Joint State/FEMA Disaster Assessments Underway For Mat-Su/Cordova
Release Date: September 8, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-034
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- At the request of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Dave Liebersbach, federal and state officials are conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the City of Cordova, to assess damage to private homes and property as well as public facilities and infrastructure, caused by heavy flooding last month. According to Liebersbach, four PDA teams consisting of representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and ADHS&EM are scheduled to begin assessments in Matsu Borough and Cordova on Monday, 11 September 2006.
"Joint PDA teams visit and inspect damaged areas, document damages and talk with local officials," said Liebersbach. "It's a partnership effort designed to provide a clear picture of the extent and locations of damage."
"The PDA doesn't try to determine the total cost of the recovery," said FEMA Acting Regional Director Dennis Hunsinger. "We look at the overall scope of damages to establish if recovery is beyond the capabilities and resources of state and local governments."
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following national incidents. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 08-Sep-2006 11:57:49