Newport County Nonprofits May Receive Funding for Recovery 

FEMA briefings scheduled for Thursday in Portsmouth

Release Date: June 5, 2007
Release Number: 1704-002

» More Information on Rhode Island Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding

WINDSOR, Conn. -- Nonprofit organizations in Newport County that provide essential public services and with losses from the April 15 - 16 storms are invited to attend an applicant briefing in Portsmouth on Thursday to learn how to apply for federal disaster recovery grants.

Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have funding available for eligible nonprofit organizations in Newport County to repair damages caused by the nor’easter.

The briefing is in Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Street, at 11 a.m.

“Newport County’s nonprofit organizations do tremendous work for the people of Rhode Island,” said Michael L. (Mike) Parker, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. “We want to make sure they have what they need to clean up debris, repair facilities and continue services.”

Nonprofits that provide critical services—power transmission, water, sewer, wastewater treatment, communications, emergency medical care and fire or rescue services—are asked to complete a Request for Public Assistance and a questionnaire.

Organizations that provide non-critical services—food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, youth programs, YWCAs—should apply to the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan to cover property damages. If SBA cannot approve a loan or meet all the private nonprofit organization’s needs, the applicant will be referred to FEMA.

Representatives from FEMA, SBA and the State of Rhode Island are present at applicant briefings to explain eligibility requirements and the application process in detail. FEMA grants pay seventy-five percent of the eligible recovery cost.

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: Thursday, 14-Jun-2007 13:46:43