Construction Debris Not A Reimburseable Disaster Cost 

Release Date: October 29, 2003
Release Number: 1491-104

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA - If you hire a firm for Isabel-related repair work, be sure the contract requires the contractor to remove all construction debris from your property and dispose of it properly in an approved landfill, disaster recovery officials said today.

DO NOT allow the contractor to deposit construction debris on the roadside because it may not be picked up by the local jurisdiction.

Construction debris is not an eligible cost under the federal/state reimbursement program for debris removal. Green leafy debris is eligible, but construction debris is not.

"Construction debris removal costs should be a part of every repair or reconstruction contract," said Michael Cline, Virginia Department of Emergency Management's state coordinating officer. "If debris removal costs are not in the contract, ask to have them included."

Under the Commonwealth of Virginia and Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, FEMA funds 75 percent of eligible debris removal costs. The 25 percent, non-federal share, is divided between the Commonwealth and each local jurisdiction.

The Public Assistance Program reimburses government agencies and certain non-profits that provide a government-like service, for eligible disaster related costs and losses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or restoration of damaged public facilities.

"We cannot reimburse local jurisdictions for removal of construction debris from public right of ways," said Louis Botta, federal coordinating officer. "The property owner must assure removal costs are in the contract or be aware they will have to pay extra to have construction debris removed."

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: Wednesday, 29-Oct-2003 08:23:40