WHAT IS DRF?
The Disaster Recovery Fund (DRF) was Created under the Disaster Recovery Program to assist Counties and Municipalities financially. Qualified assistance is before, during, and immediately after a disaster that explicitly affects the applying entity.
WHEN WILL THE FUNDS BE AVAILABLE?
DRF funds are available for eligible disasters that occur on or after April 1, 2025.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR DRF?
Infrastructure Repair (Counties/Jurisdictions): To be eligible for Infrastructure Repair, the entity must have a minimum of $3,500 in eligible costs for each category of work claimed. The maximum amount an entity can receive for Infrastructure Repair is $50,000 in eligible expenses for each category of work claimed.
WHAT ITEMS CAN I SUBMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT?
Category A – Debris Removal
- Costs must be reasonable and documented
- Removing debris from public roadways that are routinely maintained by and are the legal responsibility of the applying entity (private or gated roads are ineligible) to remove a public safety thread by using force accounts or contract labor
- Disposing of debris in a method used according to the entity’s written, routine operations such as in a landfill, chipping, burning, etc. (all permitting requirements are the responsibility of the applying entity and must be documented)
Category B – Emergency Protective Measures (Only overtime of force account labor is eligible (straight time is ineligible) and must comply with the current pay policy)
- Clearance of roadways to allow emergency vehicle access (typically known as cut and toss)
- EOC operations expenses (including feeding – sign-in sheets are required)
- Equipment used for emergency protective measures (use FEMA’s equipment rates)
- Supplies and commodities
- Search and rescue to locate survivors
- Security, such as barricades, law enforcement, etc.
- Other activities, as necessary and reasonable
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE REIMBURSED?
The County Commission or Municipality must submit requests for infrastructure repair within 90 days of their local declaration. There is a 30-day maximum from the application to the grant reward process.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE DRF?
If you have encountered a natural disaster at home or residence after April 1, 2025, please visit ema.alabama.gov to complete the application.
IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, WHO DO I CONTACT?
IF A FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTER EXISTS, CAN I APPLY FOR DRF AND FEMA FUNDS?
Alabama residents may seek reimbursement from the DRF for damage that is a result of a natural hazard such as a tornado, flood, severe weather, or hurricane. The residents cannot reside in a jurisdiction that has been designated within a federally declared disaster area for the incident they are seeking reimbursement.