FEMA's Public Assistance Program Helps Missouri Communities Recover, Rebuild and Prepare
Release Date: June 4, 2003
Release Number: 1463-48
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Springfield, MO -- In response to the tornado, severe storms and flooding that began May 4, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated 31 Missouri counties eligible for Public Assistance.
Under the Public Assistance (Infrastructure) Program, FEMA awards grants to assist State and local governments and certain private non-profit entities respond to and recover from disasters. Specifically, the program provides assistance for debris removal, implementation of emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure. The funding may be used to cover overtime payroll, equipment costs, and material purchases. The program also encourages protection from future damage by providing assistance for implementing hazard mitigation measures.
"FEMA provides 75 percent reimbursement of the cost of eligible Public Assistance projects," explained Mike Karl, federal coordinating officer for the recovery effort in Missouri. "The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds. Our Public Assistance Program helps communities recover from a disaster and take steps that will lessen future disaster-related losses."
Currently, 49 Public Assistance projects for Missouri totaling more than $2.2 million (federal share) are in the review and approval process.
The Public Assistance Program is based on a partnership between FEMA, state, and local officials. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants and providing technical assistance to the state and applicants. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve the grants, and managing the projects funded under the program. Officials with the State of Missouri educate potential applicants, work with FEMA to administer the program, and are responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program.
The 31 Missouri counties now eligible to apply for Public Assistance are: Barton, Bollinger, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Crawford, Clay, Dallas, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Lewis, Maries, Miller, Oregon, Osage, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, and Washington. Residents in 74 Missouri counties are also eligible to apply to FEMA for individual assistance.
Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Jun-2003 09:31:38