March 31, 2010

Delaware receives Federal Disaster Declaration for Winter Storms

On March 31, 2010, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to Delaware to help the state and communities recover from the severe winter storms that occurred in February. President Barack Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the state, which triggers the release of federal funds.
 
“When these storms hit, state and local governments, with limited resources, answered the call to help clear the roads and provide emergency response – all at a significant cost,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “So I am very pleased the federal government is awarding these funds to help defray those expenses and I appreciate our Congressional Delegation’s assistance in that regard.”
 
The state, including all three counties, incurred severe storm damages and response expenses during and following back-to-back blizzards from February 5 through Feb. 13.  A preliminary tally of costs to state and local governments for the February storms found at least $8.8 million in costs, with $6.7 million for snow removal alone.
 
The declaration allows Delaware to apply for FEMA Public Assistance funding which is available to the state, local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency work and for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. The state and all three counties are designated as eligible applicants in the disaster declaration.
 
The state and counties can also apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This funding is available for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
 
Delaware did not qualify for FEMA Individual Assistance (for individuals or households) due to not meeting the federal requirement for total estimated damages incurred in the period of the February severe snowstorms.
 
Delaware Emergency Management Agency, assisted by FEMA, will coordinate Applicants Briefings for state, local and private nonprofit officials to inform them of the assistance available and how to apply for it. Eligible categories of storm related projects and a schedule of briefings will be announced as soon as dates and locations are determined.
 
In requesting the major federal disaster declaration, Delaware estimated snow-related costs at more than $8.8 million. With the declaration issued, the state and FEMA will review and validate documentation of eligible applicants, including scope of work and cost to carry out the work. Assistance for the state, affected local governments and other eligible applicants can include payment of 75% of the eligible costs for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in the February storms.