FEMA Pilot Initiative to Speed Recovery Funds to State
Release Date: October 5, 2007
Release Number: 1719-036
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms and Flooding
La Crosse, Wis. -- Federal, state and local officials announced today a joint initiative to expedite the flow of federal funds to Wisconsin applicants of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance Grant Program.
Officials plan to implement the Public Assistance Pilot Program to reduce costs to the federal government, increase administrative flexibility and expedite the flow of assistance dollars to states and local governments. Earlier this year, FEMA activated the Pilot Program nationwide for states affected under Presidential disaster declarations beginning June 1, 2007. A report regarding the effectiveness of the Pilot Program will be submitted to Congress in 2009.
"The Pilot Program affords greater flexibility to state and local governments by increasing the federal share of funds for eligible projects under the public assistance program and delivering those funds faster," said Michael Bolch, FEMA federal coordinating officer.
In response to the Aug.18-31 flooding, the FEMA and Wisconsin program will allow:
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A financial incentive to recycle debris, giving applicants the ability to retain revenue from the salvage value of recyclable disaster-related debris. This incentive allows communities to recoup expenses not normally allowable, affording greater flexibility in local planning.
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FEMA to reimburse the straight- or regular-time salaries and benefits of staff performing debris-related activities. The standard Public Assistance Grant Program only reimburses overtime work for these employees.
"This really is a joint program to improve the recovery process at all levels of government," said Diane Kleiboer, Wisconsin Emergency Management state coordinating officer. "It shows the commitment from all our partners to be responsible and effective with our recovery."
Communities must elect to participate in the pilot program, and work with the state to identify which projects are suitable. Eligible projects undertaken by state and local applicants to recover from the disaster that are not part of the Pilot program will be administered under the normal Public Assistance Grant program.
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: Friday, 05-Oct-2007 13:25:18