FEMA Flooded with Recovery Assistance Requests in Minnesota

As Minnesota rebuilds after spring floods, more than $5,367,000 is being processed for payment through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program to eligible applicants in 28 counties to reimburse the costs of approved projects, the agency announced.

Through the PA program, FEMA provides disaster assistance grants for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, utilities, and parks and recreational facilities. Certain private organizations may be eligible as well. The PA program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

"FEMA is committed to helping Minnesota in their recovery," Federal Coordinating Officer Michael H. Smith said. To date, more than 634 requests made by jurisdictions have been combined into 1,409 sub grant applications which are currently being processed. Other applicants are continuing work in order to process additional requests. The agency urged county and municipal officials to move quickly in supplying documentation for PA reimbursement.

Permits must be secured before delivery of any funds from FEMA through the state, the agency noted. If all paperwork is correct, it normally takes no more than two weeks from the time a project worksheet is submitted to FEMA to obligate money to the state. It takes another three weeks to put the funds in the hands of the applicant. Eligible applicants will receive 75 percent of their allowable costs for their projects, the agency said, cautioning applicants to make their paperwork as accurate as possible because everything is subject to state and federal audit.

"Delays happen when copies of contracts, insurance validation, receipts, or invoices are missing," said Smith, Federal Coordinating Officer. "It's first come, first served, so it's in the best interest of the applicant to get the paperwork organized as quickly as possible."

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars