Emergency Assistance Deadline Nears For Florida Counties
Release Date: September 20, 2008
Release Number: 1785-047
» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Fay
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The 30-day deadline for 67 Florida counties to apply for federal Public Assistance reimbursement funding to help pay for undertaking emergency protective measures and debris disposal is Monday, Sept. 22.
As Tropical Storm Fay first hit Florida, the President's emergency declaration on August 21 specifically authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency throughout the state.
For all Florida counties, the declaration meant that debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, would be eligible for supplemental 75 percent federal funding for approved costs with the state responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
Counties must submit their Project Requests to FEMA within 30 days from date of declaration to be eligible for the emergency funding. FEMA Public Assistance specialists have visited all counties requesting information about the requirements of the emergency declaration.
In addition, since the emergency declaration, 39 counties have been declared eligible under subsequent major disaster declarations for the full range of Public Assistance. Those categories include repairing or replacing damaged public facilities or structures such as schools, libraries and other public buildings, and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities and recreational facilities.
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.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
For statewide disaster information and to find out how you can Get A Plan! for disasters, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.org
Last Modified: Monday, 22-Sep-2008 08:55:32