Seven More Indiana Counties Designated For Public Assistance
Other Counties Get Expanded Categories
Release Date: July 11, 2008
Release Number: 1766-040
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- According to officials from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), all categories of Public Assistance (PA) are now available to seven more Indiana counties to help pay for emergency services and to repair or replace public facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 30 June 27.
Benton, Fountain, Jay, Jefferson, Montgomery, Ripley and Marion counties (some of which were already eligible for Individual Assistance and direct federal assistance only) are now eligible for Categories A-G of FEMAs PA program.
PA differs from some other forms of federal disaster assistance in that its made available to help state and local governments recover from a disaster.
Governmental entities, municipal authorities, and certain private-nonprofit organizations in these counties may now apply for reimbursement for eligible disaster related costs such as debris removal, emergency protective measures and damage to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, utilities and recreation areas.
Under the cost-share program, FEMA Public Assistance funds 75 percent of the cost for eligible work by state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations that provide public services. The state manages the grants for all projects.
Government agencies and private not-for-profits providing essential governmental services in these new counties have 30 days from the date of designation (July 10) to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with state officials. Anyone wanting to submit an RPA should contact their local emergency manager for more information. Briefings will also be scheduled in the near future to explain the process to prospective applicants.
The main goal of the PA program is to restore facilities to pre-disaster levels. However, in some cases there may be Mitigation funds available to allow projects to be rebuilt to a higher standard if it can be demonstrated the increased costs will save taxpayers money in the future.
There are now a total of 41 counties eligible for PA. The 34 Counties that were previously designated eligible are Adams, Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Decatur, Franklin, Gibson, Greene, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Switzerland, Union Vermillion, Vigo and Washington counties.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Jul-2008 16:39:13