Disaster Assistance Is Also Available To Private, Non-Profit Organizations
Release Date: May 9, 2003
Release Number: 1461-03
» More Information on Alaska Winter Storm
Anchorage, AK - President Bush's disaster declaration of the severe winter storm that occurred March 6 through March 14, 2003 and which brought high winds and freezing temperatures, makes Federal disaster assistance available. This assistance is available to private, non-profit organizations (PNPs) in addition to the assistance available to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes. This assistance can originate from either the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The process begins with FEMA determining if the PNP facility provides an essential governmental service.
A PNP facility that does not provide an essential governmental service must apply directly to SBA for a low-interest disaster loan for permanent repairs because they are not eligible for FEMA assistance. Examples of non-essential services primarily include educational facilities, certain non-emergency medical facilities, and other miscellaneous governmental services.
If the PNP facility does provide an essential governmental service, FEMA will determine if those services are critical or non-critical.
PNP facilities providing critical services are eligible to immediately apply for a grant from FEMA's Public Assistance Program. Some examples of PNP facilities in this category are those that provide power, water, sewer, wastewater treatment, communications, emergency medical care, and fire or rescue services.
PNP facilities providing non-critical services should begin their recovery process by registering with FEMA. FEMA will then automatically refer the PNP to the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan to cover its property damages. If SBA cannot approve a low-interest disaster loan or meet all of the PNP's needs, SBA will refer the PNP back to FEMA. However, the PNP applicant is also responsible for re-applying to FEMA for assistance. Some examples of PNP facilities in this category are food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, youth programs, YMCAs and YWCAs.
At the time of registration, FEMA will determine if the PNP facility provides an essential government service and, if applicable, whether those services are critical or non-critical.
PNPs interested in obtaining assistance for windstorm and freezing temperature damages must first register with FEMA by calling toll free 800-621-3362. The TTY number for the speech or hearing impaired is 800 462 7585. PNPs may also contact SBA toll free at 800-488-5323. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is June 25, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 09-May-2003 13:36:50