Women’s Affairs Office. This entity ensures the development and implementation of legal, social and economic equality for women and the strengthening of the family as a core institution on the Island.

Projects across other parts of the island are also being considered. These include an obligation of about $14,000 for the municipality of Jayuya. The funds are intended to repair the Municipal Emergency Management office building, which represents about 16,000 residents that belong to zone 7 of said agency.

A portion of the obligated funds will be used to prevent future damage by implementing mitigation measures. In Fajardo, about $40,000 will be used to install a concrete curb and gutter, as well as and geotextile soil stabilization, among other actions to strengthen the different roads. On the other hand, about $14,000 will be used in Yabucoa for the installation of an anchorage system for air conditioning units and waterproofing treatment for the roof. Meanwhile, in Jayuya, about $5,000 of the project is earmarked to add a second waterproof membrane to the edges of the roof and additional anchors for the air conditioners.

The most recent approved grants are broken down as follows:

• Over $7.5 million for repairs to parks and recreational facilities.
• Over $2.9 million for repairs to public buildings and equipment.
• Over $2.7 million for road and bridge repairs.
• Over $1 million for emergency protection measures.
• Over $843,000 for administrative expenses of municipalities and government agencies.
• Over $809,000 for debris removal.
• Over $142,000 for utility repairs.

FEMA works with COR3 through the federal agency's Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico for expenses related to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. To date, over $7 billion has been awarded to Puerto Rico as part of FEMA's Public Assistance program.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane Maria, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and on Twitter @COR3pr.

For more details on these 88 obligations, view the following link:  https://www.fema.gov/media-collection/puerto-rico-dr-4339-weekly-obligations

                                                                                                         

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 08/04/2020 - 08:20

FEMA Authorizes Fund to Fight Montana's Falling Star Fire

DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Falling Star Fire burning in Stillwater and Yellowstone Counties, Montana.

FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request this evening and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the Falling Star County Fire was threatening more than 300 homes, which were under a voluntary evacuation. The fire was also threatening main residential power distribution lines, wooden bridges on Valley Creek Road which is a major agricultural transportation route, as well as private agricultural water systems and cellular phone towers in the area.  The fire started today and has burned in excess of 1,000 acres of state and private land.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

minh.phan Mon, 08/03/2020 - 18:26

Blount County Now Eligible for Public Assistance Funding in Alabama

ATLANTA – Blount County is now eligible to apply for funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas that sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred Feb. 5 - March 6, 2020.

In addition to the 18 counties announced on May 21, Blount County may now request funding under the Public Assistance grant program. Assistance may cover eligible debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of public facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks, and recreational facilities.

The president’s May 21 major disaster declaration for Alabama made Public Assistance funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis.

Public Assistance funding for the state and designated counties may include payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health as a result of the storm.

All areas in the State of Alabama are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

For more information on the Alabama recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4546.

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FEMA’s Mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

 

 

neily.chapman Mon, 08/03/2020 - 16:18

FEMA Awards Miami $10.2 Million for Dinner Key Marina Repairs After Hurricane Irma

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $10,221,118 for the State of Florida to help the City of Miami defray the costs of repairing Dinner Key Marina after Hurricane Irma.

The September 2017 storm caused extensive damage to the marina, which has nine piers with 582 slips and moorings for 225 vessels. FEMA Public Assistance funds will reimburse the city for rebuilding the marina, including replacing piers, decks, mooring facilities, sea walls, electrical system, fire protection system and other components. The project includes strengthening and hardening structures and comprehensive shoreline protection measures to mitigate damage from future storms.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

 

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/03/2020 - 15:45

Massachusetts Looks Ahead, With an Eye on Recovery

BOSTON, MA. – While COVID-19 continues to stir across the nation, Massachusetts and other New England states—along with numerous federal partners coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency—are working to help communities recover from a health crisis not seen in over 100 years.

For months, The Bay State and FEMA have led a joint effort to support the Commonwealth and two Tribal Nations through the coordination of eighteen additional federal agencies, the private sector, voluntary organizations, and U.S. military medical personnel.

To date more than $78 million in federal funding has been granted to the commonwealth; the federal government has also provided significant amounts of PPE including: 770,800 gloves, 737,300 surgical masks and 1.6 million N95 respirators; and federal partners like the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved over $2.8 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loans to keep businesses across the commonwealth afloat.

Today, FEMA continues to support Massachusetts with an eye toward recovery. Public Assistance grants will help communities meet the costs of responding to the pandemic, and FEMA’s partnerships and expertise will be brought to bear to help the commonwealth meet its long-term recovery goals and recover stronger, safer and smarter.

Crisis Counseling

In close coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, FEMA Region 1 has also provided $707,506 through the Crisis Counselling Immediate Services Program to provide counseling to victims of COVID-19. These funds were used to create a new statewide crisis counselling program, Mass Support, managed by Riverside Trauma Center and the MA Department of Mental Health.

Massachusetts has also received an ISP program extension through August 24, 2020 until a determination is made concerning Massachusetts’ Regular Services Program (RSP) grant application.

Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program provides essential funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

To date, more than $7 million in PA funding has been approved to reimburse the commonwealth, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, for costs associated with emergency protective measures enacted to quickly respond to COVID-19.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients like local and county governments.

Long-term Recovery

FEMA’s role in Long-Term Recovery is to ease communication and collaboration among stakeholders and support disaster recovery planning. This process opens access to funding from federal agencies other than FEMA.

The first step of the LTR process is to conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment. In Massachusetts the assessment is underway, with representative communities (Barnstable, Chelsea and Pittsfield) chosen and stakeholders identified to provide insights and locate gaps in the commonwealth’s recovery needs.

The completed assessment is expected soon and the findings will ultimately allow Massachusetts to make informed decisions about which economic solutions to pursue.

While COVID-19 recovery efforts are ongoing, FEMA continues to prepare for the pending hurricane season.  “FEMA is building redundancy in our response capabilities and leveraging technology where possible to reduce person to person contact. Examples include damage inspections done virtually through facetime, hotels for sheltering and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) flyovers for property damage assessments. Such information can be critical to hurricane response, as well as COVID cases.” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Massachusetts.

Given the current situation with Hurricane Isaias, Webster emphasized the importance of FEMA’s preparedness, “We are fully staffed to assist as needed.” Webster asked that the public pay attention to weather alerts and directions from local officials because flooding and storm surge from storms like Isaias can happen quickly.

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

adrien.urbani Mon, 08/03/2020 - 15:16

Connecticut Moves from Response to Long Term Recovery

Hartford, CT - Months after COVID-19 tightened its grip on Connecticut’s economy and hospitals, as well as way of life for its people, the state is emerging from an unprecedented public health crisis.

Since March, FEMA has coordinated with numerous federal, state and local agencies to support communities with access to scarce resources to combat this pandemic. More than $33.4 million in federal funding has been granted to Connecticut; as of July 20, the federal government has provided Connecticut with a significant amount of PPE, including 1 million gloves, 188,400 face shields, 523,200 surgical masks, and 2.5 million N95 respirators.

Due to this unprecedented government mobilization, as well as the health precautions implemented by its own residents, Connecticut has seen stability in new cases and stability in testing positivity since July 24. “The strong and essential assistance of our many partners, including non-profits, first responders, national guard and medical personnel have played a critical role in getting us to this point,” said Captain Russ Webster, FEMA’s Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer.

Specific programs made possible through FEMA and the state enables those in need to benefit as the recovery continues.

Crisis Counseling

Connecticut has received an extension to the Crisis Counseling grant of $676,338 to fund the Crisis Counseling/Immediate Services Program (ISP); the state was awarded the grant on June 2. It will now continue through Aug. 28, 2020 to allow enough time for a determination to be made on Connecticut’s Regular Services Program (RSP) application.

Through short-term interventions that provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and connection to familial and community support systems, FEMA’s Crisis Counseling program helps individuals and communities in their recovery from the effects of natural or man-made disasters. Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, crisis counseling services will be delivered by phone, internet and social media.

Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) grant program provides essential funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Connecticut Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

To date, more than $431,000 in PA funding has been approved to reimburse the state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, for costs associated with emergency protective measures including non-congregate sheltering enacted to quickly respond to COVID-19.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is no less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients like local and county governments.

Long-term Recovery

FEMA’s role in Long Term Recovery is to increase communication and collaboration among stakeholders, support disaster recovery planning, and levering opportunities to recover stronger, safer and smarter.

 “As we move into the Recovery phase of this pandemic, we remain committed to Connecticut should cases surge again. Our current focus, based on findings of the Long-Term Recovery Task Force, is to assist the economy by addressing the critical issues of childcare, housing, fisheries,” said Webster. 

The mission of the Task Force is to effectively coordinate the identification and prioritization of long-term needs of the state, and to recommend actions.

The Task Force has completed their Rapid Needs Assessment, based on the representative communities of Hamden, Hartford and Norwalk, to provide insights on the state’s challenges.

Their findings will ultimately inform the state to choose which economic solutions to pursue and opens access to funding from agencies other than FEMA. Additionally, as part of Long-Term Recovery, FEMA coordinates with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment (DEEP) and the Bureau of Marine Fisheries to identity follow-up actions to support the fisheries/aquaculture industry. There also has been significant collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Education and with colleagues at the Small Business Administration.

While being critically attuned to the ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts, FEMA continues to prepare for the pending hurricane season.  Webster notes Region 1 is training and cross-training staff members to build bench strength for a more robust response and management of multiple incidents. “FEMA is building in safeguards to our response capabilities and leveraging technology where possible to reduce person to person contact. Examples include damage inspections done virtually through facetime, hotels for sheltering and CAP flyovers for property damage assessments. Such information can be critical to hurricane response, as well as COVID cases.”

Given the current situation with Hurricane Isaias, Webster emphasized the importance of FEMA’s preparedness, “We are fully staffed to assist as needed.” Webster asked that the public pay attention to weather alerts and directions from local officials because flooding and storm surge from storms like Isaias can happen quickly.

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

adrien.urbani Mon, 08/03/2020 - 14:20

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the North Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada in combating the North Fire burning in Washoe County.

On Aug. 2, 2020, the State of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the North Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 150 homes in and around Red Rock and Rancho Haven, NV, with populations of 5,000 and 1,000 respectively. The fire also threatened residential power and telephone lines, a volunteer fire station, and wildlife sanctuary in the area.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 2, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Mon, 08/03/2020 - 12:17

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Apple Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of California in combating the Apple Fire burning in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the lands of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

On Aug. 2, 2020, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Apple Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 3,500 homes in Banning, Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Pioneer Town, and Morongo. The fire also threatened high voltage power lines, fiber optics, and the Banning Heights Watershed area.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 2, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Mon, 08/03/2020 - 12:15