FEMA And State Hold Briefing On Assistance For Government Agencies And Nonprofits
Release Date: September 13, 2004
Release Number: 1544-012
RICHMOND, Va. -- A briefing will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, for government agencies and nonprofit organizations to explain how they can apply for federal assistance to recover eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, restoration and replacement of public facilities damaged in the wake of Tropical Depression Gaston.
President Bush authorized federal assistance Sept. 3 under a major disaster declaration issued at the request of Gov. Mark Warner. Local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in the cities of Colonial Heights and Richmond, and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico are now eligible to apply to be reimbursed 75 percent of eligible costs incurred in the wake of Tropical Depression Gaston.
The briefing will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 16, at the offices of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, 10501 Trade Court, in Chesterfield County.
"This briefing is designed to help local officials understand eligibility requirements and the reimbursement process," said Virginia Department of Emergency Management Coordinator Michael M. Cline. "Certain nonprofits that provide essential government services may also be eligible for assistance," Cline added. To be eligible, a nonprofit must operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other essential governmental service facilities.
Examples of nonprofits that may be eligible include museums, zoos, community centers, libraries, homeless shelters, senior-citizen centers, sheltered workshops, and health and safety services of a governmental nature (e.g., alcohol and drug treatment centers, low-income housing).
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 14-Sep-2004 09:43:25