Public Assistance Amended For Three Counties; $18.9 Million Obligated For Rural Electric 

Release Date: March 8, 2002
Release Number: 1401-27

» More Information on Oklahoma Ice Storm

Oklahoma City, OK -- Disaster assistance for Harmon County has been expanded to include aid for local governments affected by the recent ice storm in Oklahoma and assistance for Payne and Woodward Counties has been expanded to include all categories of public assistance, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the additional assistance was approved following his review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials. Under the original declaration issued by President Bush on February 1, Payne and Woodward Counties were designated for public assistance (emergency protective services and debris removal only). Harmon County was added for individual assistance on February 7, but had not previously been eligible for any type of public assistance.

In additions to the millions that ice storm victims throughout the 45 designated counties have already received, $18.9 million in federal funds has been obligated to help 12 rural electric cooperatives and one municipality cover the cost of emergency protective measures taken during the severe ice storm.

"Our continuing commitment is not only to help meet the recovery needs of devastated families and businesses," Allbaugh said, " but to ensure that the vital community services they also depend on are restored as quickly and efficiently as possible."

During his announcement of the multi-million dollar projects last Friday, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised FEMA for their continued effort to make good on its commitment to help Oklahoma communities.

FEMA will provide 75 percent of the total $25.5 million cost for the 13 projects, with the remaining 25 percent non-federal share coming from local resources. The 13 applicants and the amount of federal funds they will receive are Caddo Electric ($7,230,000), Cimarron Electric ($3,637,500), Western Farmers Electric ($3,037,500), Kay Electric ($1,350,000), Kiwash Electric ($1,321,000), Central Rural Electric ($1,050,000), Northfork Electric ($566,250), Indian Electric ($168,750), Verdigris Valley Electric ($131,250), Oklahoma Electric ($72,787), Southwest Rural Electric ($60,000), Alfalfa Electric ($46,912), and Ponca City ($281,250).

A combination of cold weather, rain and snow throughout the state caused a severe build-up of ice on power lines and trees, which resulted in power outages that affected more than a quarter million residential and business customers in Oklahoma. The six rural co-ops will receive the funds for emergency repairs to the power grid that were far beyond both local and state capabilities.

The federal funds for these projects and the other eligible infrastructure losses are made available under FEMA's Public Assistance program. Under the program, which is administered by the State of Oklahoma, eligible disaster-related costs are reimbursed to government and certain private non-profit units providing essential government-like services in the area of emergency protective measures, debris removal, repairing and replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges and restoration of public facilities.

Federal Disaster Assistance Through The Public Assistance Program

What Is Public Assistance?

The Public Assistance program provides federal grants to eligible applicants for the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities associated with a presidentially declared disaster. Eligible applicants include state and local governments and certain private not-for-profit entities. Federal assistance is reduced by insurance payments.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM) work as partners to deliver the Public Assistance program. FEMA provides Public Assistance grants directly to the State, which, in turn, reimburses eligible applicants as sub-grantees. The federal share of total eligible costs is 75 percent, the state is providing 12 1/2 percent and local governments will cover the remaining 12 1/2 percent.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria For Public Assistance?

The basic eligibility rules are:
* The work must be required or accomplished as a result of a presidentially declared disaster.
* The site or work performed must be located within the disaster area.
* The repair or restoration must be the legal responsibility of an eligible applicant.

What Is The Application Process?

* ODCEM administers Public Assistance.
* Several Applicant Briefings were held in mid-February for potential Public Assistance applicants. The briefings addressed application procedures, administrative requirements, funding and program criteria.
* To date, more than 260 applicants have submitted a "Request for Public Assistance" to be eligible for Public Assistance reimbursements.
* FEMA and State program experts are assigned to each applicant to serve as customer service representatives throughout the application process.
* The applicant's specific needs are identified and cost estimates developed.
* Work-specific funding is approved by FEMA and electronically transferred to ODCEM for disbursement to applicants.
* To date, approximately $17.6 million has been obligated to reimburse eligible applicants. More funds will be made available as the work progresses.

What Type Of Work Falls Under Public Assistance?

Emergency Work
* Debris Removal: removal of wreckage, destroyed vehicles and other disaster-related material, and the demolition and removal of damaged public buildings.
* Emergency Protective Measures: this includes funding for such items as search and rescue, firefighting, and the provision of food and water.

Permanent Work
* Roads and Bridges: repair of roads, bridges and piers.
* Water Control Facilities: restoration of storm sewers.
* Public Buildings and Equipment: repair and restoration of buildings and equipment.
* Public Utilities: restoration of sewage collection systems and water distribution systems. * Recreational or Other: repair and restoration of certain publicly owned facilities such as mass transit systems and subways.

What Help Do Private Not-For-Profit Organizations Receive?

Under the presidential disaster declaration, certain private not-for-profit organizations that provide educational, medical, custodial care, irrigation, emergency, utility and other essential government services may be eligible for federal disaster grant assistance. All eligible private not-for-profit organizations may apply directly to FEMA for emergency work assistance.

For permanent work, only eligible private not-for-profits that supply critical services such as power, water, sewer and wastewater, communications, emergency medical care or fire protection/emergency services may apply directly to FEMA for assistance.

Eligible private not-for-profits that provide only non-critical services are required to apply for a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) before they can be considered for FEMA assistance for permanent work. Other private not-for-profits may also obtain low-interest disaster loan applications by visiting any of SBA's locations. To find the nearest location, you may call 1-800-366-6303.

Last Modified: Monday, 25-Aug-2003 15:04:05