Date Signed: December 28, 1999
RR Policy Number: 9523.1
Subject: Snow Assistance Policy
Purpose: This document describes the procedures for evaluating States' requests for emergency and major disaster declarations due to snowfall. This document also describes eligible work for snow or blizzard related emergencies and major disasters. It updates and replaces the 1998 document of the same name. This newer version of the policy clarifies certain aspects of snowstorm declaration criteria and provides additional guidance on eligible applicants and assistance.
Scope and Audience: This policy applies to all emergency or major disaster requests received after the date of this policy. It provides guidance to FEMA, State, and local personnel responsible for administering the snow assistance regulation published in Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 206.227.
Beginning in January 1977, and continuing through the winter of 1978/1979, the North Central and Northeast States experienced an extraordinary series of winter storms which resulted in below normal temperatures, heavy snowfall, and blizzards which threatened lives and public health and safety due to the disruption of emergency transportation facilities. During that period, 14 emergencies and one major disaster were declared. Although other types of emergency assistance were made available to save lives and protect public health and safety, snow removal assistance was provided from 1977 through 1979 in order to provide emergency access to essential facilities.
In 1993, 18 emergency declarations were authorized as a result of a severe winter storm, categorized by the National Weather Service (NWS) as a blizzard. The entire eastern seaboard experienced severe conditions caused by the storm system. The basis of these declarations was the actual and potential loss of life, the widespread nature of the event, and the need to supplement emergency assistance efforts. In 1994, 11 major disaster declarations were granted for winter storms that caused significant property damage. The conditions experienced during these events were freezing rain and icing that caused extensive power outages and health and safety hazards. In 1996, 12 major disaster declarations were granted for winter storms along the East Coast. Heavy snowfalls jeopardized access to emergency services and created health and safety hazards. Federal assistance consisted of reimbursement for costs incurred for snow removal from snow emergency routes. In 1997, 3 major disaster declarations were granted for States in the Upper Midwest. Federal assistance was provided for snow removal from snow emergency routes and other emergency actions.
During the winter of 1998, the President declared four snow emergencies in the Midwest and in New York state. Emergency protective measures, including snow removal operations, were provided to those counties which received record or near record snowfall as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Counties that were not eligible based on their own snowfall amount, but were contiguous to counties that received record or near record snowfall, were determined to be eligible for emergency protective measures. Snow assistance was provided for 48-hours to aid the affected local governments in providing emergency access to critical facilities and to address the most critical needs of the community. The intent of providing 48-hours of assistance was to allow the community flexibility in determining which roads and facilities were the most critical for the provision of emergency services. In addition, it was intended to reduce the administrative burden to the local, State, and Federal government in determining which roads served as snow emergency routes, and, in turn, determining eligible costs. Numerous counties requested time extensions to complete their snow removal operations. FEMA denied these requests and determined that additional time would only be provided in situations where the snowfall greatly exceeded the record amount. Following the emergency declarations, it was determined that additional guidance and revisions to the policy were required to further clarify FEMA's provision of snow assistance.
For example, county "A" is designated because it receives 1-day snowfall of 20 inches that exceeds its historical record snowfall. County "B" is contiguous to county "A" and also receives a 1-day snowfall of 20 inches. However, county "B's" 1-day record snowfall is 25 inches. Therefore county "B" is not eligible under the record or near-record snowfall criteria. However, because county "B" received snowfall equal to that of county "A" and is contiguous to county "A", county "B" is also eligible for snow assistance.
signed
Lacy E. Suiter
Executive Associate Director
Response and Recovery Directorate
Last Modified: Friday, 28-Apr-2006 10:50:16 EDT