Public Assistance Briefings Scheduled In Navajo County And White River 

Release Date: July 6, 2002
Release Number: 1422-14

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Mesa, AZ -- Substantial federal financial assistance is available to help Arizona communities deal with the extraordinary costs associated with the Rodeo-Chediski fire. These funds are available as a result of President Bush's June 25, 2002, disaster declaration, which was requested by Governor Jane Dee Hull.

"This fire has devastated roads, bridges, buildings, equipment and utilities, and taxed municipal resources for debris removal, fire fighting and other protective measures in many communities," Director of Arizona's Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) Michael P. Austin said. "Most of these communities would be hard-pressed to cover these costs without the help of federal disaster assistance."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program reimburses 75 percent of eligible expenses in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Act. These include costs for the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities, as well as the costs of debris removal and overtime for emergency protective services. State and local governments share the remaining 25 percent of the costs.

Political subdivisions, government agencies and some private non-profit organizations seeking federal reimbursement for costs incurred because of the disaster are encouraged to file the necessary Request for Public Assistance form with ADEM. Forms must be filed by July 24, 2002. For further information, contact the ADEM/FEMA Disaster Field Office at 480-649-2100.

Two Arizona counties, Apache and Navajo, have been designated as eligible for public assistance. Applicant briefings will be held to explain to local city, county and Fort Apache Indian Reservation officials the Public Assistance process. The briefings will be held at the following locations:

The Apache County Public Assistance briefing will be announced as soon as details are available.

Last Modified: Thursday, 14-Aug-2003 11:57:58