Individual And Public Assistance - Both Important To Missouri Recovery Process
Release Date: July 17, 2008
Release Number: 1773-023
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The State Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have disaster assistance programs that can help storm victims and communities recover from the devastation of the June 1 flooding.
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
The Individuals and Households Program can assist those affected by the June flooding by providing temporary help with alternative housing and/or financial assistance with other disaster-related needs.
Housing Assistance can provide funding for:
- Temporary residence (rental assistance); and
- Repairs to make the home safe, sanitary and functional.
Other Needs Assistance may include funding for:
- Medical, dental and funeral expenses;
- Personal property;
- Transportation; and
- Other disaster-related expenses.
Individual assistance can also be in the form of disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling assistance, disaster legal services, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and non-profit organizations.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Under the Public Assistance Grant Program, FEMA awards grants to assist state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations with the response to and recovery from disasters. The program provides funding for debris removal, implementation of emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of infrastructure. The program also encourages protection from future damage by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process. The Public Assistance Program runs on a cost share with FEMA providing federal assistance of not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost.
Public Assistance 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 its applicants.
The state educates potential applicants; works with FEMA to manage the program; and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants and managing the projects funded under the program.
If eligible properties are insured, the insurance proceeds and salvage are deducted from the grant, when applicable.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments 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, 17-Jul-2008 12:07:02