Emergency Operations Center

Citation:  FEMA-1761-DR-GA, McIntosh County, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Project Worksheet (PW) 311

Cross-Reference:  Insurance, Codes and Standards

Summary:  Between May 11-12, 2008, an EF4 tornado destroyed the McIntosh County’s (Applicant) Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  FEMA prepared PW 311 to replace the metal building at an estimated cost of $1,728,015.  The Applicant received $1,071,107 in insurance proceeds, as its blanket insurance policy covered full replacement of the original facility.  At final inspection, FEMA deobligated all funding for the project with version 1 of PW 311 and informed the Applicant that, pursuant to the Stafford Act, FEMA was not authorized to provide financial assistance when an Applicant has received financial assistance under any other program or from insurance or any other source.  In replacing the metal structure, the Applicant constructed two concrete buildings at a total cost of $1,872,574.

In its appeal, the Applicant explained that the deviation from the approved scope of work on PW 311 was necessary for the structure to comply with FEMA’s Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms and requested that FEMA approve funding for the difference of $801,467.

Issue:  Did the Applicant obtain the approval of the Grantee or FEMA to exceed the approved scope of work and make improvements to the EOC?

Finding:  No.

Rationale:  Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 101(b)(4) Insurance Coverage; 44 CFR §206.250 (c) General; 44 CFR §206.253(a) Insurance requirements for facilities damaged by disasters other than flood; FEMA PA Digest 2008 Insurance.