12 Counties get Public Assistance for Nov. 2-11 Flooding
Release Date: December 22, 2006
Release Number: 1671-007
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LACEY, Wash. -- Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials announced today Public Assistance funding is now available to help local governments rebuild public property damaged by the Nov. 2-11 flooding.
The 12 counties named for Public Assistance are: Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish and Wahkiakum. All but Chelan, Jefferson and Pacific counties are also declared for Individual Assistance.
The declaration provides funding to the qualifying counties in the form of financial assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities, including roads, bridges, schools, and other public entities,
Eligible local governments, Native American tribes, and private non-profit (PNP) organizations which provide essential government services, may apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost to rebuild damaged public infrastructures such as roads, buildings and utilities.
PNP may include educational, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled), utilities, and other facilities which provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.
“The Public Assistance Program allows FEMA to help communities restore or replace infrastructure and to help reimburse for debris removal and emergency protective measures," said Libby Turner, federal coordinating officer.
"It is just as important for public agencies to apply for assistance, as it is for individual applicants," said Kurt Hardin, state coordinating officer. "This federal program provides financial assistance that is vital to a community’s recovery process."
The WEMD will administer the Public Assistance Program and brief local officials on the assistance available and how to apply. Community officials who wish to file a Request for Public Assistance should contact their local Emergency Management Office.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Dec-2006 12:55:01