|
On Jan. 9, FEMA released a policy that will simplify the Public Assistance (PA) program to help communities recover more quickly after Presidentially declared events.
As the name implies, the PA Simplified Procedures Policy simplifies procedures and streamlines documentation requirements for applicants under the Public Assistance program. This policy release follows the August 2022 announcement to increase the threshold for PA small projects to $1 million.
“This policy change is a reflection of FEMA and President Biden’s commitment to reduce red tape, cut back on bureaucracy and ensure that communities get the resources they deserve when they need them most,” Administrator Criswell said in August 2022 when the final rule was announced. “FEMA’s Public Assistance remains our flagship program for helping communities rebuild infrastructure, restore critical services to the public and build climate resilience. By simplifying the application process, we will break down barriers and better meet the funding needs of small communities and our nonprofit partners.”
The policy simplifies procedures, reduces the administrative burdens, supports equitable delivery of assistance to underserved communities and enables communities to recover more quickly after Presidentially declared events. The policy defines FEMA’s requirements for funding small projects, and it applies to all public assistance projects up to $1 million from major disasters and emergencies declared on or after the date of issuance.
The DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the DHS Office of Partnership and Engagement and FEMA are co-hosting a webinar to provide information and resources on adversely impacted communities after disasters and how to identify the risk factors that may lead to human trafficking.
The webinar will take place at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. Register here in advance to attend the webinar. Organizations featured to speak include:
- All-Healers Mental Health Alliance.
- University of Maryland School of Medicine.
- Humanitarian Disaster Institute, Wheaton College.
- San Jose State University.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
The webinar will include information on how to better prepare faith and community groups, first responders, and emergency managers to recognize social and emotional impacts caused by disasters. The webinar will discuss the importance and the role of local partners to prevent exploitation and respond to survivors needs. It will also provide federal resources on how to report potential incidences of human trafficking.
DHS is hosting additional webinars about human trafficking throughout January:
FEMA recently published a blog on ways to prevent human trafficking. Visit the FEMA Blog to read, "5 Ways We Can Work Together to Prevent Human Trafficking."
FEMA has completed its 2023 placement of reinsurance to continue the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) support of resiliency and protection against flood losses. The agency transferred $502.5 million of the NFIP’s financial risk to the private reinsurance market throughout calendar year 2023.
For this placement, 18 reinsurance companies agreed to indemnify FEMA for flood losses from individual flood events or a named storm. FEMA paid a total premium of $90.2 million for the coverage. The agreement is structured to cover:
- 56% of losses between $7 billion and $9 billion.
- 56% of losses between $9 billion and $11 billion.
FEMA will receive qualifying payments only if a named storm event is large enough to trigger the traditional and/or capital market reinsurance coverage. As of Jan. 6, should a named storm event result in flood insurance claims exceeding $11 billion, FEMA will receive the full $1.9275 billion of reinsurance coverage from the private markets.
FEMA contracted with Guy Carpenter and Company, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, to provide broker services to assist in securing the reinsurance placement.
Reinsurance is an important risk management tool used by insurance companies to protect themselves from large financial losses. Public entities also secure reinsurance. Examples of other reinsurance programs include the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation of Florida, the California Earthquake Authority and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
For more information, visit the NFIP Reinsurance Program webpage on FEMA.gov.
FEMA is Accepting Applications for Assistance to Firefighters Grants
FEMA has opened the application period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). Applications are being accepted until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 10.
The funding notice is available at grants.gov. It can also be found, along with technical assistance documents and information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants, by visiting Assistance to Firefighters Grants | FEMA.gov.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
FEMA Revolving Loan Fund Grant Program Application Period Opens Feb. 1
|
Beginning Feb. 1, FEMA will accept applications for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund grant program.
Loans will be available to help local governments satisfy non-federal cost share requirements under FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, update building codes adoption and enforcement and make zoning and land use changes.
The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund complements and supplements FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant portfolio. The portfolio has multiple grant programs that support projects at the local government level to increase the nation’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change.
Webinar for Eligible Applicants on Jan. 20
FEMA is hosting an information webinar for eligible entities to hear about the program priorities and application process and priorities. This is the first of two webinars. Register here for the 90-minute informational session at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 20. A second webinar will be announced for eligible tribal nations at a later date.
|
The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund funding notice is available at Grants.gov. Eligible entities must apply for funding using the Non-Disaster Grants Management System. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. ET on April 28. Visit fema.gov for more information.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
|
