FEMA Public Assistance Program Rebuilds New York 

Release Date: March 6, 2002
Release Number: 1391-67

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New York, NY -- In the first six months since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (WTC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated more than $603 million to the State of New York through its Public Assistance program to reimburse state and city agencies for response and recovery costs.

This figure is expected to increase in the coming weeks as FEMA completes final review on an additional $191 million in project requests from the state and city of New York that have been received to date. Long-term recovery is expected to continue over the next several years, and FEMA expects that many additional project requests will be prepared and submitted for funding throughout this process.

"As efforts turn to long-term recovery, FEMA's Public Assistance program will continue to provide the much needed funding to help New York City and the State of New York with critical projects that will repair infrastructure and replace lost buildings and services," FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said.

FEMA's Public Assistance program reimburses local and state government agencies and certain non-profits providing government-like services for eligible, disaster-related losses and costs. Among costs eligible for reimbursement are debris removal, emergency response measures and repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities.

In the wake of the World Trade Center attack, FEMA and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) have partnered to administer the Public Assistance program. FEMA provides Public Assistance grants directly to the state, which in turn reimburses the New York City agencies directly responsible for carrying out Public Assistance projects.

"The sheer size and scope of the Public Assistance program attests to FEMA's diligence and commitment to New York," said SEMO Director Edward F. Jacoby Jr. "From the initial rescue and response to the debris removal to the long-term infrastructure restoration, the agency has proven it is a true partner with the State of New York and New York City."

The funding process, which involves several steps, begins at the city level with the development of project plans that qualify for public assistance funding. FEMA and SEMO work closely with the city's Office of Management and Budget throughout the process, which involves a multilevel review process at the city level and a final review by FEMA.

Typically, the federal share of total eligible costs is 75 percent, with the state and local government providing 25 percent. In the case of the WTC disaster, FEMA is funding 100 percent of costs eligible under the Public Assistance program, thereby relieving the state of New York and New York City of any cost share.

Funding in major Public Assistance categories obligated to date include:

The basic eligibility rules for the Public Assistance program are: The work must be required or accomplished as a result of a presidentially declared disaster; the site or work performed must be located within the disaster area; and the repair or restoration must be the legal responsibility of an eligible applicant.

Items eligible for funding in the case of the WTC disaster include the removal of wreckage, destroyed vehicles and other disaster-related material at and around Ground Zero, and emergency protective measures such as search and rescue, firefighting, policing. Public Assistance funds are also provided for long-term recovery efforts that include the repair or replacement of roads, sidewalks, lighting and other street fixtures, public buildings and equipment (including vehicles), sewer and water systems on the perimeter of the WTC complex, and subways and PATH train stations located under and near the trade towers.

"The Public Assistance program is an essential long-term component in helping restore public services and infrastructure here in New York City," said Richard J. Sheirer, director of the New York City Mayor's Office of Emergency Management. "FEMA and the State of New York are working hard with us to rebuild after Sept. 11, and we are appreciative of their continued support."

Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2003 10:59:04