Southwest Missouri Disaster Funding Exceeds $1.28 Million
Release Date: October 24, 2007
Release Number: 1728-003
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KANSAS CITY, MO. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to date has paid out more than $1.28 million in Public Assistance (PA) funds to the State of Missouri for damage incurred by local governments as a result of the severe summer storms Aug. 19-21.
"FEMA's Public Assistance Program is one way federal assistance flows to the State and local governments after a disaster," said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Parker, in charge of the federal response in seven southwest Missouri counties. "We are working diligently to get these projects approved as soon as possible after they are submitted."
"We welcome these reimbursements," said State Coordinating Officer Ron Reynolds. "They will help our communities regroup from the effects of this year's severe weather."
On Sept. 21, President Bush signed a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration authorizing FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) funding for seven counties Dade, Dallas, Greene, Laclede, Lawrence, Polk and Webster - in southwest Missouri. The declaration is the second in Missouri for mid-year storms. PA funding goes to public agencies as needed and warranted to repair roads, buildings and other public facilities damaged in a disaster.
Federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis (75 percent federal) to reimburse them for emergency protective services, debris removal and facility repairs. Approved public repair projects are paid to local governments through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
Federal aid is also available on a cost-sharing basis (also 75 percent federal) for eligible projects to increase protection against future events, either as a part of disaster recovery projects in the declared counties, or as stand-alone projects under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program available to all counties and tribes in the state.
The PA program is based on a partnership between FEMA, state and local officials. FEMA manages the program, approves grants and provides technical assistance to the state and applicants. The state works with FEMA to educate potential applicants and implements and monitors the grants. Local officials identify damage and provide necessary documentation.
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: Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007 18:24:00