FEMA Tackles Iowa Debris Removal
Release Date: June 22, 2008
Release Number: 1763-037
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Most natural disasters displace an astonishing amount of natural and man-made materials. Dirt, shoes, trees and bushes, appliances, insulation, treasured collections, lumber-it all winds up as storm or flood debris that has to be cleaned up before life can get back to normal. That makes debris removal one of the most immediate recovery tasks.
Throughout Iowa, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD), local governments and other federal agencies to facilitate and support this critical service.
Due to the magnitude of the Iowa disaster and related debris problem, FEMA has assigned to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers--which has great expertise in debris management--the mission of soliciting and managing Iowa debris contractors.
Following disasters, local governments in counties declared eligible for Public Assistance and the state may apply for federal grants to help pay for debris removal. Last week FEMA approved a Public Assistance grant of $5.5 million for debris removal in Parkersburg following the devastating tornado that hit the community on May 25. The federal 75 percent share is $4.2 million.
To tackle the overall challenge of debris removal for the 67 counties now declared eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance program, FEMA is spearheading a Debris Removal Task Force that includes state agencies and subject matter experts. The task force will oversee federal and state activities in all debris removal operations.
At their option, local governments may solicit bid for removal contracts, then award and manage those contracts. Local governments frequently use FEMA's and the state's expertise in disaster debris removal to guide them in choosing a contractor and writing a contract. However, FEMA itself does not award contracts or hire debris removal companies.
The cost of removing debris from private property is ineligible for federal funding except in extraordinary circumstances. Volunteer groups usually assist the elderly and incapacitated with moving debris from their property and transporting it to the curb/public right of way where it can be picked up by a municipality.
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: Monday, 23-Jun-2008 09:22:42