FEMA And State Schedule Briefings On Infrastructure Assistance 

Release Date: May 2, 2003
Release Number: 1461-01

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Anchorage, AK - The process of applying for federal disaster assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the restoration and replacement of public facilities damaged in the wake of the severe winter storm, including high winds and freezing temperatures, March 6 to 14, has begun for several communities.

Briefings on federal disaster aid programs are scheduled for local officials, and damage inspection teams are already in the field, according to a joint announcement from Jim Butchart, state coordinating officer, and William Lokey, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery effort.

To assist public agencies in applying for funding, Butchart said briefings have been scheduled in three locations to explain in detail the procedures to follow when applying for federal disaster assistance in the recovery efforts of local communities.

Applicant briefings will be held:

ANCHORAGE
MOA EOC
1305 E. STREET
ANCHORAGE
WEDNESDAY - MAY 7, 10 A.M.

KENAI PENNINSULA BOROUGH
KPB ASSEMBLY CHAMBERS
144 N. BINKLEY STREET
SOLDOTNA
THURSDAY-MAY 8, 10 A.M.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH
CENTRAL MAT-SU SAFETY BUILDING
101 W. SWANSON
WASILLA
MONDAY - MAY 5, 10 A.M.

President George W. Bush designated the municipality of Anchorage and the two boroughs a major disaster area on April 26. Residents in the declared areas are entitled to individual assistance and their communities can get public assistance from the federal government.

With the Presidential disaster declaration, affected local governments within the municipality and the two boroughs are eligible to apply for federal assistance to fund 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing, restoring and replacing damaged public facilities. Qualified public facilities include roads, bridges, utilities, public schools, and recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations engaged in public service activities. The federal government also will make payment of 75 percent of approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by the state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 06-May-2003 14:32:55