Public Assistance is oriented to public entities and can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility or infrastructure, which is damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
Eligible applicants include State governments, local governments and any other political subdivision of the State, Native American tribes, and Alaska Native Villages. Certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations may also receive assistance. Eligible PNPs include educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled), and other PNP facilities that provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public. PNPs that provide "critical services" (power, water--including water provided by an irrigation organization or facility, sewer, wastewater treatment, communications, educational services, and emergency medical care) may apply directly to FEMA for a disaster grant. All other PNPs must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a disaster loan. If the PNP is declined for an SBA loan, or the loan does not cover all eligible damages, the applicant may re-apply for FEMA assistance.
Document Everything! - Keep documenting damages, emergency repairs, expenses and time (including volunteer time). Records should be kept of time and materials BY ROAD, along with engine hours and contractors. Keep all receipts and be sure that any documentation indicates that it was for Irene Recovery (disaster declaration = FEMA-4022-DR-VT). Work done by volunteers on public facility recovery can be counted toward the municipal match if properly documented.
For specific project managment, use the link on the right.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) grants are meant to address an issue at a site so that it does not get damaged in the next disaster. HMGP funds are created every time Vermont has a disaster. The grants are reviewed at the state level. Projects that lessen flood related damages, and do so in a manner that leaves waterways in as natural a state with as much room as possible, are the most likely to succeed. This grant program may be the best source of funding to address serious losses suffered by homeowners, but homeowners can't apply directly, only towns or non-profits.
HMGP grants require a 25% non-federal match and must pass a cost benefit test. For homes that have suffered "substantial damage" (more than 50% of the value), a cost benefit is not needed. TRORC can help towns fill out the forms and apply, but towns should be contacting property owners now that they think might qualify and be interested in participating. There is one round of HMGP grant applications, the deadline is February 17th.
For more information contact Kevin Geiger at kgeiger@trorc.org. A memo and sample forms is included for download below.
Non-PA Meetings with FEMA/State Officials
It may be valuable for your community to organize a community meeting with FEMA or State Officials so that they may be able to inform citizens about the recovery process. To that end, FEMA has a form by which RPCs and towns can request Vermont State and FEMA speakers for meetings. The completed form should be sent via email to Kathleen Hurley at Kathleen.hurley@fema.dhs.gov. The form is available for download below.
FEMA Appeals - On 9/21/11, FEMA released a memo regarding the process towns and citizens can use to appeal their determination for aid if they are not satisfied with it.
Hiring Contractors - Events such as Tropical Storm Irene can bring out individuals who take advantage of others during a time of crisis. Communities and residents are advised to be cautious when hiring contractors. The following News Brief offers suggestions on how communities and residents can protect themselves from fraudulent contractors.
Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) - members are commercial contractors that can assist in meeting the municipal and businesses needs quickly and responsibly. The AGC/VT contact is Cathy Voyer: 802-223-2374, cathy@agcvt.org.
In This Section
Public
Assistance
General PA
Information
PA Project
Management
Resources