Deadline Nears For Local Governments To Apply For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: April 14, 2008
Release Number: 3285-002

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MADISON, Wis. -- State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in 8 Wisconsin counties face deadlines to apply for federal aid to help offset expenses related to emergency work from the February 5-6 severe snow storm.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) are partnering to help eligible applicants.

Officials in Dane, Green, Milwaukee, Washington, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties have until April, 18, to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to WEM.

"We want to ensure that resources are allocated to every agency that is eligible," said WEM State Coordinating Officer Larry Reed. "State and local officials can speed up the recovery process by submitting their applications before the deadline."

FEMA's Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible costs.  The state of Wisconsin is paying 12.5 percent, with the local applicant responsible for the remaining 12.5 percent.

President Bush's March 19 disaster declaration authorized federal assistance after the Feb. 5-6 severe snow storm.  Applicants must submit RPA forms within 30 days of the date of designation of the area.

"Federal and state Public Assistance officers will be working with local officials in determining what expenses might be eligible for disaster reimbursement," said Federal Coordinating Officer Ed Smith.  "We are teaming up to help the communities recover as quickly as possible."

To date, 291 state agencies, local governments and private nonprofits have submitted Requests for Public Assistance.

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: Monday, 14-Apr-2008 16:55:59