FEMA Public Assistance Can Help Storm-Damaged West Virginia Communities
Release Date: July 8, 2003
Release Number: 1474-28
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- West Virginia communities with severe storm and flood damage may be eligible for Public Assistance (PA) grants. The West Virginia Office of Emergency Services administers the PA program, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will cover 75 percent of the costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair, restoration, or replacement of public facilities damaged by a federally declared disaster. The State of West Virginia will pick up the remaining 25 percent.
Under the June 21 federal disaster declaration, 13 counties were identified as eligible for assistance. Inspections conducted throughout the state resulted in 10 communities designated eligible for PA. They are Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Nicholas, Wayne, and Wyoming.
PA grants are available to applicants who are legally responsible for work if they are a state or state agency, a city, county, or town government, or other state political subdivision, such as a special district. State and local government agencies, and Indian Tribes are eligible. Public entities and rural unincorporated communities may also be considered eligible for PA grants if an application is submitted on their behalf by a political subdivision of the state.
Certain private non-profit organizations may also receive assistance. These include educational, utility, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities-for example, those who serve the aged or disabled. Libraries museums, and other agencies that provide services of a governmental nature to the general public may also be eligible. However, applicants must not be eligible to receive assistance under another federal program.
Work approved for assistance is classified as either emergency or permanent. Emergency work includes debris removal and other emergency protective measures. To be approved work must:
- Eliminate immediate threats to lives, public health and safety;
- Eliminate immediate or significant damage to improved property;
- Ensure economic recovery of the affected community for the benefit of the community at large.
Permanent work includes the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities including:
- Public roads and streets not on the Federal Aid System. This includes drainage structures and safety features.
- Water control facilities including dams, levees and drainage channels;
- Buildings such as police and fire stations, libraries and public office buildings, including their vehicles and contents;
- Public parks and recreation facilities including playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, ball fields and boat ramps.
If eligible properties are insured, the insurance proceeds and salvage are deducted from the grant when applicable.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 08-Jul-2003 15:55:46