Recovery Milestone Reached as FEMA Concludes Public Assistance Introductory Meetings with Applicants 

Release Date: November 13, 2008
Release Number: 1763-215

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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency officials and the state of Iowa recently finished their initial meetings with public assistance applicants.

More than 1,100 kick-off meetings around Iowa provided applicants the first opportunity to sit down with both FEMA and the state to establish a partnership and determine eligible, disaster-related damages. Applicants, such as state and local government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations, were invited to discuss in detail their proposed projects, their needs, and the eligibility and documentation requirements that are most critical for them.

For FEMA and the state, the final kick-off meeting marks the beginning of the end in the Public Assistance process. This process for FEMA and state officials is intensive and complex.  Multiple meetings with thousands of applicants are needed to ensure that all eligible disaster-related expenses are accurately documented.  Such expenses may include costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair of public infrastructure.

Upon determination of eligibility and development of projects worksheets, FEMA and the state review the proposed projects to ensure that projects comply with all applicable laws and regulations.  Some projects also may need to be reviewed for special considerations such as environmental and historical impacts.  Discussion with applicants and thorough review may also generate solutions to provide protection from future damages through hazard mitigation measures and planning for disaster recovery.

Since the onset of this summer's tornadoes, severe storms and flooding, 1106 kick-off meetings have taken place in Iowa resulting in the proposal of nearly 5000 public assistance projects to date. 

Obligated dollars from FEMA for approved public assistance projects currently total more than $421 million.

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: Thursday, 13-Nov-2008 09:40:11