Deadline Nears For Private Nonprofits To Request Disaster Aid 

Release Date: October 30, 2008
Release Number: 1791-203

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN, Texas -- Certain private nonprofit organizations suffering facility damage from Hurricane Ike have only until Nov. 11 to file Requests for Public Assistance (RPAs) with the State of Texas.

Filing RPAs is part of the process of applying for reimbursement grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures, road repairs, repair of water control facilities and restoration of buildings and utilities.

While Public Assistance is oriented to public entities, some private nonprofits may qualify for help as well if they provide "essential services" of a governmental nature.

Federal regulations separate nonprofits into two camps: critical facilities (power, water, sewer and wastewater, education and fire protection and support services for critical facilities), and noncritical facilities (low income housing, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation programs, etc.). Both may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Nonprofits with noncritical facilities must apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan for repair of permanent facilities. If the PNP is declined for an SBA loan, the nonprofit will be considered for FEMA assistance. There is no SBA requirement for nonprofits with critical facilities.

Nonprofit organizations should file an RPA with the State of Texas Public Assistance no later than Nov. 11, 2008. Early inspection and documentation of facilities will insure appropriate reimbursement of eligible damages.  Call State Public Assistance at 1-512-465-5848 for information.

Details of the program and examples of eligible and ineligible facilities are available on the Internet at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/9521_3.shtm. Requests for Public Assistance forms can be found at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/dr1791_pa_forms.htm. FEMA pays reimbursement grants to the State of Texas on behalf of local governments, Indian governments and the private nonprofits.

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, 30-Oct-2008 14:25:47