Public Assistance Helps Wisconsin Communities Rebuild After Disaster
Release Date: October 1, 2007
Release Number: 1719-031
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LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Providing assistance to individuals and businesses is not the only concern of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). Public Assistance (PA) grants will soon help Wisconsin communities recoup emergency response and debris removal costs, and repair infrastructure including roads and public buildings.
Five counties, including Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, Salk and Vernon, were declared eligible on September 6 for disaster PA as a result of the August 18-31 severe storms and flooding. Under the PA Grant Program, FEMA awards grants to assist state and local governments, tribal nations and certain private nonprofit organizations with their response to and recovery from disasters.
"The declaration opens the door to FEMA grants that help public entities with reconstruction of their infrastructure," said Mike Bolch, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. "The PA program strengthens communities which do not have all the means or resources to bounce back from a disaster, helping to ensure a community's important public needs are met."
Public assistance is based on a partnership between FEMA, state and local officials. Local communities identify their needs and costs and submit applications. The state ensures compliance and helps prioritize projects. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants and providing technical assistance on projects to the state and its applicants.
"This is a program that is important to Wisconsin taxpayers," said Diane Kleiboer, state coordinating officer for WEM. "The program provides federal funding to our communities to help repair damaged public buildings, schools, parks, bridges, roads and culverts."
The federal share of assistance is at least 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration of disaster-damaged facilities. In Wisconsin, the state provides 12.5 percent of the cost and the applicant is responsible for the remaining portion.
Application procedures for local governments were explained at a series of state applicant briefings held in September in each eligible county. FEMA PA specialists provide guidance to state and local officials throughout the application process. Approved projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA.
Federal, state and local teams have already started to inspect disaster-related damage, examine expenses identified by the state or local representatives and prepare reports that outline the scope of repair work needed and the estimated restoration cost.
Non-profit organizations may qualify for assistance to restore certain types of facilities that include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other facilities that provide essential government types of services.
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, 01-Oct-2007 18:25:08