Public Assistance Expanded to Eight Additional Texas Counties
Release Date: July 25, 2007
Release Number: 1709-020
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
WACO, Texas -- Public Assistance to repair damaged infrastructure is available in eight additional Texas counties, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today. Communities in Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, McCulloch, Menard, Stephens, Victoria and Williamson counties may apply for assistance to recover from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning June 16 and continuing. PA funds are now available to 34 Texas counties.
"FEMA will help both individuals and communities recover from this disaster," said Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark. "Public Assistance helps restore vibrant communities all across Texas."
"This is good news for affected counties," said Joan Haun, state coordinating officer. "With this declaration, it is important for local governments to apply for federal assistance to repair publicly-owned property that was damaged by the flood."
Public Assistance is available to eligible applicants for debris removal and disposal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for the repair or replacement of damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities. Eligible applicants include state, county and local government and some private non-profits such as educational and medical facilities. FEMA will provide 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects including:
- Public roads and bridges not on the Federal Aid System;
- Public water control facilities, including dams and drainage channels;
- Public utilities such as water treatment, sewage treatment and electrical; public buildings such as police and fire stations, libraries and public office buildings, including their vehicles and contents; and
- Public parks and recreation facilities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, ball fields and boat ramps.
State and FEMA officials will hold applicant briefings in affected areas. These briefings will introduce potential aid recipients to the Public Assistance process and address initial questions. Following these briefings, each potential applicant will submit a Request for Public Assistance.
FEMA will assign a Public Assistance Coordinator to each applicant to ensure each applicant's needs are met throughout the process.
In addition to the PA program, entities throughout Texas are eligible for funds to reduce future disaster losses under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This program helps state or local governments avoid or lessen the impact of natural hazards through safer building practices and the improvement of existing structures and supporting infrastructure. HMGP contributes to the development of a long-term comprehensive mitigation program by funding measures designed to achieve the goals of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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: Thursday, 26-Jul-2007 07:39:07