Disaster Assistance:
A Guide to Recovery Programs
FEMA 229(4), September 2005
Supersedes FEMA 229(4), December 2004
A Federal Interagency Publication
Developed by Signatories to
the National Response Plan
September 2005

The Federal Government helps States and localities to prepare for disasters
by providing financial and technical assistance for emergency planning
and training, conducting exercises of plans, and building and maintaining
an emergency management infrastructure.

In a catastrophic or major disaster incident, the National Response Plan, a
national approach to domestic incident management, will be activated. This
interagency plan describes the resources that Federal agencies can mobilize to
support initial emergency functions and how they will integrate with state, local,
private sector, and non-governmental resources. It outlines planning
assumptions, policies, a concept of operations, and organizational structures.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs supports the National
Response Plan as a resource for Federal, State, local, and non-governmental
officials. It contains brief descriptions and contact information for Federal
programs that may be able to provide disaster recovery assistance to eligible
applicants.
The programs described in this guide may all be of assistance during disaster
incident recovery. Some are available only after a Presidential declaration of
disaster, but others are available without a declaration. Please see the individual
program descriptions for details. A Governor may request a Presidential
declaration in the event of a disaster incident in which State and local
emergency resources are overwhelmed. The request must satisfy the provisions
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as
amended, which is the primary legislative authority for the Federal Government
to assist State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities for
disaster response and recovery. This Guide presents an array of programs that
may be of assistance during disaster recovery, depending upon the
circumstances, community needs, and available resources. Please verify the
applicability of a particular program with the responsible agency.

Table of Contents
About This Publication
Purpose xiii
Background xiii
Organization and Use xiv
Section I: Disaster-Specific Recovery Programs I-1
• Beach Erosion Control Projects
— Department of Defense (DOD)/U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) I-2
• Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants
— Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/
Community Planning and Development (CPD) I-3
• Community Development Block Grants/
States Program — HUD/CPD I-4
• Community Disaster Loan Program
— Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) I-6
• Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP)
— DHS/FEMA/Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/
Center for Mental Health Services/Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) I-7
• Disaster Assistance: Cora C. Brown Fund
— DHS/ FEMA I-8
• Disaster Assistance for Older Americans
— DHHS/Administration on Aging I-9
• Disaster Assistance: Red Cross Disaster Services
Program — American Red Cross I-10
• Disaster Coordination: Voluntary Organizations
— National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster I-12
• Disaster Legal Services I-13
• Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
— Department of Commerce (DOC)/Economic
Development Administration I-14
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans
— Small Business Administration (SBA) I-15
• Employment: Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Program — Department of Labor (DOL)/DHS/FEMA I-17
• Employment: Workforce Investment Act, Title I,
National Emergency Grants
— DOL/Employment and Training Administration (ETA) I-18
• Farming Operations: Emergency Loans
— Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Farm Service Agency (FSA) I-19
• Finance: Regulatory Relief for Federally Insured Financial Institutions
— Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System, National Credit Union
Administration, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency,
Office of Thrift Supervision I-20
• Fire Management Assistance Grant Program — DHS/FEMA I-22
• Flood: Post-Flood Response — DOD/USACE I-23
• Flood: Rehabilitation of Flood Control Works or Federally
Authorized Hurricane and Shore Protection Works
— DOD/USACE I-24
• Housing: HOME Investment Partnerships Program
— HUD/CPD I-25
• Housing: Individuals and Households Program
— DHS/FEMA I-27
• Housing: Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims
— HUD/Federal Housing Administration (FHA) I-29
• Loans: Physical Disaster Loans (Business) — SBA I-30
• Loans: Physical Disaster Loans (Individual) — SBA I-32
• Mental Health Disaster Assistance
— DHHS/Public Health Service (PHS)/SAMHSA I-33
• Mitigation: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
— DHS/FEMA I-34
• Public Assistance Program — DHS/FEMA I-35
• Savings Bond Replacement or Redemption
— Department of the Treasury/Bureau of the Public Debt I-37
• Tax Refund: Alcohol and Tobacco
— Department of the Treasury/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco I-38
• Taxes: Disaster Assistance Program
— Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service I-39
• Transportation: Emergency Relief Program
— Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal
Highway Administration I-40
• Water: Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
— USDA/Rural Utilities Service (RUS) I-41
• Watercourse Navigation: Protection, Clearing
and Straightening Channels —DOD/USACE I-42
• Watersheds: Emergency Watershed Protection Program
— USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) I-43
Section II: Disaster-Applicable Recovery Programs II-45
• Animals: Emergency Haying and Grazing
— USDA/FSA II-46
• Business and Industrial Loans
— USDA/Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) II-46
• Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards
— DOC/National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) II-47
• Community Development Block Grants/
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program — HUD/CPD II-48
• Community Relations Service (CRS)
— Department of Justice/CRS II-49
• Community Services Block Grant
— DHHS/Administration for Children and Families (ACF)/
Office of Community Services II-50
• Community Services Block Grant Discretionary Awards
— DHHS/ACF/Office of Community Services II-51
• Conservation: Cooperative Endangered Species
Conservation Fund — Department of the Interior (DOI)/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) II-52
• Conservation: Emergency Conservation Program
— USDA/FSA II-52
• Conservation: Habitat Conservation
— DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) II-53
• Conservation: National Coastal Wetlands Conservation
Grant Program — DOI/FWS II-54
• Conservation: Resource Conservation and Development
— USDA/NRCS II-55
• Conservation Technical Assistance — USDA/NRCS II-55
• Conservation: Wetland Reserve Program
— USDA/NRCS II-56
• Conservation: Wildlife Restoration
— DOI/FWS II-57
• DAMS: National Dam Safety Program
— DHS/FEMA II-58
• Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
— DOI/U.S. Geological Survey II-59
• Earth System Observations
— National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/
Science Mission Directorate (SMD) II-60
• Education: Extension Service Post-Crisis Education
and Assistance
— USDA/Cooperative State Research Education
and Extension Service II-60
• Employment: Unemployment Insurance
— DOL/ETA II-61
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program
— USDA/NRCS II-62
• Family Assistance — DHHS/ACF/Office of Family Assistance II-63
viii Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
• Farm Operating Loans — USDA/FSA II-63
• Farm Ownership Loans — USDA/FSA II-64
• Farming (Insurance): Federal Crop Insurance Program
— USDA/Risk Management Agency II-64
• Farming (Insurance): Non-Insured Crop
• Farming (Loans): Intermediary Re-lending Program
— USDA/RBS II-66
• Flood: Automated Flood Warning System (AFWS)
— DOC/NOAA/National Weather Service II-67
• Flood: Emergency Advance Measures for Flood Prevention
— DOD/USACE II-68
• Flood Insurance: Community Assistance Program,
State Support Services Element — DHS/FEMA II-69
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program — DHS/FEMA II-69
• Flood: National Flood Insurance Program
— DHS/FEMA II-70
• Food Distribution
— USDA/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) II-71
• Food Stamps — USDA/FNS II-72
• Hazardous Materials: State Access to the Oil
Spill Liability Trust Fund— DHS/U.S. Coast Guard II-73
• Hazardous Waste Worker Health and Safety Training
— DHHS/PHS/National Institute of Environmental Health Services II-73
• HEALTH: Disease Control and Prevention
— DHHS/PHS/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention II-74
• Health Program for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
— DHHS/PHS/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry II-75
• Historic Preservation Fund Grants-in-Aid — DOI/NPS II-76
• Historic Preservation: National Register of
Historic Places — DOI/NPS II-77
• Housing: Choice Program
— HUD/Office of Public and Indian Housing II-78
• Housing: Direct Loans for Disabled Veterans
— Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)/
Veterans Benefits Administration II-78
• Housing: Indian Housing Assistance
— DOI/Bureau of Indian Affairs II-80
• Housing: Rural Housing Service Section 502
Direct and Guaranteed Loan Program
— USDA/Rural Development/Rural Housing Service (RHS) II-80
• Housing: Rural Housing Service Section 504
Repair Grants and Loans — USDA/Rural Development/RHS II-81
• Parks: Land and Water Fund Grants
— DOI/National Park Service (NPS) II-82
• Parks: Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program
— DOI/NPS II-83
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program Competitive Grants
— FEMA/DHS II-83
• Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasts — USDA/NRCS II-84
• Social Security Assistance — Social Security Administration II-85
• Soil Survey — USDA/NRCS II-86
• Surplus Property: Disposal of Federal Surplus
Real Property — General Services Administration (GSA)/
Federal Supply Service (FSS) II-87
• Surplus Property: Donation of Federal Surplus
Personal Property — GSA/FS II-88
• Surplus Property: Use of Surplus Property
for Public Health and Homeless Purpose
— DHHS/Program Support Center II-88
• Veterans Medical Care: Grants to States for
Construction of State Home Facilities
— DVA/Veterans Health Administration II-89
• Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants — USDA/RUS II-90
• Water Pollution Control
— Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Water II-91
x Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
• Watershed Operations: Small Watershed Program,
Flood Prevention Program — USDA/NRCS II-91
• Watershed Surveys and Planning — USDA/NRCS II-92
Appendices
• Acronyms Used in This Publication 97
• Recovery Programs by Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Title 100
Indices
By Agency 112
By Type of Assistance 119
By Recipient (programs listed alphabetically) 125

About This Publication
Purpose
Use program summaries in this publication only as a guide to potential sources
of disaster assistance. Obtain more complete information from the contact noted
at the end of each summary.
The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information about programs of
assistance available to individuals, businesses, and public entities after a disaster
incident. These programs help individuals cope with their losses, and affected
businesses and public entities restore their structures and operations. The
information is intended to serve as a starting point for disaster workers and local,
State, and Federal officials to locate sources of help as they seek more definitive
information, such as eligibility criteria and application processes. Included are
programs that make financial assistance available, as well as those that provide
technical assistance and/or goods and other services.
Background
The program summaries in this guide evolved from an initial compilation of
programs obtained from the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA),
the compendium of financial and non-financial programs throughout the Federal
Government that provides assistance or benefits to the American public. The
relevant agencies reviewed, revised, and added to the summaries to reflect
programs that are specifically intended to apply to disaster recovery and regular
agency programs that, in special circumstances, may support disaster recovery.
Summaries include the notation “CFDA Number.” This refers to the program
number found in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
The CFDA includes a comprehensive list of Federal regional and local office
addresses and telephone numbers that is also a useful reference for obtaining
program information. The CFDA can be obtained from the Internet and GSA’s
free CFDA website at http://www.cfda.gov. However if interested in purchasing
the CFDA from the Government Printing Office (GPO), contact the
Superintendent of Documents at (202) 512-1800 or toll free at 866-512-1800, or
you may reach GPO's on-line bookstore at: http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

This guide revises and supersedes Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery
Programs (FEMA 229(4)), published by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) in December 2000. Additional copies of the guide, as well as
copies of the National Response Plan, are available from the FEMA Distribution
Facility, Suite D, 8231 Stayton Drive, Jessup, Maryland 20794; Telephone:
(800) 480-2520. Program summary changes or suggestions for improving the
publication may be forwarded to the Recovery Division, FEMA, Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472.
Organization and Use
An objective of this guide is to reflect in one document, recovery assistance and
services available to victims of a disaster incident.
Eligibility requirements may be more comprehensive or more restrictive than
they appear to be in this guide. It is important, therefore, to obtain additional
information about program eligibility from the program source.
Program summaries are organized in two sections: (I) specific agency programs
that exist for the express purpose of aiding victims of a disaster incident
(disaster-specific programs) and (II) regular agency programs that may be
applied to disaster incident recovery under special circumstances (disasterapplicable
programs). Section I program summaries include slightly more
information than Section II programs, as reflected below. Inclusion of a
program does not necessarily mean that assistance is available. Congress may
authorize a program but may not appropriate funds for it in a given fiscal year.
Current efforts of Congress and the Administration to streamline government
also may result in the elimination of some of the programs or consolidation into
larger block grants. In Sections I and II program summaries are organized
alphabetically by title or subject, where this is more helpful. If needed, see
Appendix Two for a crosswalk between program titles used in this publication
and program titles in the CFDA.
As a further aid, summaries are indexed alphabetically as follows:
1. By the Federal or nonprofit agency that has primary responsibility for
administration of the program
2. By the type of assistance available, including Advisory and Counseling
Services; Direct Payments; Donations; Education, Technical Information, and
Training; Formula Grants, Project and Other Grants; Loans; Sale of Goods or
Property; Specialized Services; and Technical Assistance.
3. By the category of recipient of assistance, as follows: Federal agencies,
States, Localities, Nonprofit organizations (sometimes specified by category,
such as universities or organizations that do the work of government),
Businesses, and Individuals
Assistance to individuals may include funds for temporary housing for victims,
individual and family grants to meet disaster-related expenses, and loans to
individuals for repair or replacement of real and personal property. Funds may
flow directly from the Federal Government to the individual, or from the Federal
Government to the individual through a State or a subdivision of a State, or from
a nonprofit organization to the individual.
Assistance to businesses (including farms and sole proprietorships) generally is
made available when the ability to continue operations is terminated or impaired
by a disaster. Such assistance may include loans or grants to replace livestock
herds, restore damaged structures, or replace inventories.
Assistance to public entities (States, localities, etc.) comprises measures such as
repair or replacement of non-federally supported thoroughfares and water
control facilities (e.g., dikes, irrigation works, levees, and drainage systems) and
clearance of debris necessary to protect the public interest. It also includes
repair or replacement of Federal buildings, State-supported schools, or public
facilities in U.S. Trust Territories or on Native American lands. It includes
loans to communities that have incurred substantial losses of tax and other
revenue and the use of government-owned equipment, supplies, facilities,
personnel, and other resources. Recipients of public assistance may include
States, political subdivisions of States (counties or parishes), any type of
organization under the aegis of a State agency, localities (municipalities,
unincorporated towns, water control districts, etc.), U.S. Trust Territories or
possessions, Indian tribes, universities, or other nonprofit organizations.

Section I:
Disaster-Specific Recovery
Programs
rograms summarized in this section have been specifically authorized for
use in assisting affected individuals, businesses, and/or public entities to
recover from the consequences of a disaster incident. Benefits under
these programs generally are triggered by a Presidential declaration of a major
disaster or emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act.
P
A major disaster is defined as any natural catastrophe or, regardless of cause,
any fire, flood, or explosion that causes damage of sufficient severity and
magnitude to warrant assistance to supplement State, local, and disaster relief
organization efforts to alleviate damage, loss, hardship, or suffering.
An emergency is defined as any occasion or instance for which Federal
assistance is needed to supplement State and local efforts to save lives and
protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a
catastrophe.
A Governor may request that the President declare a major disaster or
emergency when available State and local resources are insufficient. The
request must satisfy the provisions of the Stafford Act. Concurrent with a
Presidential declaration, FEMA designates the types of assistance to be made
available under the Stafford Act. This may include individual assistance, public
assistance, and/or hazard mitigation assistance. Depending upon the situation,
other Federal disaster relief programs may be activated as well.
The Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Small Business
Administration may also declare disasters and provide disaster assistance under
their statutory authorities.
A discussion of the general procedures and process for requesting Federal
assistance and the type of assistance that may be available, with or without a
Presidential declaration appears in the FEMA publication, A Guide to Federal
Aid in Disasters (FEMA 262, June 1997). To order, contact the FEMA
Distribution Facility at P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012; Telephone:
(800) 480-2520.

Beach Erosion Control Projects
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DOD)/Department of the Army/U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Decision of the Chief of Engineers
PURPOSE: To control public beach and shore erosion through projects not
specifically authorized by Congress
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. USACE designs and
constructs the project.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Project planning is accomplished
through a feasibility study. The first $100,000 of the study is Federally funded
by USACE. The remainder of the study’s costs is shared 50/50 between
USACE and the non-Federal sponsor. Local cost participation requirements and
procedures are similar to those for beach erosion control projects specifically
authorized by Congress under normal procedures except that Federal
participation cannot exceed $3 million. Local costs are based on the public use
and ownership of the beach protected.
ELIGIBILITY: States, political subdivisions of States, or other responsible
local agencies established under State law and having full authority and ability
to assume necessary legal and financial responsibilities
APPLICATION: State or local government officials should consult the nearest
District Engineer, then send a letter indicating intent to meet requirements for
local participation. An environmental impact statement also is required.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: USACE, Attn: CECW-PB, DOD,
Washington, DC 20314–1000, Telephone: (202) 761-7674 (FTS not available).
Local: Contact local District Engineer. Additional information is available on
USACE’s web site, www.usace.army.mil
CFDA NUMBER: 12.101 Beach Erosion Control Projects

Community Development Block Grants /
Entitlement Grants
AGENCY: Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD)/Community Planning and Development (CPD)
RECIPIENTS: Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing
and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities,
principally for low- to moderate-income persons
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Formula grants to entitlement communities
(metropolitan cities and urban counties). Disaster-related assistance is one of
numerous areas in which community development-type activities may be
eligible under the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program.
The most appropriate disaster-related use of funds is for long-term recovery
needs, such as: rehabilitating residential and commercial buildings;
homeownership assistance, including down-payment assistance and interest rate
subsidies; building new replacement housing; code enforcement; acquiring,
constructing, or reconstructing public facilities and improvements, including
streets, neighborhood centers, and water and sewer facilities; assistance to
disaster-affected businesses for carrying out economic development activities to
create and retain jobs; buying flood-prone properties and making other
mitigation efforts to protect damaged properties from, and reduce the cost of,
future disaster damage; and making relocation payments to displaced people
and businesses, and other activities. Funds also may be used for emergency
response activities, such as debris removal, clearance, and demolition, and
extraordinary increases in the level of public services for disaster victims.
Because conditions may change from the time a community develops its plans
for how it expects to use its CDBG funds to the time the funds actually get used,
program rules authorize amending the planned use to delete activities and
substitute others. This means that when a disaster occurs, a community may
elect to amend its planned use of funds already awarded to use the funds instead
for those disaster response and recovery activities that do not duplicate activities
reimbursable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or available
through the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan programs. The
community may also reprogram other unexpended CDBG funds for those purposes. Citizen participation procedures must be followed; waivers of this
requirement are discouraged, although the process may be accelerated. At least
70 percent of funds must be used for activities that principally benefit persons of
low and moderate income.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: Certain metropolitan cities and qualified urban counties.
Grantees in designated major disaster areas may receive waivers of statutory and
regulatory program requirements regarding the use of annual allocations of
CDBG funds that recipients designate to address the damage. However,
statutory requirements pertaining to nondiscrimination, fair housing, labor
standards, environmental standards, and benefiting of persons of low and
moderate income may not be waived. Additional grants are not available unless
emergency supplemental CDBG funds are appropriated.
APPLICATION: Recipients must submit new or amended Action Plans
regarding the proposed use of funds. HUD will review and respond quickly to
questions about program requirements and requests for waivers.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Office of Block Grant Assistance, CPD,
HUD, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-7000;
Telephone: (202) 708-3587 (use same number for FTS). Local: The CPD
division in the applicable HUD Field Office. Additional information is available
on HUD’s web site, www.hud.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 14.218 Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants
Community Development Block Grants/
States Program
AGENCY: Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD)/Community Planning and Development (CPD)
RECIPIENTS: Localities via States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing
and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities,
principally for low- to moderate- income persons
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Formula grants to States for non-entitlement
communities. Disaster-related assistance is one of numerous areas in which
community development-type activities may be eligible under the CDBG
program. The most appropriate disaster-related use of funds is for long-term
recovery needs, such as: rehabilitating residential and commercial buildings;
homeownership assistance, including down payment assistance and interest rate
subsidies; building new replacement housing; code enforcement; acquiring,
constructing, or reconstructing public facilities and improvements, including
streets, neighborhood centers, and water and sewer facilities; assistance to
disaster-affected businesses for carrying out economic development activities to
create and retain jobs; buying flood-prone properties and making other
mitigation efforts to protect damaged properties from, and reduce the cost of,
future disaster damage; and making relocation payments to displaced people and
businesses, and other activities. Funds may also be used for emergency
response activities, such as debris removal, clearance, and demolition, and
extraordinary increases in the level of public services for disaster victims. States
establish the method for distributing funds, such as providing for set-asides or
allowing flexibility in reordering funding categories in the event of a disaster or
emergency. States may program funds for disaster response and recovery
activities that do not duplicate activities reimbursable by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency or available through the Small Business Administration’s
disaster loan programs. States may also reprogram other unexpended CDBG
funds for those purposes. Citizen participation procedures must be followed;
waivers of this requirement are discouraged, although the process may be
accelerated. At least 70 percent of funds must be used for activities that
principally benefit persons of low and moderate income.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: State governments that have elected to administer CDBG funds
for non-entitled communities. States with designated major disaster areas may
receive waivers of statutory and regulatory program requirements regarding the
use of annual allocations of CDBG funds that States or State grant recipients
designate to address the damage. However, statutory requirements pertaining to
nondiscrimination, fair housing, labor standards, environmental standards, and
benefiting persons of low and moderate income may not be waived. Additional
grants are not available unless emergency supplemental CDBG funds are
appropriated.
APPLICATION: A State must submit a new or amended Action Plan if its
method of distribution changes. HUD will review and respond quickly to
questions about program requirements and requests for waivers.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Office of Block Grant Assistance, CPD,
HUD, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-7000; Telephone: (202)
708-3587 (use same number for FTS). Local: The CPD division in the
applicable HUD Field Office. Additional information is available on HUD’s
web site, www.hud.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State's Program
Community Disaster Loan Program
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, designated for public assistance
PURPOSE: To provide funds to any eligible jurisdiction in a designated disaster
area that has suffered a substantial loss of tax and other revenue. The
jurisdiction must demonstrate a need for financial assistance to perform its
governmental functions.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Loans not to exceed 25 percent of the local
government’s annual operating budget for the fiscal year in which the major
disaster occurs, up to a maximum of $5 million.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: Any local government or other eligible jurisdiction in a
designated disaster area that has demonstrated a substantial tax loss and a need
for financial assistance to perform its governmental functions
APPLICATION: The State’s Governor requests a Presidential declaration of an
emergency or disaster through the FEMA Regional Director. An applicant
should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in
the State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in
applying for assistance. Upon declaration of a major disaster, one may apply for
assistance through the Governor’s authorized representative.
CONTACT: Public Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS, 500
C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202) 646-4262. Additional
information is available on FEMAs website, www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.030 Community Disaster Loans
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training
Program (CCP)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Health and Human Services,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental
Health Services (CMHS).
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States.
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, with a designation for Individual Assistance
(IA) in the affected areas
PURPOSE: To provide crisis counseling services, when required, to victims of
a Presidentially-declared disaster for the purpose of addressing mental health
problems caused or aggravated by the major disaster or its aftermath.
Assistance is short-term in nature and provided at no cost to the disaster victim.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: CCP is designed to provide supplemental funding
to States for technical assistance and training, as well as short-term crisis
counseling services to people affected by the disaster. The CCP is divided into
an Immediate Services Program and a Regular Services Program. The
Immediate Services Program enables the State to respond to the immediate
mental health needs of people affected by the disaster. The Regular Services
Program grant provides up to 9 months of crisis counseling, outreach,
consultation, and education services to people affected by a disaster. Funding
for this program is separate from the Immediate Services Program.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable.
ELIGIBILITY:
Individual
Must be a resident of the designated disaster area or must have been located in
the area at the time the disaster occurred. In addition, the individual must have a
mental health problem that was caused or aggravated by the disaster or its
aftermath, or must benefit from services provided by the program.
State
A needs assessment must show that services are required because of the severity
and magnitude of the disaster; the ability to provide services must exceed State
resources and capability; and a plan and proposed budget for services must be
provided.
APPLICATION: Immediate Services (up to 60 days after declaration):
Application for Federal assistance must be submitted by the State to FEMA no
later than 14 days after the Presidential declaration. Regular Program (up to 9
months of services): Application for Federal assistance must be submitted by
the State to FEMA, along with a copy to CMHS, no later than 60 days after the
Presidential declaration.
CONTACT: Individual Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS,
500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202) 646-4262. Local:
Contact FEMA Regional Office. Additional information is available on
FEMA’s website, www.fema.gov or CMHS’s web site, www.samhsa.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.032 Crisis Counseling
Disaster Assistance: Cora C. Brown Fund
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals.
PURPOSE: To assist disaster victims for unmet disaster-related needs. When
Cora C. Brown of Kansas City, Missouri, died in 1977, she left a portion of her
estate to the Federal Government as a special fund to be used solely for the relief
of human suffering caused by disasters.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Grants to individuals.
ELIGIBILITY: Victims of Presidentially declared major disasters or
emergencies whose disaster-related needs have not or will not be met through
other forms of disaster assistance, insurance, or other means.
APPLICATION: None; FEMA and volunteer agencies identify potential
recipients.
CONTACT: Regional Director for each specific Region
CFDA NUMBER: 97.031 Cora Brown Fund
Disaster Assistance for Older Americans
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Administration
on Aging (AoA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States
PURPOSE: The Older Americans Act (OAA) enables the HHS Administration
on Aging (AoA) to award a limited amount of OAA funds to State Units on
Aging (SUAs) and OAA funded tribal organizations as a reimbursement for
additional expenses incurred in the aftermath of a Presidentially-declared
disaster. These funds covers expenses related to outreach, case management,
counseling, extra meals and food supplies, in-home assistance and clean-up,
emergency transportation and medicines, staff overtime and other gap-filling or
supportive services not available from other resources to help older persons and
their caregivers through an emergency.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: SUAs and OAA funded tribal organizations may
submit a grant application to AoA to request financial assistance to support
services for older persons affected by the disaster in those areas covered by the
Presidential declaration. SUAs and Tribes may use these funds to meet
supportive and social services needs of older persons.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: AoA only awards funds to SUAs or tribal organizations that in
turn, use these funds to assist older persons and their caregivers APPLICATION: SUAs and tribal organizations contact AoA Regional and
Central Office staff for guidance in the grant application process. Individuals
should contact the local Area Agency on Aging or the SUA.
CONTACT: U.S, Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human
Services, Washington, DC 20201; Telephone: (202) 401-4634, Fax: (202) 357-
3555 or the AoA Regional Office assigned to your State. Additional
information is available on AoA’s web site, www.aoa.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 93.044 Special Programs for the Aging - Title III, Part B - Grants
for Supportive Services and Senior Centers
Disaster Assistance: Red Cross Disaster
Services Program
AGENCY: American Red Cross (ARC)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Disaster incident
PURPOSE: To sustain human life, reduce the harsh physical and emotional
distress that prevents those affected by disasters from meeting their own basic
needs, and promote recovery when such relief assistance is not available from
other sources. ARC disaster relief assistance includes emergency mass care and
assistance for individuals with urgent and verified disaster-caused needs.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services.
Emergency Mass Care: Provides individual or congregate temporary
shelter, fixed or mobile feeding operations, and/or the bulk distribution
of emergency relief supplies to disaster victims and workers. This
assistance is provided to people in a disaster-affected area without
identifying specific needs of individuals or families on a case-by-case
basis.
Disaster Welfare Inquiry: Provides locator and communications
services to alleviate the anxiety of the immediate family members of
those affected by disaster where people are displaced and
communications breakdowns exist in the aftermath of disasters.
(3) National VOAD’s web site www.nvoad.org has been designed as a tool
for interaction among disaster response organizations and includes a
number of policy and guidance manuals.
(4) An annual leadership conference draws together State, local, and
national leaders from within the organization with Federal and State
government emergency management personnel and businesses for
networking and training.
(5) A newsletter provides information on member activities and
cooperative opportunities.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: National voluntary organizations, State and local chapters
VOADs and other organizations that demonstrate an active interest in disaster
relief.
APPLICATION: Contact the National VOAD office at the address below.
CONTACT: National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National
VOAD), P.O. Box 151973, Alexandria, VA 22315; Telephone: (703) 339-5596,
Fax: (301) 339-3316; E-mail: amiller@nvoad.org. Additional information is
available on the National VOAD’s web site www.nvoad.org.
CFDA NUMBER: None
Disaster Legal Services
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals.
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, with a designation for Individual Assistance
(IA) in the affected areas
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-13
PURPOSE: To provide free legal advice for victims of a Presidentially declared
disaster through a Memorandum of Understanding between FEMA and the
Young Lawyers’ Division of the American Bar Association.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Free legal advice and referrals; assistance with
insurance claims; counseling on landlord/tenant problems; assistance with home
repair contracts; assistance in consumer protection matters; counseling on
mortgage foreclosure problems; replacement of wills and other important legal
documents; drafting powers of attorney; estate administration; preparation of
guardianships and conservatorships; and referrals to local and State agencies for
additional assistance.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable.
ELIGIBILITY: When the President declares a major disaster in which IA
programs are triggered, legal services and advice are made available to victims
who are unable to secure such services as a result of the disaster.
APPLICATION: No formal application needed. A referral is made when a
victim expresses interest or need during FEMA Registration Intake at (800) 681-
FEMA, TDD: (800) 462-7585, or at a Disaster Recovery Center.
CONTACT: Individual Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS,
500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202) 646-4262. Local:
Contact FEMA Regional Office. Applicants may make inquiries via the FEMA
Disaster Helpline, (800) 525-0321; TDD: (800) 462-7585. Additional
information is available on FEMA’s web site, www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.033 Disaster Legal Services.
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
AGENCY: Department of Commerce (DOC)/Economic Development
Administration (EDA)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Nonprofit Organizations, Indian tribes
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Declaration of a disaster by the President or
other Federal declarations
I-14 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
PURPOSE: To respond to the short- and long-term effects of severe economic
dislocation events on communities
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Categorical project economic adjustment grants
(usually funded from supplemental appropriations) for planning, technical
assistance, revolving loan funds, and infrastructure construction to assist
affected communities in accelerating economic recovery and implementing
strategic actions to reduce the risk of economic damage and loss in commercial
and industrial areas from future disasters
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Applicable cost-share requirements for
economic adjustment assistance are set forth in current EDA regulations for
grant rate eligibility
(13 CFR 301.4).
ELIGIBILITY: An eligible applicant may be a State, city, or other political
subdivisions of a State; or a consortium of political subdivisions, an economic
development district, or a public or private nonprofit organization or association
acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision; an institution of
higher education, or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or an
Indian tribe. Area eligibility requirements, including special area eligibility due
to a disaster declaration, are set forth in EDA’s current regulations and Federal
Funding Opportunity (FFO). More detailed information regarding EDA’s
program procedures, regulations, FFOs, and other requirements are available at
EDA’s web site, www.eda.gov.
CONTACT: Disaster Recovery Coordinator, EDA, DOC, Herbert C. Hoover
Building, Room 7015, Washington, DC 20230; Telephone: (202) 482-6255.
CFDA NUMBER: 11.307 Economic Adjustment Assistance
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
AGENCY: Small Business Administration (SBA)
RECIPIENTS: Small Businesses
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Declaration of a disaster by the President,
Secretary of Agriculture, or SBA
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-15
PURPOSE: To assist small business concerns suffering economic injury as a
result of certain Presidential, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce,
and/or SBA-declared disasters.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Direct loans. Loans for working capital to small
businesses and small agricultural cooperatives to assist them through the disaster
recovery period. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance is
available only to applicants with no credit available elsewhere, i.e., if the
business and its owners cannot provide for their own recovery from nongovernment
sources on reasonable terms and conditions. EIDL amounts are
limited by law to $1,500,000. The actual amount of each loan, up to this
maximum, is limited to the actual economic injury as calculated by SBA that is
not compensated by business interruption insurance or otherwise, and beyond
the ability of the business and/or its owners to provide. The $1,500,000
statutory limit for business loans applies to the combination of physical and
economic injury, and to all disaster loans to a business and its affiliates. If a
business is a major source of employment, SBA has authority to waive the
$1,500,000 statutory limit.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are
eligible. SBA requires borrowers to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance.
Borrowers of all secured loans (economic injury loans over $5,000) must
purchase and maintain full hazard insurance for the life of the loan. Borrowers
whose property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and
maintain flood insurance for the full insurable value of the property for the life
of the loan.
APPLICATION: Pre-application interviews are generally held to acquaint
applicants with the approach to establishing eligibility and what assistance may
be available. Applications are filed with the nearest available SBA disaster
recovery center or by mail. One copy each of SBA Form 5 and Form 1368 is
provided for this purpose. Loans applications and additional information are
also available on line at www.sba.gov/disaster.
CONTACT: Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA, 409 Third Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20416; Telephone: (202) 205–6734.
CFDA NUMBER: 59.002 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
I-16 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Employment: Disaster Unemployment
Assistance Program (DUA)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Labor (DOL). DOL
administers Section 410 of the Stafford Act, working with State Workforce
Agencies to administer DUA.
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States.
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, with a designation for Individual Assistance
(IA) in the affected areas (Note: Presidential declaration may be limited to DUA
only)
PURPOSE: To provide special Federally-funded weekly benefits to workers
and self-employed individuals who are unemployed as a direct result of a
declared major disaster, and who are not eligible for regular Unemployment
Insurance benefits paid by States. (See Unemployment Insurance in Section
Two of this Guide.)
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Payment of DUA weekly benefits and
reemployment assistance services to individuals unemployed as a direct result of
a Presidentially declared major disaster or emergency.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable.
ELIGIBILITY: Disaster victims who have experienced a loss of employment or
self-employment as a direct result of a Presidentially-declared major disaster or
emergency and are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits
paid by States. Individuals must be unable to work at their ongoing employment
or self-employment due to the disaster or must be prevented from commencing
employment or self-employment. This includes both individuals who reside in
the designated disaster area but are unable to reach their place of employment or
self-employment outside of the affected area, and individuals who must travel
through an affected area to their employment or self-employment, but who are
unable to do so as a direct result of the major disaster or emergency.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-17
APPLICATION: Initial applications for DUA must be filed within 30 days after
the date of the State Workforce Agency announcement regarding availability of
DUA unless the applicant has good cause to file after the 30-day deadline. No
application will be considered if filed after the 26th week following the
declaration date. For purposes of DUA, certain South Pacific Island
jurisdictions are considered States.
CONTACT: Individual Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS,
500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202) 646-4262. Federal
Programs, Division of Unemployment Insurance Operations, DOL, 200
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202) 693-3032.
Local: Contact DOL’s Employment and Training Administration or FEMA’s
Regional Office. Additional information is available on FEMA’s web site,
www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.034 Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Employment: Workforce Investment Act,
Title I, National Emergency Grants
AGENCY: Department of Labor (DOL)/Employment and Training
Administration (ETA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To finance the creation of temporary jobs for workers dislocated by
disasters to clean up and recover from the disaster, and to provide employment
assistance to dislocated workers
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Individual: Temporary jobs and/or employment
assistance. Workers employed in disaster recovery are enabled to resume their
regular employment, or, if they are permanently dislocated by the disaster and
unable to find employment, offered retraining and job-search assistance. State:
Grants. Dislocated workers can include some long-term “unemployed workers”
(for 15 of the past 26 weeks) and individuals unemployed as a result of plant
closings and mass layoffs.
I-18 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: Individual: Individuals dislocated by a disaster. State: After a
disaster, a State may apply to DOL for grant funds.
APPLICATION: Individual: Apply at local operations site, usually set up by
the State department of labor. State: See “Contact” information below.
CONTACT: Administrator, Office of National Response, ETA, DOL, 200
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210; Telephone: (202) 693-3500.
Additional information is available on DOLs web site. www.dol.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: None
Farming Operations: Emergency Loans
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Farm Service Agency (FSA)
RECIPIENTS: Businesses
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act; designation by the Secretary of Agriculture
or by administrator (physical losses only)
PURPOSE: To assist established family farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture
operators to obtain loans to cover losses resulting from disasters
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Direct loans and technical assistance. Loan funds
can be used for farm operations and other items necessary to return the disaster
victim’s farming operations to a financially-sound basis as soon as possible, so
that the victim can obtain credit from private sources.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: Established family farmers, ranchers, or aquaculture operators
(either tenant-operator or owner-operator), who were farming at the time a
disaster occurred. An applicant may be an individual proprietorship, a
cooperative, a corporation, or a joint operation. Applicant must: (1) have
incurred substantial crop loss and/or physical property damage as a result of a
designated natural disaster; (2) be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. Supervisory agencies are
able to grant certain administrative regulatory relief to insured institutions. In
general, the agencies provide the following types of regulatory relief:
Lending. The agencies encourage lenders to work constructively with
borrowers in communities affected by major disasters by making
prudent efforts to adjust or alter terms on existing loans. The agencies
in supervising institutions impacted by disasters will take into
consideration the unusual circumstances that victims face.
Reporting. Insured institutions affected by major disasters may be
given an extension of time for filing required quarterly financial reports
or other reports. Causes beyond the control of reporting institutions are
considered in determining the length of acceptable filing delays.
Publishing. Disasters may affect compliance with publishing and other
public notification requirements for branch closings, relocations, and
temporary facilities under various laws and regulations. Insured
institutions that have difficulties in complying with any publishing or
other requirements may be granted appropriate temporary relief.
Appraisals. The agencies have authority to grant waivers of appraisal
regulations for real estate-related transactions affected by disasters.
Consumer Laws. Federal regulations provide customers with certain
options when “bona fide personal financial emergencies” exist.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Federally-insured financial institutions
APPLICATION: No formal application needed. Insured institutions obtain
guidance from the regional or district office of the appropriate supervisory
agency.
CONTACT: For FDIC, FRS, OCC, and OTS, contact regional office. For
NCUA, contact Office of Examination and Insurance, 1775 Duke Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314–3428; Telephone: (703) 518–6360; NCUA Office of
Public and Congressional Affairs: (703) 518-6330. Additional information is
available on FDICs web site, www.fdic.gov.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-21
CFDA NUMBER: None
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Funds are allocated from the President’s
Disaster Relief Fund and made available by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in fighting wildland fires that threaten to
cause a major disaster.
PURPOSE: The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP)
provides assistance to States and local governments for the mitigation,
management, and control of any fire burning on publicly (non-Federal) or
privately owned forest or grassland that threatens such destruction as would
constitute a major disaster.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Fire management assistance grants are
made in the form of cost-sharing grants, 75 percent Federal, 25 percent non-
Federal, for the mitigation, management, and control of any fire on publicly- or
privately-owned forestland or grassland that threatens such destruction as would
constitute a major disaster.
ELIGIBILITY: State governments and Indian Tribal governments are eligible
for fire management assistance grants. The State or Indian Tribal government
may be the Grantee. The Grantee is the government to which a grant is
awarded, and is accountable for the use of funds provided. Other State entities,
Indian Tribal governments, and local governments are eligible to apply for fire
management assistance subgrants through the designated Grantee(s).
APPLICATION: The Governor of a State, or the Governor’s Authorized
Representative, submits a request for a fire management assistance declaration
through FEMA’s Regional Director to the Director of FEMA/Under Secretary of
the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security, while the fire is burning and uncontrolled. Under an
I-22 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
approved fire management assistance declaration, the State or Indian Tribal
government may submit its grant application to FEMA’s Regional Director for
review and approval pursuant to the requirements specified in Title 44 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR) Part 204.
CONTACT: Public Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS, 500
C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202) 646-3642. Additional
information is available on FEMA’s web site, www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.046 Fire Management Assistance Grant
Flood: Post-Flood Response
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DOD)/Department of the Army/U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Requires specific request by a State Governor.
Governor’s request must be simultaneous with or subsequent to the Governor’s
request for a Stafford Act Presidential disaster declaration.
PURPOSE: Post-Flood Response activities are limited to actions to save lives
and protect improved property (e.g., public facilities/services, and residential or
commercial developments) in areas identified in the Governor’s request, and are
limited to major floods, hurricanes, and coastal storms.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services similar to those provided
under Emergency Support Function #3 (Public Works and Engineering)
activities for the Federal Response Plan. Assistance is limited to a maximum of
10 days, or until declaration (or denial) of the Governor’s Stafford Act disaster
request, whichever is earlier.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None. However, public sponsors must
provide lands, easements, and rights-of-way; indemnify the Federal Government
from damages due to authorized work; and satisfactorily maintain any flood
control works involved.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-23
ELIGIBILITY: States and local public agencies in areas identified in the
Governor’s request. Local cooperation is required to provide necessary lands,
easements, and rights-of-way; indemnify the Federal Government from damages
due to authorized work; and satisfactorily maintain any permanent flood control
works involved.
APPLICATION: Governor’s written request
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Commander, USACE, Attn: CECW–HS–E,
DOD, Washington, DC 20314–1000; Telephone: (202) 761–4963. (FTS not
available). Local: Contact the local office of the USACE Division or District
Engineer. Additional information is available on USACE’s web site,
www.usace.army.mil.
CFDA NUMBER: 12.103 Emergency Operations Flood Response and Post Flood
Response
Flood: Rehabilitation of Flood Control Works
or Federally-Authorized Hurricane and Shore
Protection Works
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DOD)/Department of the Army/U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Public sponsors of flood control and shore
protection works that are active in the USACE Rehabilitation and Inspection
Program submit written requests to the appropriate USACE district
PURPOSE: To assist in the repair and restoration of flood control and shore
protection works damaged by flood, extraordinary wind, wave, or water action
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. Rehabilitation of flood
control and shore protection works damaged or destroyed by floods or coastal
storms. Public sponsors must provide lands, easements, and rights-of-way;
indemnify the Federal Government from damages due to authorized work; and
satisfactorily maintain any flood control or shore protection works involved.
I-24 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Assistance is dependent upon there being a favorable benefit-to-cost ratio for the
rehabilitation work.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal projects (i.e., USACEconstructed,
locally operated and maintained projects) are repaired at 100
percent USACE cost. Costs for non-Federal projects are shared 80 percent by
USACE and 20 percent local.
ELIGIBILITY: Public sponsors of flood control and shore protection works that
are active in the USACE Rehabilitation and Inspection Program. Active status
must be in effect before the flood or coastal storm damages the project. Gaining
active status requires USACE inspection of the flood control work.
APPLICATION: Written application is made by letter or by forms used by the
local District Engineer of USACE. Deadline is 30 days after a flood or unusual
coastal storm.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Commander, USACE, Attn: CECW–HS-E,
DOD, Washington, DC 20314-1000. Telephone: (202) 761-4963 (FTS not
available). Local: Contact local office of the USACE Division or District
Engineer. Additional information is available on USACE’s web site,
www.usace.army.mil.
CFDA NUMBER: 12.102 Emergency Rehabilitation of Flood Control Works or
Federally Authorized Coastal Protection Works
Housing: HOME Investment Partnerships
Program
AGENCY: Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD)/Community Planning and Development (CPD)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States and Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide permanent housing for low-income homeowners or
renters in large cities and urban counties
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-25
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Formula grants to participating jurisdictions and
States. Funds can be used for acquisition, new construction, rehabilitation, and
tenant-based rental assistance. Use of funds for disaster recovery activities
should not duplicate activities reimbursable by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency or available through the Small Business Administration
disaster loan programs. HUD will suspend a number of statutory and regulatory
requirements to facilitate the use of funds. The suspended provisions apply to
current fiscal year funds and any prior year unexpended funds.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Matching requirements for the local
jurisdiction and for the State (within the disaster area) may be reduced by 100
percent for the current and following fiscal year.
ELIGIBILITY: Communities and States participating in the HOME Program.
Grantees in designated major disaster areas may receive statutory and regulatory
waivers of program requirements regarding the use of regular HOME funds that
recipients designate to address the damage. Requirements pertaining to
nondiscrimination, fair housing, labor standards, environmental standards, and
low-income housing affordability may not be waived, however. Additional
grants are not available unless emergency supplemental HOME funds are
appropriated.
APPLICATION: HUD will review and respond quickly to questions about
program requirements and requests for waivers. Address questions and requests
to the applicable HUD field office.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Director, Office of Affordable Housing
Programs, CPD, HUD, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-7000;
Telephone:
(202) 708-2685. Local: Contact HUD Field or Regional Office. Additional
information is available on HUD’s web site, www.hud.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 14.239 HOME Investment Partnerships Program
I-26 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Housing: Individuals and Households
Program (IHP)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
RECIPIENTS: Individuals.
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, with a designation for Individual Assistance
(IA) in the affected areas
PURPOSE: To provide supplemental financial assistance and direct services, if
necessary, to eligible individuals and households who, as a result of a major
disaster or emergency, have housing or other needs that cannot be met through
other forms of disaster assistance, insurance, or other means.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Financial payment and/or direct services to
individuals and households for disaster-related housing and other needs, which
cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance, insurance, or other
means.
Housing
Financial payments and/or direct services, when appropriate, may be provided
when there is disaster-related damage to an individual’s dwelling (structural
property) making the dwelling unsafe, unsanitary, and unfit to occupy. Housing
assistance can be used for renting a different place to live and/or
repairing/replacing the damaged dwelling. (Note: FEMA may provide direct
services in the form of manufactured housing units if rental resources are limited
in the disaster area).
Other Needs
Financial payments may be provided when there is disaster-related damage to an
individual’s property (personal property, transportation, etc.) and/or there is a
disaster-created hardship or injury. Other Needs assistance can be used to pay
for repairing/replacing personal property and/or transportation. In addition,
assistance can be used to pay medical, dental and funeral expenses.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Housing: 100% Federal. Other Needs:
Cost-shared 75 % Federal and 25 % non-Federal (State and local).
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-27
ELIGIBILITY: All applicants must sign a declaration stating that they are U.S.
citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens to be considered for IHP
assistance. The Individual and/or Household must also provide proof, when
applicable, that:
• They have a loss in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the
President.
• They have filed for all applicable insurance benefits.
• A member of the household is a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen
national, or a qualified alien.
• Their damaged home in the disaster area is where they usually live and
where they were living at the time of the disaster.
• They cannot live in the home now, they cannot get to their home due to the
disaster, or their home requires repairs because of damage from the disaster.
• They have necessary expenses or serious needs because of the disaster.
• They have accepted assistance from all other sources for which they are
eligible, such as insurance proceeds or SBA loans.
• Other disaster-specific eligibility criteria may also apply.
APPLICATION: Apply through FEMA’s Registration number, 1-800-621-
FEMA (3362)(hearing/speech impaired ONLY—call 1-800-462-7585), within
60 days after the declaration. (The application period may be extended by
FEMA.) Applicant inquiries may be made through the FEMA Disaster
Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY—call 1-
800-462-7585). Appeals of eligibility determinations must be submitted in
writing to FEMA within 60 days of receiving notification of the decision.
CONTACT: Individual Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS,
500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202) 646-4262. Local:
Contact FEMA Regional Office. Additional information is available on
FEMA’s web site, www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBERS:
97.048 Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households: Housing and Other Needs
97.049 Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households: Disaster Housing Operations
97.050 Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households: Other Needs
I-28 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Housing: Mortgage Insurance for Disaster
Victims
AGENCY: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) / Federal
Housing Administration (FHA)
RECIPIENTS: Anyone whose home has been destroyed or severely damaged in
a Presidentially-declared disaster area may apply for a loan.
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: Through Section 203(h), the Federal government helps victims in
Presidentially-designated disaster areas recover by making it easier for them to
get mortgage loans and become homeowners or reestablish themselves as
homeowners.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: This program provides mortgage insurance to
protect lenders against the risk of default on loans to qualified disaster victims.
Individuals are eligible for this program if their homes are located in an area that
was designated by the President as a disaster area and if their homes were
destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is
necessary. Insured loans may be used to finance the purchase or reconstruction
of a one-family home that will be the principal residence of the homeowner.
Like the basic FHA mortgage insurance program it resembles (Section 203(b)
Mortgage Insurance for One- to Four-Family Homes), Section 203(h) offers
features that make homeownership easier:
-- No downpayment is required. The borrower is eligible for 100 percent
financing, including closing costs. Prepaid expenses must be paid by the
borrower in cash or paid through premium pricing by the seller, subject to the 5
percent limitation on seller concessions.
-- FHA mortgage insurance is not free. Mortgagees collect from the borrowers
an up-front insurance premium (which may be financed) at the time of purchase,
as well as monthly premiums that are not financed, but instead are added to the
regular mortgage payment.
-- Some fees are limited. FHA rules impose limits on some of the fees that
lenders may charge in making a loan. For example, the lender’s loan origination
charge for the administrative cost of processing the loan may not exceed one
"point"—that is, one percent of the amount of the mortgage excluding any
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA, 409
Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416; Telephone: (202) 205–6734. Local:
Contact regional SBA Disaster Area Office. Additional information is available
on SBA’s web site, www.sba.gov/disaster.
CFDA NUMBER: 59.008 Physical Disaster Loans
Loans: Physical Disaster Loans (Individual)
AGENCY: Small Business Administration (SBA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Declaration of a disaster by the President or
SBA
PURPOSE: To provide loans to the victims of declared physical-type disasters
for uninsured or uncompensated losses
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Direct loans. Low interest, long-term loans to
homeowners or renters to repair or replace uninsured or uncompensated disasterrelated
damages to real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters
are eligible for their uninsured personal property losses. Loan amounts are
limited by regulations to $200,000 to repair/replace real estate and $40,000 to
repair/replace personal property. The actual amount of each loan, up to these
maximums, is limited to the verified uninsured disaster loss minus any insurance
or other recovery assistance. Refinancing of existing mortgages on homes is
eligible in some cases. The loan amount may also include funds to address such
things as code-required upgrades, mitigation measures, and relocation.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are
eligible. Any insurance proceeds that are required to be applied against
outstanding mortgages do not reduce loan eligibility. However, any insurance
proceeds voluntarily applied to any outstanding mortgages do reduce loan
eligibility. Secondary homes, personal pleasure boats, airplanes, recreational
vehicles, and similar property are not eligible unless used for business purposes.
Property such as antiques and collections are eligible only to the extent of
I-32 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
functional use. Amounts for landscaping, swimming pools, etc., are limited.
SBA requires borrowers to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance.
Borrowers of all secured loans (physical loans over $10,000) must purchase and
maintain full hazard insurance for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose
property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain
flood insurance for the full insurable value of the property for the life of the
loan.
APPLICATION: Whenever feasible, interviews are held with disaster victims
and the program is explained. Assistance on filing of application is provided.
Application is made on a standard form and filed with the nearest available SBA
disaster recovery center or by mail. Only one copy is required. Eligibility to
file terminates 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration, or on the
deadline if extended by DHS/FEMA. Use of SBA disaster loans for relocating
is subject to statutory limitations.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA, 409
Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416; Telephone: (202) 205–6734 (use
same number for FTS). Local: Contact regional SBA Disaster Area Office.
Additional information is available on SBA’s web site, www.sba.gov/disaster .
CFDA NUMBER: 59.008 Physical Disaster Loans
Mental Health Disaster Assistance
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Public Health
Service (PHS)/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Supplemental appropriation by Congress
relating to Presidential declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the
Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide supplemental emergency mental health and substance
abuse counseling and related services not addressed by the Crisis Counseling
Assistance and Training Program (see separate entry) to individuals affected by
major disasters
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-33
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals, via State agency in affected State
APPLICATION: State submits Form 5161-1 in response to a Notice of
Availability of Funds. SAMHSA will distribute funds to eligible States.
CONTACT: Program Contact: Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch,
Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Room
16C-26, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-4735,
Fax (301) 443-8040. Grants Management Contact: SAMHSA, Department of
Health and Human Services, Room 13-103, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-6133. Use the same numbers
for FTS. Regional or Local Office: Contact the Regional Director, Federal
Emergency Management Agency in the appropriate regional office. Additional
information is available on SAMHSA’s web site, www.samhasa.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 93.982 Mental Health Disaster Assistance and Emergency
Mental Health
Mitigation: Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: Localities and Nonprofit Organizations via States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, designated for hazard mitigation assistance
PURPOSE: To prevent future losses of lives and property due to disasters; to
implement State or local hazard mitigation plans; to enable mitigation measures
to be implemented during immediate recovery from a disaster; and to provide
funding for previously identified mitigation measures to benefit the disaster area
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants. Program is administered by States.
I-34 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal, 75 percent; State, 25 percent
cash, in-kind, or combination cash and in-kind non-Federal contributions
ELIGIBILITY: State and local governments; certain private and nonprofit
organizations or institutions; Indian tribes or authorized tribal organizations; and
Alaska Native villages or organizations
APPLICATION: Eligible applicants apply for the program through the State, as
the State administers the program. Applicants are encouraged to contact the
State Hazard Mitigation Officer for details. Each State has a hazard mitigation
administrative plan that explains procedures for administering the HMGP.
When the State requests a disaster declaration, it must also request that HMGP
funding be made available.
CONTACT: Branch Chief, Risk Reduction Branch, Mitigation Division,
FEMA, DHS, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202)
646–2856. Additional information is available on FEMA’s web site,
www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant
Public Assistance Program (PA)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Private-Nonprofit Organizations (PNP) via
States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, designated for public assistance
PURPOSE: To provide supplemental assistance to States, local governments,
and certain private nonprofit organizations to alleviate suffering and hardship
resulting from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants. Grant funds can be used to clear
debris; apply emergency protective measures to preserve life and property in
response to the declared event; and repair or replace damaged structures, such as
buildings, utilities, roads and bridges, water-control facilities, and recreational
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-35
facilities. For insurable structures (primarily buildings) located in identified
Special Flood Hazard areas, assistance from FEMA is reduced by the amount of
insurance that could have been obtained under a standard National Flood
Insurance Program policy (see separate entry). The FEMA Regional Director
approves grants based on applications from eligible applicants. States are
responsible for distributing funds to subgrantees.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal, not less than 75 percent; State
and local governments or PNP organizations, the remainder. Other matching
requirements may be stipulated in the declaration documents.
ELIGIBILITY: State and local governments and any political subdivision of a
State, Indian tribes, and Alaskan Native villages are eligible. Also eligible are
private nonprofit organizations that operate educational, utility, emergency, or
medical facilities, or that provide custodial care or other essential services of
governmental nature to the general public. As a condition of grants under the
Stafford Act, applicants are encouraged to mitigate natural hazards.
APPLICATION: Application for Public Assistance (PA) is made through the
Governor’s Authorized Representative to the FEMA Regional Director in
accordance with FEMA Disaster Assistance Regulations, 44 CFR 206, except as
provided in Part 206.35(d) for emergency declarations involving primarily
Federal responsibility. An applicant should consult the office or official
designated as the point-of-contact in the State for more information. A Request
for Public Assistance is normally submitted by the applicant within 30 days of a
declaration.
CONTACT: Public Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS, 500
C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; or the State Emergency office.
Additional information is available on FEMA’s web site, www.fema.gov/rrr/pa.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.036 Public Assistance Grants
I-36 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Savings Bond Replacement or Redemption
AGENCY: Department of the Treasury/Bureau of the Public Debt (BPD)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To assist disaster victims by expediting replacement or redemption
of U.S. Savings Bonds
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. The Bureau of the Public
Debt will expedite replacement of U.S. Savings Bonds lost or destroyed as a
result of a disaster. It will also waive the minimum 1-year holding period for
Series EE and I Savings Bonds presented to authorized paying agents for
redemption.
Both Series EE and I Savings Bonds are available in paper and electronic form.
For those individuals that hold electronic Series EE or Series I Savings Bonds in
the Treasury Direct system and do not have access to their accounts they should
contact the Office of Investor Services, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third
Street, P.O. Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, (304) 480-7537.
Series EE and Series I Savings Bonds held in paper form may be redeemed at
most financial institutions or Federal Reserve Banks. Application for
replacement of paper Savings Bonds must be made by completing form PD F
1048, available at most financial institutions or the Federal Reserve Banks.
Provide as much information as possible, e.g., how the bonds were registered,
owner’s Social Security Number, approximate dates of issue, bond
denominations, and bond serial numbers. A Notary Public or bank official must
certify the completed form. Please notate the words “Disaster Relief” on the
bottom right hand corner of the envelope. Send the completed form to the
Office of Investor Services, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third Street, P.O.
Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328: Telephone: (304) 480-7537.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: U.S. Savings Bonds owners whose bonds are lost or destroyed
in a declared disaster.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-37
CONTACT: Office of Investor Services, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third
Street, PO Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328; Telephone: (304) 480-
7537. Additional information is available on BPS’s web site,
www.publicdebt.treas.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: None
Tax Refund: Alcohol and Tobacco
AGENCY: Department of the Treasury/Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau (TTB)
RECIPIENTS: Businesses
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide Federal alcohol and tobacco excise tax refunds to
businesses that have lost assets in a disaster
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Businesses in a disaster area holding alcoholic beverages or
tobacco products for wholesale or retail use that were lost or rendered
unmarketable by the disaster, or condemned by an authorized official. Products
lost to theft are not eligible for claim relief. The law does not authorize payment
to claimants indemnified by insurers or other parties for the tax claimed.
APPLICATION: A claim may be filed with TTB for an excise tax refund on
alcohol or tobacco products destroyed or rendered unfit for sale as a result of a
disaster. Use TTB Form 5620.8. Forms and assistance are available from The
National Revenue Center’s and the Bureau’s web site: www.ttb.treas.gov.
CONTACT: National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 8002,
Cincinnati, OH 45202; Telephone: 1-877-882-3277.
CFDA NUMBER: None
I-38 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Taxes: Disaster Assistance Program
AGENCY: Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals and Businesses
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide free tax information and assistance to taxpayers whose
property has been damaged or lost in a federally-declared disaster area.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Advisory and counseling services. IRS
employees are present at most Disaster Recovery Centers to provide free tax
information. Taxpayers are given information about casualty loss deductions
and assisted in determining whether a claim for refund of taxes already paid can
be filed. Individuals have an option to file an amended return for the prior year
to obtain a refund of taxes already paid rather than wait to claim the disaster loss
on the subsequent year’s return. IRS employees provide information to help
taxpayers reconstruct destroyed financial records. Copies or transcripts of
previously filed tax returns will be provided free of charge to taxpayers located
in the Federally-declared disaster area. IRS may postpone tax deadlines to
provide extra time to file and pay before assessing any penalty, additional
amount, or addition to the tax. Interest may be abated for the period of time for
which an extension of time to file tax returns and pay taxes is granted because
the individual or business is located in a Presidentially-declared disaster area.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals or businesses who have incurred damage to or loss
of property as a result of a Federally-declared disaster
APPLICATION: See “Contact” information below.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Internal Revenue Service, Small
Business/Self-Employed Division, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20224; Telephone: (800) 829-1040; Hearing-impaired number: (800) 829-
4059. Local: Contact the applicable Disaster Recovery Center, any IRS office.
Additional information is available on IRS’s web site, www.irs.gov .
CFDA NUMBER: None
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-39
Transportation: Emergency Relief Program
AGENCY: Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA)
RECIPIENTS: Federal Agencies, States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Serious damage to Federal-aid roads or roads
on Federal lands caused by a natural disaster or by catastrophic failure
PURPOSE: To provide aid for the repair of Federal-aid roads and roads on
Federal lands
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Special funding and technical assistance to States
and Federal agencies
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal share is 100 percent for eligible
emergency repairs done within 180 days of the disaster; otherwise, the Federal
share is based on the type of Federal-aid highway that is being repaired. For
Interstate highways, the Federal share is 90 percent; for all other Federal-aid
highways, the Federal share is 80 percent. For roads on Federal lands, the
Federal share is 100 percent for both emergency and permanent repairs.
ELIGIBILITY: State highway/transportation agency or Federal agency
APPLICATION: Application is submitted by the State department of
transportation for damages to Federal-aid highway routes, and by the applicable
Federal agency for damages to roads on Federal lands. Applications are
submitted to FHWA, normally with a damage inspection field report following
the applicant’s initial notification of intent to apply for emergency relief funds.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: For damage to Federal-aid roads:
Director, Office of Program Administration, Telephone: (202) 366-0494 or
(202) 366-4655. For damage on Federal lands: Director, Office of Program
Development, Telephone: (202) 366-9478 or (202) 366-9491, Address:
FHWA, DOT, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. Local:
Contact FHWA Division Offices located in every State, District of Columbia,
and Puerto Rico. Additional information is available on DOT’s web site,
www.fhwa.dot.gov.
I-40 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
CFDA NUMBER: 20.205 Highway Planning and Construction (Federal-Aid
Highway Program)
Water: Emergency Community Water
Assistance Grants (ECWAG)
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Nonprofit Organizations
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: A major disaster or emergency such as, but not
limited to, a drought; earthquake; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; or
chemical spill, leakage, or seepage.
PURPOSE: The objective of the ECWAG program is to assist the residents of
rural areas that have experienced a significant decline in quantity or quality of
water, or in which such a decline is considered imminent to obtain or maintain
adequate quantities of water that meet the standards set by the Safe Drinking
Water Act.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Grants not to exceed $500,000 to address water
sources and $15,000 to address the distribution system may be made to those
eligible entities experiencing insufficient cash flow or lack the resources to
address the emergency.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None, grants may be made up to 100%
of the project cost not to exceed the maximum limitation.
ELIGIBILITY: Grants may be made to public bodies in rural areas and towns
with populations of 10,000 or less, private nonprofit corporations, political
subdivisions of a State, and Indian tribes. The decision of the Rural
Development State office is based on applications received. Projects compete
nationally for available funds under the provisions of the Emergency
Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) program.
APPLICATION: Applicants should consult the official designated as the pointof-
contact in the State for information on application requirements. Standard
application forms furnished by the USDA must be submitted to the appropriate
district office. Applications are reviewed and scored for priority by RUS after
November 1st of each year. Reviews continue as long as funds are available.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-41
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Assistant Administrator, Water and
Environmental Programs, RUS, USDA, Washington, DC 20250-3200;
Telephone: (202) 690-2670. Local: Contact the USDA Rural Development
County, District, or State office. Additional information is available on RUS’s
web site, www.rurdev.usda.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 10.763 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
Watercourse Navigation: Protection, Clearing,
and Straightening Channels
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DOD)/Department of the Army/U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Decision of the appropriate Division
Commander
PURPOSE: To restore channels for purposes of navigation or flood control.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. Work is undertaken as an
emergency measure to clear or remove unreasonable obstructions to navigation
in rivers, harbors, and other waterways or tributaries.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: States, counties/parishes, or responsible local agencies
established under State law with full authority and ability to assume necessary
legal and financial responsibilities.
APPLICATION: State or local government officials should consult the nearest
District Engineer, then send a letter that indicates intent to meet all requirements
for local participation.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Commander, USACE, Attn: CECW–CO,
DOD, Washington, DC 20314–1000; Telephone: (202) 761–8835 (FTS not
available). Local: Contact District Engineer. Additional information is
available on USACE’s web site, www.usace.army.mil.
I-42 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
CFDA NUMBER: 12.109 Protection, Clearing and Straightening Channels
(Section 3, Emergency Dredging Projects)
Watersheds: Emergency Watershed Protection
Program
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Nonprofit Organizations, Businesses,
Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: An emergency is considered to exist when a
watershed is suddenly impaired by floods, fire, drought, or other natural causes
that result in the endangerment of life and property from flood, erosion, or
sediment discharge
PURPOSE: To assist sponsors in implementing emergency recovery measures
to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by a natural disaster that
causes a sudden impairment of a watershed
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: NRCS provides up to 75 percent of the
funds needed to restore the natural function of a watershed. The sponsor pays
the remaining 25 percent, which can be provided by cash or in-kind services.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Technical and financial assistance. The
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program provides funding to project
sponsors for such work as clearing debris from clogged waterways, restoring
vegetation, and stabilizing riverbanks. The measures taken must be
environmentally and economically defensible.
Another option for assistance includes opportunities for landowners to offer to
sell an easement on agricultural land to the Federal Government. The easement
provides permanent restoration of the natural floodplain hydrology as an
alternative to traditional attempts to restore damaged levees, lands, and
structures. The easement lands would be ineligible for future Federal disaster
assistance. NRCS funds 100 percent of the cost of any needed land treatment
practices.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-43
ELIGIBILITY: Owners, managers, and users of public, private, or tribal lands
are eligible for EWP assistance if their watershed area has been damaged by a
natural disaster. Each project, with the exception of a floodplain easement,
requires a sponsor who applies for the assistance. A sponsor can be any legal
subdivision of State or local government, including local officials of city,
county, or State governments; Indian tribes; soil conservation districts; U.S.
Forest Service; and watershed authorities. This program is also available in
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Mariana Islands,
and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands.
APPLICATION: The local NRCS office can provide a sample application.
During or immediately after a natural disaster, the project sponsor contacts the
local NRCS District Conservationist (NRCSDC) or his or her representative to
determine if the repairs/actions needed are eligible under EWP guidelines. If
repairs are eligible, the NRCSDC works with the area office and the NRCS State
Conservationist (NRCSSC) to determine whether funds are available to provide
the needed assistance and to quantify the type and cost of repairs. The sponsor
files an application for assistance with the NRCSSC.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Deputy Chief for Programs, NRCS, USDA,
P.O. Box 2980, Washington, DC 20013; Telephone: (202) 720-4527; Local:
Contact NRCS State Office. Additional information available on NRCS’s
website www.nrcs.usda.gov
CFDA NUMBER: 10.904 Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention
I-44 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Section II:
Disaster-Applicable Recovery
Programs
n addition to the disaster-specific programs summarized in Section I, Federal
agencies may use funds from regular, ongoing programs to support disaster
recovery. Access to these programs depends on a number of factors,
including whether Congress has appropriated funds for the program
(authorization may exist for a program, but Congress generally must appropriate
funds on a fiscal year basis), and agency willingness and ability to divert funds
for disaster purposes. If funds are made available under these regular agency
programs, duplication of benefits must be avoided, especially if disaster-specific
programs authorized for the same purpose exist.
I
Federal agencies are prohibited by law from providing financial assistance to
any victim of a disaster incident (individual, business, or other entity), who
receives financial assistance for the same purpose under any other Federal
program or from insurance. To avoid duplication of benefits, a victim of a
disaster incident must rely first on private insurance, then Federal loans and,
finally, Federal grants. For example, a victim of a disaster incident without
insurance, or without adequate insurance, must first try to obtain a loan to meet
disaster-related needs. If the victim cannot qualify for a loan, or if a loan will
not address all essential needs, then a grant may be provided.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA, 409
Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416; Telephone: (202) 205–6734. Local:
Contact regional SBA Disaster Area Office. Additional information is available
on SBA’s web site, www.sba.gov/disaster.
CFDA NUMBER: 59.008 Physical Disaster Loans
Loans: Physical Disaster Loans (Individual)
AGENCY: Small Business Administration (SBA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Declaration of a disaster by the President or
SBA
PURPOSE: To provide loans to the victims of declared physical-type disasters
for uninsured or uncompensated losses
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Direct loans. Low interest, long-term loans to
homeowners or renters to repair or replace uninsured or uncompensated disasterrelated
damages to real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters
are eligible for their uninsured personal property losses. Loan amounts are
limited by regulations to $200,000 to repair/replace real estate and $40,000 to
repair/replace personal property. The actual amount of each loan, up to these
maximums, is limited to the verified uninsured disaster loss minus any insurance
or other recovery assistance. Refinancing of existing mortgages on homes is
eligible in some cases. The loan amount may also include funds to address such
things as code-required upgrades, mitigation measures, and relocation.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are
eligible. Any insurance proceeds that are required to be applied against
outstanding mortgages do not reduce loan eligibility. However, any insurance
proceeds voluntarily applied to any outstanding mortgages do reduce loan
eligibility. Secondary homes, personal pleasure boats, airplanes, recreational
vehicles, and similar property are not eligible unless used for business purposes.
Property such as antiques and collections are eligible only to the extent of
I-32 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
functional use. Amounts for landscaping, swimming pools, etc., are limited.
SBA requires borrowers to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance.
Borrowers of all secured loans (physical loans over $10,000) must purchase and
maintain full hazard insurance for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose
property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain
flood insurance for the full insurable value of the property for the life of the
loan.
APPLICATION: Whenever feasible, interviews are held with disaster victims
and the program is explained. Assistance on filing of application is provided.
Application is made on a standard form and filed with the nearest available SBA
disaster recovery center or by mail. Only one copy is required. Eligibility to
file terminates 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration, or on the
deadline if extended by DHS/FEMA. Use of SBA disaster loans for relocating
is subject to statutory limitations.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Office of Disaster Assistance, SBA, 409
Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416; Telephone: (202) 205–6734 (use
same number for FTS). Local: Contact regional SBA Disaster Area Office.
Additional information is available on SBA’s web site, www.sba.gov/disaster .
CFDA NUMBER: 59.008 Physical Disaster Loans
Mental Health Disaster Assistance
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Public Health
Service (PHS)/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals via States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Supplemental appropriation by Congress
relating to Presidential declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the
Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide supplemental emergency mental health and substance
abuse counseling and related services not addressed by the Crisis Counseling
Assistance and Training Program (see separate entry) to individuals affected by
major disasters
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-33
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals, via State agency in affected State
APPLICATION: State submits Form 5161-1 in response to a Notice of
Availability of Funds. SAMHSA will distribute funds to eligible States.
CONTACT: Program Contact: Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch,
Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Room
16C-26, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-4735,
Fax (301) 443-8040. Grants Management Contact: SAMHSA, Department of
Health and Human Services, Room 13-103, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-6133. Use the same numbers
for FTS. Regional or Local Office: Contact the Regional Director, Federal
Emergency Management Agency in the appropriate regional office. Additional
information is available on SAMHSA’s web site, www.samhasa.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 93.982 Mental Health Disaster Assistance and Emergency
Mental Health
Mitigation: Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: Localities and Nonprofit Organizations via States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, designated for hazard mitigation assistance
PURPOSE: To prevent future losses of lives and property due to disasters; to
implement State or local hazard mitigation plans; to enable mitigation measures
to be implemented during immediate recovery from a disaster; and to provide
funding for previously identified mitigation measures to benefit the disaster area
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants. Program is administered by States.
I-34 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal, 75 percent; State, 25 percent
cash, in-kind, or combination cash and in-kind non-Federal contributions
ELIGIBILITY: State and local governments; certain private and nonprofit
organizations or institutions; Indian tribes or authorized tribal organizations; and
Alaska Native villages or organizations
APPLICATION: Eligible applicants apply for the program through the State, as
the State administers the program. Applicants are encouraged to contact the
State Hazard Mitigation Officer for details. Each State has a hazard mitigation
administrative plan that explains procedures for administering the HMGP.
When the State requests a disaster declaration, it must also request that HMGP
funding be made available.
CONTACT: Branch Chief, Risk Reduction Branch, Mitigation Division,
FEMA, DHS, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; Telephone: (202)
646–2856. Additional information is available on FEMA’s web site,
www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant
Public Assistance Program (PA)
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Private-Nonprofit Organizations (PNP) via
States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act, designated for public assistance
PURPOSE: To provide supplemental assistance to States, local governments,
and certain private nonprofit organizations to alleviate suffering and hardship
resulting from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Project grants. Grant funds can be used to clear
debris; apply emergency protective measures to preserve life and property in
response to the declared event; and repair or replace damaged structures, such as
buildings, utilities, roads and bridges, water-control facilities, and recreational
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-35
facilities. For insurable structures (primarily buildings) located in identified
Special Flood Hazard areas, assistance from FEMA is reduced by the amount of
insurance that could have been obtained under a standard National Flood
Insurance Program policy (see separate entry). The FEMA Regional Director
approves grants based on applications from eligible applicants. States are
responsible for distributing funds to subgrantees.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal, not less than 75 percent; State
and local governments or PNP organizations, the remainder. Other matching
requirements may be stipulated in the declaration documents.
ELIGIBILITY: State and local governments and any political subdivision of a
State, Indian tribes, and Alaskan Native villages are eligible. Also eligible are
private nonprofit organizations that operate educational, utility, emergency, or
medical facilities, or that provide custodial care or other essential services of
governmental nature to the general public. As a condition of grants under the
Stafford Act, applicants are encouraged to mitigate natural hazards.
APPLICATION: Application for Public Assistance (PA) is made through the
Governor’s Authorized Representative to the FEMA Regional Director in
accordance with FEMA Disaster Assistance Regulations, 44 CFR 206, except as
provided in Part 206.35(d) for emergency declarations involving primarily
Federal responsibility. An applicant should consult the office or official
designated as the point-of-contact in the State for more information. A Request
for Public Assistance is normally submitted by the applicant within 30 days of a
declaration.
CONTACT: Public Assistance Branch, Recovery Division, FEMA, DHS, 500
C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472; or the State Emergency office.
Additional information is available on FEMA’s web site, www.fema.gov/rrr/pa.
CFDA NUMBER: 97.036 Public Assistance Grants
I-36 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Savings Bond Replacement or Redemption
AGENCY: Department of the Treasury/Bureau of the Public Debt (BPD)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To assist disaster victims by expediting replacement or redemption
of U.S. Savings Bonds
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. The Bureau of the Public
Debt will expedite replacement of U.S. Savings Bonds lost or destroyed as a
result of a disaster. It will also waive the minimum 1-year holding period for
Series EE and I Savings Bonds presented to authorized paying agents for
redemption.
Both Series EE and I Savings Bonds are available in paper and electronic form.
For those individuals that hold electronic Series EE or Series I Savings Bonds in
the Treasury Direct system and do not have access to their accounts they should
contact the Office of Investor Services, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third
Street, P.O. Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, (304) 480-7537.
Series EE and Series I Savings Bonds held in paper form may be redeemed at
most financial institutions or Federal Reserve Banks. Application for
replacement of paper Savings Bonds must be made by completing form PD F
1048, available at most financial institutions or the Federal Reserve Banks.
Provide as much information as possible, e.g., how the bonds were registered,
owner’s Social Security Number, approximate dates of issue, bond
denominations, and bond serial numbers. A Notary Public or bank official must
certify the completed form. Please notate the words “Disaster Relief” on the
bottom right hand corner of the envelope. Send the completed form to the
Office of Investor Services, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third Street, P.O.
Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328: Telephone: (304) 480-7537.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: U.S. Savings Bonds owners whose bonds are lost or destroyed
in a declared disaster.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-37
CONTACT: Office of Investor Services, Bureau of the Public Debt, 200 Third
Street, PO Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328; Telephone: (304) 480-
7537. Additional information is available on BPS’s web site,
www.publicdebt.treas.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: None
Tax Refund: Alcohol and Tobacco
AGENCY: Department of the Treasury/Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau (TTB)
RECIPIENTS: Businesses
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide Federal alcohol and tobacco excise tax refunds to
businesses that have lost assets in a disaster
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Businesses in a disaster area holding alcoholic beverages or
tobacco products for wholesale or retail use that were lost or rendered
unmarketable by the disaster, or condemned by an authorized official. Products
lost to theft are not eligible for claim relief. The law does not authorize payment
to claimants indemnified by insurers or other parties for the tax claimed.
APPLICATION: A claim may be filed with TTB for an excise tax refund on
alcohol or tobacco products destroyed or rendered unfit for sale as a result of a
disaster. Use TTB Form 5620.8. Forms and assistance are available from The
National Revenue Center’s and the Bureau’s web site: www.ttb.treas.gov.
CONTACT: National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 8002,
Cincinnati, OH 45202; Telephone: 1-877-882-3277.
CFDA NUMBER: None
I-38 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Taxes: Disaster Assistance Program
AGENCY: Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
RECIPIENTS: Individuals and Businesses
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Presidential declaration of a major disaster or
emergency under the Stafford Act
PURPOSE: To provide free tax information and assistance to taxpayers whose
property has been damaged or lost in a federally-declared disaster area.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Advisory and counseling services. IRS
employees are present at most Disaster Recovery Centers to provide free tax
information. Taxpayers are given information about casualty loss deductions
and assisted in determining whether a claim for refund of taxes already paid can
be filed. Individuals have an option to file an amended return for the prior year
to obtain a refund of taxes already paid rather than wait to claim the disaster loss
on the subsequent year’s return. IRS employees provide information to help
taxpayers reconstruct destroyed financial records. Copies or transcripts of
previously filed tax returns will be provided free of charge to taxpayers located
in the Federally-declared disaster area. IRS may postpone tax deadlines to
provide extra time to file and pay before assessing any penalty, additional
amount, or addition to the tax. Interest may be abated for the period of time for
which an extension of time to file tax returns and pay taxes is granted because
the individual or business is located in a Presidentially-declared disaster area.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Not applicable
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals or businesses who have incurred damage to or loss
of property as a result of a Federally-declared disaster
APPLICATION: See “Contact” information below.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Internal Revenue Service, Small
Business/Self-Employed Division, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20224; Telephone: (800) 829-1040; Hearing-impaired number: (800) 829-
4059. Local: Contact the applicable Disaster Recovery Center, any IRS office.
Additional information is available on IRS’s web site, www.irs.gov .
CFDA NUMBER: None
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-39
Transportation: Emergency Relief Program
AGENCY: Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA)
RECIPIENTS: Federal Agencies, States
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Serious damage to Federal-aid roads or roads
on Federal lands caused by a natural disaster or by catastrophic failure
PURPOSE: To provide aid for the repair of Federal-aid roads and roads on
Federal lands
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Special funding and technical assistance to States
and Federal agencies
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Federal share is 100 percent for eligible
emergency repairs done within 180 days of the disaster; otherwise, the Federal
share is based on the type of Federal-aid highway that is being repaired. For
Interstate highways, the Federal share is 90 percent; for all other Federal-aid
highways, the Federal share is 80 percent. For roads on Federal lands, the
Federal share is 100 percent for both emergency and permanent repairs.
ELIGIBILITY: State highway/transportation agency or Federal agency
APPLICATION: Application is submitted by the State department of
transportation for damages to Federal-aid highway routes, and by the applicable
Federal agency for damages to roads on Federal lands. Applications are
submitted to FHWA, normally with a damage inspection field report following
the applicant’s initial notification of intent to apply for emergency relief funds.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: For damage to Federal-aid roads:
Director, Office of Program Administration, Telephone: (202) 366-0494 or
(202) 366-4655. For damage on Federal lands: Director, Office of Program
Development, Telephone: (202) 366-9478 or (202) 366-9491, Address:
FHWA, DOT, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. Local:
Contact FHWA Division Offices located in every State, District of Columbia,
and Puerto Rico. Additional information is available on DOT’s web site,
www.fhwa.dot.gov.
I-40 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
CFDA NUMBER: 20.205 Highway Planning and Construction (Federal-Aid
Highway Program)
Water: Emergency Community Water
Assistance Grants (ECWAG)
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Nonprofit Organizations
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: A major disaster or emergency such as, but not
limited to, a drought; earthquake; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; or
chemical spill, leakage, or seepage.
PURPOSE: The objective of the ECWAG program is to assist the residents of
rural areas that have experienced a significant decline in quantity or quality of
water, or in which such a decline is considered imminent to obtain or maintain
adequate quantities of water that meet the standards set by the Safe Drinking
Water Act.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Grants not to exceed $500,000 to address water
sources and $15,000 to address the distribution system may be made to those
eligible entities experiencing insufficient cash flow or lack the resources to
address the emergency.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None, grants may be made up to 100%
of the project cost not to exceed the maximum limitation.
ELIGIBILITY: Grants may be made to public bodies in rural areas and towns
with populations of 10,000 or less, private nonprofit corporations, political
subdivisions of a State, and Indian tribes. The decision of the Rural
Development State office is based on applications received. Projects compete
nationally for available funds under the provisions of the Emergency
Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) program.
APPLICATION: Applicants should consult the official designated as the pointof-
contact in the State for information on application requirements. Standard
application forms furnished by the USDA must be submitted to the appropriate
district office. Applications are reviewed and scored for priority by RUS after
November 1st of each year. Reviews continue as long as funds are available.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-41
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Assistant Administrator, Water and
Environmental Programs, RUS, USDA, Washington, DC 20250-3200;
Telephone: (202) 690-2670. Local: Contact the USDA Rural Development
County, District, or State office. Additional information is available on RUS’s
web site, www.rurdev.usda.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 10.763 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
Watercourse Navigation: Protection, Clearing,
and Straightening Channels
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DOD)/Department of the Army/U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: Decision of the appropriate Division
Commander
PURPOSE: To restore channels for purposes of navigation or flood control.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services. Work is undertaken as an
emergency measure to clear or remove unreasonable obstructions to navigation
in rivers, harbors, and other waterways or tributaries.
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
ELIGIBILITY: States, counties/parishes, or responsible local agencies
established under State law with full authority and ability to assume necessary
legal and financial responsibilities.
APPLICATION: State or local government officials should consult the nearest
District Engineer, then send a letter that indicates intent to meet all requirements
for local participation.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Commander, USACE, Attn: CECW–CO,
DOD, Washington, DC 20314–1000; Telephone: (202) 761–8835 (FTS not
available). Local: Contact District Engineer. Additional information is
available on USACE’s web site, www.usace.army.mil.
I-42 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
CFDA NUMBER: 12.109 Protection, Clearing and Straightening Channels
(Section 3, Emergency Dredging Projects)
Watersheds: Emergency Watershed Protection
Program
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities, Nonprofit Organizations, Businesses,
Individuals
ACTIVATING MECHANISM: An emergency is considered to exist when a
watershed is suddenly impaired by floods, fire, drought, or other natural causes
that result in the endangerment of life and property from flood, erosion, or
sediment discharge
PURPOSE: To assist sponsors in implementing emergency recovery measures
to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by a natural disaster that
causes a sudden impairment of a watershed
COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS: NRCS provides up to 75 percent of the
funds needed to restore the natural function of a watershed. The sponsor pays
the remaining 25 percent, which can be provided by cash or in-kind services.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Technical and financial assistance. The
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program provides funding to project
sponsors for such work as clearing debris from clogged waterways, restoring
vegetation, and stabilizing riverbanks. The measures taken must be
environmentally and economically defensible.
Another option for assistance includes opportunities for landowners to offer to
sell an easement on agricultural land to the Federal Government. The easement
provides permanent restoration of the natural floodplain hydrology as an
alternative to traditional attempts to restore damaged levees, lands, and
structures. The easement lands would be ineligible for future Federal disaster
assistance. NRCS funds 100 percent of the cost of any needed land treatment
practices.
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 I-43
ELIGIBILITY: Owners, managers, and users of public, private, or tribal lands
are eligible for EWP assistance if their watershed area has been damaged by a
natural disaster. Each project, with the exception of a floodplain easement,
requires a sponsor who applies for the assistance. A sponsor can be any legal
subdivision of State or local government, including local officials of city,
county, or State governments; Indian tribes; soil conservation districts; U.S.
Forest Service; and watershed authorities. This program is also available in
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Mariana Islands,
and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands.
APPLICATION: The local NRCS office can provide a sample application.
During or immediately after a natural disaster, the project sponsor contacts the
local NRCS District Conservationist (NRCSDC) or his or her representative to
determine if the repairs/actions needed are eligible under EWP guidelines. If
repairs are eligible, the NRCSDC works with the area office and the NRCS State
Conservationist (NRCSSC) to determine whether funds are available to provide
the needed assistance and to quantify the type and cost of repairs. The sponsor
files an application for assistance with the NRCSSC.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Deputy Chief for Programs, NRCS, USDA,
P.O. Box 2980, Washington, DC 20013; Telephone: (202) 720-4527; Local:
Contact NRCS State Office. Additional information available on NRCS’s
website www.nrcs.usda.gov
CFDA NUMBER: 10.904 Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention
I-44 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Section II:
Disaster-Applicable Recovery
Programs
n addition to the disaster-specific programs summarized in Section I, Federal
agencies may use funds from regular, ongoing programs to support disaster
recovery. Access to these programs depends on a number of factors,
including whether Congress has appropriated funds for the program
(authorization may exist for a program, but Congress generally must appropriate
funds on a fiscal year basis), and agency willingness and ability to divert funds
for disaster purposes. If funds are made available under these regular agency
programs, duplication of benefits must be avoided, especially if disaster-specific
programs authorized for the same purpose exist.
I
Federal agencies are prohibited by law from providing financial assistance to
any victim of a disaster incident (individual, business, or other entity), who
receives financial assistance for the same purpose under any other Federal
program or from insurance. To avoid duplication of benefits, a victim of a
disaster incident must rely first on private insurance, then Federal loans and,
finally, Federal grants. For example, a victim of a disaster incident without
insurance, or without adequate insurance, must first try to obtain a loan to meet
disaster-related needs. If the victim cannot qualify for a loan, or if a loan will
not address all essential needs, then a grant may be provided.
Animals: Emergency Haying and Grazing
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Farm Service Agency (FSA)
RECIPIENTS: Businesses, Individuals
PURPOSE: To help livestock producers in approved counties when the growth
and yield of hay and pasture have been substantially reduced because of a
widespread natural disaster
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Authority by the Secretary of Agriculture to
harvest hay or graze cropland or other commercial use of forage devoted to the
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in response to a drought or other similar
emergency.
ELIGIBILITY: All CRP participants in an approved county are eligible to graze
eligible CRP acreage regardless of the degree of production loss suffered by the
individual producer. CRP participants who do not own or lease livestock may
rent or lease the grazing privilege to an eligible livestock producer located in an
approved county.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Emergency and Non-insured Assistance
Programs, FSA, USDA, P.O. Box 2415, Washington, DC 20013; Telephone:
(202) 720-7641. Local: Contact county or State FSA Office. Additional
information is available on FSA’s website, www.fsa.usda.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 10.069 Conservation Reserve Program Acreage
Business and Industrial Loans
AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Rural Development (RD)/Rural
Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
RECIPIENTS: Businesses
PURPOSE: To improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and
employment and to improve the economic climate in rural communities,
including abatement and control of pollution. Objectives are achieved through
II-46 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
bolstering the private sector credit structure with guarantees on quality loans that
will provide lasting community benefits.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Guaranteed loans
ELIGIBILITY: Businesses in cities and towns of fewer than 50,000 residents,
and the immediately adjacent urbanized area.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: Deputy Administrator, Business Programs,
RBS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 5811, Washington, DC
20250-3220; Telephone: (202) 720-7287. Fax: (202) 690-0097. Local: Contact
Rural Development State Office. Additional information is available on RD’s
website, www.rurdev.usda.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 10.768 Business and Industry Loans
Coastal Zone Management Administration
Awards
AGENCY: Department of Commerce (DOC)/National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
RECIPIENTS: States
PURPOSE: To assist States in implementing and enhancing coastal zone
management programs that have been approved by the Secretary of Commerce
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Formula grants. Includes emergency grants that
address unforeseen or disaster-related circumstances (e.g., reduction of marine
debris). Typically funds are provided for this program through emergency
supplemental appropriations for disasters.
ELIGIBILITY: Any coastal State or U.S. Territory whose coastal zone
management program has been approved by the Secretary of Commerce is
eligible. The State or Territorial Governor designates the State/Territorial
agency that applies.
CONTACT: Chief, Coastal Programs Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management, National Ocean Service, NOAA, DOC, 1305 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Telephone: (301) 713-3155 (use same
Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005 II-47
number for FTS). Additional information is available on NOAA’s web site,
www.oceanservice.noaa.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 11.419 Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards
Community Development Block Grants /
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
AGENCY: Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD)/Community Planning and Development (CPD)
RECIPIENTS: Localities via States
PURPOSE: To develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing
and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities,
principally for low- and moderate-income individuals
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Loan guarantees. Entitlement communities can
receive (in the aggregate) loan guarantees equal to five times their HUD
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement amount. Nonentitlement
communities can also receive loan guarantees (in the aggregate)
equal to five times the average grant they have received from their State’s grant
under the CDBG program. (The State must be willing to pledge its CDBG
funds as security for loan guarantees.) The maximum loan repayment period is
20 years. Loan guarantees can be used to finance acquisition of real property;
rehabilitation of housing and publicly owned real property; construction,
reconstruction, or installation of public facilities, related relocation, clearance,
and site improvements; and for economic development activities. At least 70
percent of expenditures of loan proceeds, together with expenditures of grant
funds and program income, must benefit low- and moderate-income individuals.
HUD has no authority to waive statutory requirements for this program.
ELIGIBILITY: In most cases, entitlement and small communities can receive a
loan guarantee provided that HUD has not exceeded its commitment authority
for the year, the proposed use is eligible, the guaranteed loan is adequately
secured, and the community (or State) has not already reached its maximum
guarantee level.
CONTACT: Financial Management Division, Office of Block Grant
Assistance, CPD, HUD, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-7000;
II-48 Disaster Assistance: A Guide to Recovery Programs / September 2005
Telephone: (202) 708-1871. Additional information is available on HUD’s web
site, www.hud.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 14.248 Community Development Block Grants – Section
108 Loan Guarantees
Community Relations Service
AGENCY: Department of Justice (DOJ)/Community Relations Service (CRS)
RECIPIENTS: Federal Agencies, States, Localities, Nonprofit Organizations,
Communities, Groups
PURPOSE: To assist communities in resolving disputes, disagreements, and
difficulties arising from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Specialized services in conflict resolution are
provided by an appropriate agency official to the complainant. At the invitation
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, CRS provides the following
assistance at a disaster: (1) briefings on community-based perspective, linkage
and outreach to ethnic and racial communities; (2) training regarding ethnic and
racial issues; (3) conciliation/mediation of disputes; and (4) diffusion of cultural
and racial tensions.
ELIGIBILITY: Any person; group; community; or Federal, State, or local
governmental unit that seeks to resolve, reduce, or prevent conflicts related to
race, color, or national origin.
CONTACT: Headquarters Office: CRS, DOJ, 600 E Street NW, Suite 6000,
Washington DC 20530; Telephone: (202) 305-2935. Additional information is
available on web site: www.usdoj.gov/crs. Local: Contact CRS Regional
Office. Regional Offices listed on web site.
CFDA NUMBER: 16.200 Community Relations Service
Flood Insurance: Community Assistance
Program, State Support Services Element
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: States
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Community Assistance Program – State Support
Services Element (CAP-SSSE) is to provide, through a State grant mechanism, a
means to ensure that communities participating in the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) are achieving the flood loss reduction objectives of the NFIP.
CAP-SSSE is intended to accomplish this by funding States to provide technical
assistance to NFIP communities and to evaluate community performance in
implementing NFIP floodplain management activities with the goal of building
community and State floodplain management expertise and capability.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Formula grants (cooperative agreements).
Funding is intended to build floodplain management capability at the state level.
States then provide technical assistance to communities participating in the
NFIP.
ELIGIBILITY: States capable of performing floodplain management activities
CONTACT: Community Assistance Section, Risk Assessment Branch,
Mitigation Division, FEMA, DHS 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472;
Telephone: (202) 646-2878. Local: Contact FEMA Regional Office.
Additional information is available on FEMA’s web site, www.fema.gov.
CFDA NUMBER: 83.105 Community Assistance Program-State Support
Services Element
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
RECIPIENTS: States, Localities
Disaster A