Deadline To File Request For Public Assistance Closing In 

Release Date: March 3, 2005
Release Number: 1577-022

» More Information on California Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and Mudslides

PASADENA, Calif. -- Local public agencies and certain non-profits that need Public Assistance grants to rebuild infrastructure and property damaged or destroyed by the severe storms of December 27 through January 11 must submit their Request for Public Assistance (RPA) forms to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) no later than Monday, March 7 at 5 p.m. to qualify.

Under the Presidential declaration of February 4, the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura are eligible for Public Assistance.

The forms can be completed and submitted via the OES Web site (www.oes.ca.gov); they also can be e-mailed to barbara.noble@oes.ca.gov or david.bailey@oes.ca.gov.

Public assistance grants are available to public agencies and private non-profit organizations (PNPs) that provide essential governmental-type services to the general public. Eligible PNP facilities include:

For additional information related to Public Assistance regarding PNPs, contact Barbara Noble at 916-845-8243 or at her e-mail address: barbara.noble@oes.ca.gov

All private non-profit organizations (PNPs) that provide critical and non-critical services and incurred damages due to the disaster should first contact FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 to apply as a PNP and determine whether they provide critical or non-critical services. If the PNP receives a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), they must complete it and return it by the filing deadline of April 5, 2005. If SBA cannot approve a loan to meet all of the PNP's needs, SBA will refer the PNP back to FEMA. If PNPs have specific questions or need more information they may contact SBA at 1-800-488-5323 or OES at 916-845-8245.

OES coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 03-Mar-2005 12:52:03