FEMA’S Public Assistance Program – Building The Road To Recovery 

Release Date: June 6, 2007
Release Number: 1694-043

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PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- After a federally declared disaster like the April nor’easter, getting funds to repair or rebuild public infrastructure is a critical part of the response and recovery process.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimburses state and local governments and certain eligible private nonprofit organizations for the actual costs for work required because of the disaster. The reimbursement is done through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, which also provides funds for 406 hazard mitigation projects.

Eligible work is documented on a project worksheet. The project is used to record a detailed description, the scope of eligible work, estimated or actual cost and special considerations associated with the project. FEMA then reviews, approves and obligates 75 per cent of the federal share and the state reimburses 25 per cent of that project. Once FEMA obligates a project worksheet, the funds are immediately available to the state for disbursement to applicants.

To facilitate the processing of the public assistance grants, FEMA distinguishes between emergency work and permanent work that requires repairs or replaces such things as roads, buildings and schools. FEMA further divides disaster-related work into seven categories.

Emergency Work

Category A: Debris Removal – Clearance of trees and woody debris, building wreckage, sand, mud, silt and gravel, vehicles; and other material deposited on public and in very limited cases, private property.

Examples of eligible debris removal activities are:

Debris removal from a street or highway to allow the safe passage of emergency vehicles;
and
Debris removal from public property to eliminate health and safety hazards.

Examples of ineligible debris removal activities include:

Removal of debris, such as tree limbs and trunks from natural (unimproved) wilderness areas: and Removal of debris from a natural channel, unless the debris poses an immediate threat of flooding to improved property.

Other examples of eligible emergency protective measures are:

Search and rescue;
Security forces (police and guards);
Construction of temporary levees;
Provision of shelters or emergency care;
Sandbagging;
Bracing/shoring up of damaged structures;
Provision of food, water, ice and other essential needs;
Emergency repairs;
Emergency demolition; and
Removal of health and safety hazards.

Permanent Work

Category C: Roads and Bridges – Repair of roads, bridges, shoulders, ditches, lighting and signs;
Category D: Water Control Facilities – repair of irrigation systems, drainage channels and pumping facilities; repair of levees, dams and flood control channels is eligible but limited;
Category E: Buildings and Equipment – Repair or replacement of public buildings, including contents and systems; heavy equipment; and vehicles;
Category F: Utilities – Repair of water treatment and delivery systems; power generation facilities and distribution lines; and sewage collection and treatment facilities; and
Category G: Parks, Recreational Facilities, Other – Repair and restoration of parks, playgrounds, pools, cemeteries and beaches; work otherwise not covered in categories A-F.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) receives funding and makes payments to public assistance applicants. The public assistance forms can be downloaded from the state Web site at www.state.nj.us/njoem/public-assist.html, or on the FEMA website (www.fema.gov/rrr/pa/padocs.shtm) in pdf format. For more information, contact the NJOEM Public Assistance staff at 609-882-2000 ext. 2500.

FEMA and NJOEM work together to coordinate the federal and state governments’ roles 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: Wednesday, 06-Jun-2007 10:57:47