Preparedness Division - Infrastructure Assistance 

As soon as possible following a Presidential declaration of major disaster or an emergency authorizing assistance to State and local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations (PNP), AEMA, assisted by FEMA, conducts briefings for State, local, and PNP officials to provide information of the various types of assistance available under the federal disaster declaration and the means by which funds are provided for eligible disaster assistance projects. The applicant must submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) within 30 days after the area is designated eligible for assistance. An Applicant can obtain an RPA at the Applicant’s Briefing or from the AEMA Infrastructure office. Following the Applicant’s Briefing, a joint Federal/State/local team inspects every damaged site and Federal engineers prepare a Project Worksheet to provide a recommended scope of work and estimated costs in accordance with FEMA eligibility criteria. The criteria allow for repairs or restoration of facilities to its pre-disaster condition in accordance with applicable codes, specifications, and standards. A Single Project Application is submitted by the State to the FEMA Regional Director for approval. The State serves as the grantee for the program with overall program management.

Under a major disaster declaration, assistance may be approved to fund a variety of projects, including:

 

• Clearance of debris, when in the public interest, on public or private lands or waters.
• Emergency protective measures for the preservation of life and property.
• Repair or replacement of roads, streets, and bridges.
• Repair or replacement of water control facilities (dikes, levees, irrigation works, and drainage facilities).
• Repair or replacement of public buildings and related equipment.
• Repair or replacement of public utilities.
• Repair or restoration of public recreational facilities and parks.