How The Public Assistance Program Works
Release Date: January 20, 2003
Release Number: 1446-DemolitionHow
» More Information on Guam Super Typhoon Pongsona
When the President declares a disaster based on a request from the Governor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates the area eligible for assistance and the types of assistance available. The types of assistance may include such categories as individual assistance, disaster unemployment, hazard mitigation and public assistance. The Public Assistance Program is a government-to-government grant program.
Public Assistance (PA) is a grant program to assist state and local governments and certain private nonprofit (PNP) entities. There are three important things to remember when determining what might be eligible under the PA Program. The facility must have been damaged by Super Typhoon Pongsana. (pre-existing problems do not qualify), the facility must serve a public function, and federal assistance cannot pay for anything covered by insurance. The PA Program provides:
- Assistance for debris removal
- Implementation of emergency protective measures
- Permanent restoration of infrastructure
- Encourages protection from future damage by providing assistance for hazard measures during the recovery process
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The PA process is based on partnership between FEMA, GovGuam and local officials. Each entity has its own responsibilities.
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FEMA has divided work into seven categories under two major headings:
- Emergency work
- Permanent work
1. Debris removal
2. Emergency protective measures
3. Roads and bridges
4. Water control facilities
5. Buildings and equipment
6. Utilities
7. Parks, recreational facilities and other items
"Special Considerations" describes issues other than program eligibility that affect the scope of work and funding for a project. These include:
- Floodplain management
- Insurance
- Hazard mitigation
- Compliance with other Federal laws and regulations such as those relating to environmental protection and historic preservation
For applicants, the steps of implementation are:
- The Applicant's Briefing, which a representative from management, public works and the financial sections should attend
- Applicants submit the "Request for Public Assistance"
- A Public Assistance Coordinator (PAC) is assigned to each applicant
- The PAC holds a Kickoff Meeting with the applicant
- The applicant's specific needs are identified and cost estimates are developed through the project formulation process
- Cost estimates prepared by the applicant for small projects are checked through the validation process
- FEMA approves and processes grants for the applicant's projects
Good project management ensures successful recovery from the disaster, expedited payment of funds, and more efficient closeouts of PA program grants. In order for this to happen, there must be:
- Accurate record keeping of events and expenditures related to the work
- Time limits to the work (these are set by FEMA regulations)
- Advance notification and request for change in scope of work and costs
- Progress reports
- Audits
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 15:13:39