FEMA Expediting $180,000 in Immediate Needs Funding to Battlefield, Carl Junction, Pierce City, and Stockton 

Release Date: May 20, 2003
Release Number: 1463-24

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Springfield, MO -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will expedite a total of $180,000 to the cities of Battlefield, Carl Junction, Pierce City, and Stockton for emergency work undertaken in response to the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that devastated much of the state earlier this month.

"Given the magnitude of this disaster and the severe financial situation in these communities, we put in a request to FEMA for expedited initial funding in these areas," explained Jerry Uhlmann, state coordinating officer for disaster recovery.

The request for funding was approved by Mike Karl, federal coordinating officer for the recovery effort. The $180,000 amount was based on 30 per cent of the estimates for eligible debris removal identified during the preliminary damage assessment by federal, state and local officials.

"We don't want a natural disaster to turn into a fiscal disaster for these communities already suffering," said Mike Karl. "We're working hand-in-hand with our partners at the state and local level to help all the counties affected by the severe weather get on the road to recovery. Fast tracking a portion of the funding to some of the hardest-hit communities just makes sense."

The expedited assistance from FEMA is part of the agency's Immediate Needs Funding of the Public Assistance Program. The assistance is intended to meet urgent needs in the initial aftermath of a disaster. Upon request by a state, FEMA can provide these funds for work that a public facility or municipality must perform immediately and pay for within the first 60 days after the disaster declaration.

The funding is available for emergency work only and typically includes such activities as debris removal, emergency protective measures, and removal of safety and threat hazards. The funding may be used to cover such costs as overtime payroll, equipment costs, material purchases, and contracts when these costs are incurred for emergency work.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-May-2003 11:03:25