More Than $1.3 Million In Public Assistance Approved For New York Disaster
Release Date: December 3, 2004
Release Number: 1564-037
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that more than $1.3 million has been obligated for Public Assistance projects. FEMA approved these funds for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities and infrastructure damaged as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred Aug.13 through Sept.16.
To date, FEMA and the State have identified nearly $15 million of eligible Public Assistance projects for the state of New York. Under the disaster declaration, 15 New York counties are eligible for Public Assistance: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Columbia, Delaware, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orange, Orleans, Steuben, Sullivan, Ulster, and Warren. FEMA pays 75 percent of the approved project cost and will continue to approve funding until all remaining projects are approved.
The money is awarded to state and local governments in disaster-affected areas, to help defray the following costs:
- Debris removal;
- Emergency protective measures taken before, during, and after a disaster to save lives, and to protect public health and safety. Expenses for personnel overtime and compensatory time for those involved directly in the disaster may also be recovered;
- Repair of roads and bridges;
- Repair of water control facilities, including irrigation systems, drainage channels, and pumping stations;
- Repair or replacement of buildings, including their contents and also the repair or replacement of heavy equipment and vehicles;
- Repair of utilities, including water treatment and delivery systems, power generation facilities, and sewage collection and treatment facilities;
- Repair and restoration of parks, playgrounds, pools and cemeteries; and
- Certain administration fees.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 03-Dec-2004 13:44:51