FEMA Awards Nearly $3.3 Million to Providence College for COVID Sheltering Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:28:43 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse Providence College for the cost of providing non-congregate medical sheltering for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,284,809 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic university in Providence for the cost of renting hotel rooms to quarantine and/or isolate students between August 2020 and May 2022.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) issued a letter to Providence College authorizing them to conduct non-congregate sheltering (NCS) and support services. The college rented 485 rooms for a total of 555 nights at the Providence Marriott Downtown and Hilton Providence.

The college also provided approximately 20,000 meals for students, as well as facility disinfection, laundry services, and medical/security staffing.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Providence College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $774 million in Public Assistance grants to Rhode Island to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:28

FEMA Awards Nearly $5.5 Million to Rhode Island for COVID Sheltering Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:27:32 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $5.5 Million to Rhode Island for COVID Sheltering Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $5.5 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse it for the cost of providing non-congregate medical sheltering for homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,486,072 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Rhode Island Office of Housing and Community Development for the cost of renting hotel rooms and providing wraparound services to homeless populations at risk of COVID-19 between March and October 2021.

The state rented 963 rooms for 1,869 individuals at 17 hotels statewide, as well as providing services such as transportation, food, laundry, security, cleaning/disinfecting services, and administrative staff expenses.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Rhode Island with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $774 million in Public Assistance grants to Rhode Island to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:27

FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to Boston University for COVID Testing Staff Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:25:00 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to Boston University for COVID Testing Staff Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Boston University for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,132,655 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private research university in Boston for the cost of hiring extra staff and paying existing staff to operate the school’s inhouse testing program between July 2020 and June 2021.

Boston University set up its own testing program that included both collection sites at its three campuses as well as a testing laboratory that was able to process over 5,000 tests per day and deliver results within 24 hours.

To staff the program, the college hired an assistant director for collections site operations, a collection site supervisor, a collection site service specialist, and an inventory control manager, who were part of a team of 23 employees who worked at total of 30,391 hours.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Boston University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:25

FEMA Awards Over $6.1 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID Overtime Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:22:59 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $6.1 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID Overtime Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $6.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of paying overtime for staff to handle increased patient loads during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,136,867 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for the cost of paying overtime to staff between July and December 2022.

The 3,261 staff impacted included licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, houseworkers, ambulatory services representatives, medical administrative secretaries, and executive secretaries who worked a total of 264,088 hours.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist UMass Memorial Health Care with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:22

FEMA Awards Almost $3.5 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Vaccination Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:42:36 +0000

FEMA Awards Almost $3.5 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Vaccination Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $3.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of providing vaccinations to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,494,771 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the cost of contracting to operate a statewide network of mobile vaccination sites between June and December 2022.

The contractor operated at 285 locations around the state and provided 73,455 vaccinations to individuals who met certain eligibility criteria. Services provided included screening patients, administering the vaccine, vaccine storage compliance, documenting procedures, and personal protective equipment protocol compliance.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 19:42

FEMA Awards Nearly $37 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Administrative Costs

adrien.urbani — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:10:50 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $37 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Administrative Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $37 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for some of the administrative costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will receive a total of $36,547,871 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the cost of administering grants FEMA provided to the commonwealth for such expenses as COVID vaccinations and testing, non-congregate sheltering, and providing meals to vulnerable populations.

The direct and indirect administrative costs of activities included tracking, charging, and accounting for items related to eligible projects for this incident. The administrative costs are calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 11/22/2023 - 19:10

FEMA Awards Nearly $12 Million to Meriden for Flood Control Project

adrien.urbani — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:58:13 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $12 Million to Meriden for Flood Control Project

In the two years since President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FEMA has taken significant steps boost the nation’s resiliency, including infusing extra money into existing grant programs and new initiatives to reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs.

In Region 1, this includes almost $12 million in grant funding to the City of Meriden to help address repetitive flooding problems along Harbor Brook in the downtown area.

The $11,645,250 in Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants will fund improvements along an 1,800-foot stretch of Harbor Brook from Cooper Street to the Amtrak railroad tracks near Colony Street. The project includes channel realignment and profile adjustment, removing two undersized bridges to remove flow constrictions, floodproofing three buildings, creating riparian floodplain and wildlife habitat, modifications and relocations of impacted utilities, and the installation of a waterfront trail system.

The grants amount to roughly 79 percent of the total $14,727,000 price tag for this project, which will be funded through the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). Part of the funding will go to the City of Meriden to pay for staff costs associated with managing the project over several years.

This project is part of the city’s larger floodplain management plan for the area that also includes the demolition of the former Castle Bank at 100 Hanover St. and a former powerhouse located at 104 Butler St., both city-owned properties, to help restore the floodplain.

“FEMA is extremely pleased to assist Meriden in their efforts to reduce flooding damage,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Studies have shown that every dollar spent on mitigation saves roughly $6 in future disaster losses, so grants like this one are smart investments that pay off in the long run and help keep our communities safe.”

This project is a Justice40 project providing benefit to a disadvantaged community across one or more of the following seven areas: climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure. President Biden announced the Justice40 initiative, mandating that at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal investments must flow to disadvantaged communities, in January 2021.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants programs are an important source of funding for states and communities seeking long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future.

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/17/2023 - 16:58

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Vermont Disaster Declaration

luther.wills-dudich — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:20:28 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Vermont Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Vermont by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for debris removal undertaken in Vermont as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 7-21, 2023.

The President authorized the federal cost-share to be increased from 75% to 100% for a 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period. The major disaster declaration made federal funding available for public assistance, individual assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and other needs assistance for total eligible costs.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 11/14/2023 - 22:20

FEMA Awards Over $2.2 Million to Boston College for COVID Testing Staff Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:31:31 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $2.2 Million to Boston College for COVID Testing Staff Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Boston College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,222,370 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill for the cost of hiring extra staff and paying existing staff to operate the school’s inhouse testing program between July 2020 and June 2021.

Boston College set up its own testing program that included both collection sites at its three campuses as well as a testing laboratory that was able to process over 5,000 tests per day and deliver results within 24 hours.

To staff the laboratory, the college hired a lab technologist, lab technician, lab supervisor & assistant director, lab manager, senior lab technologist, and bio automation specialist & lab manager, who were part of a team of 54 employees who worked at total of 64,098 regular hours and 453 overtime hours.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Boston College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/14/2023 - 20:31

FEMA Awards Over $5.6 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Overtime Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:26:57 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $5.6 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Overtime Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.6 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of overtime paid to state health employees engaged in critical functions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,651,435 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the cost of having a total of 974 staff work overtime to manage the response to the pandemic between March and September 2020.

That included providing a chief medical officer at the state’s emergency operation center to manage the disaster, as well as staff to provide dissemination of information to the public to provide warnings and guidance; provide direct care for COVID-19 patients; perform increased security functions required for additional personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; and to perform increased disinfection tasks.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health provided staff for increased laboratory activity to process 102,258 COVID-19 tests. Among the staff positions impacted were epidemiologists, janitors, laboratory technicians, licensed practical nurses, microbiologists, nurse practitioners, nursing assistants, registered nurses, and respiratory therapy technicians who worked a total of 110,955 overtime hours.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/14/2023 - 20:26

Application Deadline Passes but FEMA is Still Here to Help Vermonters

kwei.nwaogu — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:10:13 +0000

Application Deadline Passes but FEMA is Still Here to Help Vermonters

The October 31 deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance has passed, but that does not mean FEMA is leaving. FEMA will continue working with Vermont Emergency Management to help survivors and communities recover.

If you applied for FEMA assistance due to damage from the July 7-21 storms, FEMA encourages you to keep in touch.

By staying in touch, you can track the progress of your case, notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

To reach FEMA:

Call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide referrals to resources. Language translation is available; if you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.
Download the FEMA App.
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
- To create an account:
  - Select “Check Status” on the home page or from the “Get Assistance” menu.
  - Click “Continue” to go to login.gov.
  - Click “Create Account.”
  - Enter your email address, select your language, check the box to indicate you’ve read the Rules of Use, then click “Submit.”
  - You will receive a confirmation email from no-reply@login.gov. When you receive it, click the link, and follow the instructions.

The deadline to apply for a long-term, low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration has also passed. However, you may still apply online at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov. To request a paper application, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. To access telecommunications relay services, dial 7-1-1 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

As of November 9, 2023, FEMA and our partners have approved more than $84.2 million in assistance for Vermont storm survivors:

FEMA has approved more than $23.2 million for households and individuals.
SBA has approved more than $26.7million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid $34.3 million in claims for policyholders.
More than 3,958 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the nine designated counties to receive information and advice for their recovery.
Disaster Survivor Assistance teams visited more than 19,465 homes and talked to more than 12,587 residents about how FEMA can help them recover, answered questions, and helped them apply.

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 11/13/2023 - 15:10

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Essex County, Massachusetts

adrien.urbani — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:14:24 +0000

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Essex County, Massachusetts

Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Essex County, Massachusetts. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can raise questions or concerns about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

The 90-day appeal and comment periods began on October 24, 2023. The affected communities for this appeal period in Essex County, Massachusetts are the City of Amesbury, the City of Lawrence, the City of Methuen and the Town of Salisbury. They are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register in addition to other communities in Essex County, Massachusetts that have already begun their appeal period.

Residents may submit an appeal if they think modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites:

For more information about the flood maps, please contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

adrien.urbani Wed, 11/08/2023 - 18:14

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

adrien.urbani — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:09:53 +0000

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The 90-day appeal and comment periods began on October 25, 2023. The affected communities in Merrimack County, New Hampshire are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register.

Residents may submit an appeal if they think modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites:

For more information about the flood maps, please contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

adrien.urbani Wed, 11/08/2023 - 18:09

FEMA Awards Nearly $23 Million to Vermont for COVID Testing Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 22:34:29 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $23 Million to Vermont for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $23 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse it for the cost of providing testing to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $22,865,291 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Vermont Agency of Human Services for the cost of purchasing and distributing 2,679,928 COVID-19 antigen tests between October 2021 and July 2022, as well as other associated costs such as card readers and freight charges.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Vermont with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided almost $549 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/07/2023 - 22:34

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.6 Million to Anna Maria College for COVID Testing Costs

adrien.urbani — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:51:49 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.6 Million to Anna Maria College for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.6 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Anna Maria College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,593,306 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic college in Paxton for the cost of setting up and operating a testing center on campus between January 2020 and May 2022.

Using both its own employees and contracted labor, Anna Maria College opened and operated an on-campus testing center that administered 62,987 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty, and staff.

The college also purchased and distributed 1,620 COVID-19 antigen rapid self-tests, and provided gloves, masks, gowns, thermometers, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer for its testing activities.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Anna Maria College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:51

FEMA Awards Over $5.1 Million to Babson College for COVID Testing Costs

adrien.urbani — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:50:29 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $5.1 Million to Babson College for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Babson College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,120,936 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private business school in Wellesley for the cost of purchasing at-home test kits and providing on-campus testing between July 2020 and June 2022, as well as other associated costs.

Using both its own employees and contracted labor, Babson opened and operating an on-campus testing center that administered 193,195 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty, staff, visitors and vendors.

The college also purchased and distributed 5,776 COVID-19 antigen rapid self-tests, and provided provide gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, fit test kits, thermometers, test tube labels, plexiglass, stanchions, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer for its testing activities.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Babson College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:50

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Tufts Medical Center for COVID Staffing

adrien.urbani — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:48:58 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Tufts Medical Center for COVID Staffing

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Tufts Medical Center for the cost of providing temporary clinical staffing to care for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.

The $4,006,882 grant will reimburse the teaching hospital in Boston affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine for the cost of hiring temporary staff to accommodate the surge of COVID-19 patients and to fulfill the need for additional healthcare providers.

Between July and October 2022, 59 registered nurses worked 28,421 hours to provide care for COVID-19 patients, including testing, treatment, triage and daily temperature checks, increased monitoring visits, checking venting and feeding tubes, continued disinfection of patient rooms, and providing supportive care for COVID-19 complications.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Tufts Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:48

FEMA Awards Over $2.4 Million to Boston Children’s Hospital for COVID Protective Gear

adrien.urbani — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:01:53 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $2.4 Million to Boston Children’s Hospital for COVID Protective Gear

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Boston Children’s Hospital for the cost of purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.

The $2,455,200 grant will reimburse the pediatric research hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School for the cost of purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect staff and patients and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Between March and May 2020, Boston Children’s purchased disposable masks, face shields, children’s masks, isolation gowns, and eye shields.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Boston Children’s Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 16:01

FEMA Awards Over $3.8 Million to Northeastern University for COVID Testing Costs

adrien.urbani — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:59:03 +0000

FEMA Awards Over $3.8 Million to Northeastern University for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Northeastern University for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,835,599 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private research university in Boston for the cost of services required to provide testing at its Boston and Burlington-based campuses between February 2020 and October 2021.

Northeastern contracted for administrative staff, medical professionals, specially trained scientists, and laboratory technicians; for technology services for secure scheduling, data transfer, data analysis, reporting, and testing results; for documentation management to ensure the privacy of medical records; for stand-by interpretation services for those with limited English proficiency; and for transportation services for viral samples.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Northeastern University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 15:59

Barre Disaster Recovery Center to Close November 9

kwei.nwaogu — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:52:05 +0000

Barre Disaster Recovery Center to Close November 9

The Barre Disaster Recovery Center will close permanently at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 9.

The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed Saturday and Sunday) at:

Alumni Hall Building
Third Floor
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Vermonters can visit the center to get in-person help regarding disaster assistance. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to help upload documents, answer questions and guide you through the appeals process.

You can get help without visiting the center: go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Language translation is available; if you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 11/01/2023 - 15:52

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.6 Million to Connecticut for COVID Overtime Costs

adrien.urbani — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:51:35 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.6 Million to Connecticut for COVID Overtime Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.6 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for the cost of paying overtime to public safety staff during the pandemic.

A Public Assistance grant of $3,590,225 will go to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection (CTDESPP) for the cost of paying employees overtime to staff the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) between March 2020 and June 2022.

439 CTDESPP employees worked a total of 27,893 hours of overtime in the identification, coordination, scheduling and deployment of available resources across the state to implement mitigation, preparedness and response measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided over $906 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 10/31/2023 - 15:51

Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance

kwei.nwaogu — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:51:56 +0000

Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Today is the final day for Vermont residents affected by July’s severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides to apply for FEMA assistance.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. tonight, October 31.

If you had storm-related expenses and live or own a business in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor County, FEMA assistance can provide grants and U.S. Small Business Administration loans to help cover housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

To apply in person, visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Barre, where FEMA specialists can answer questions, help upload documents and refer you to resources. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. It is located at:

Alumni Hall Building, Third Floor
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

The center will close permanently at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 9.

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 10/31/2023 - 12:51

FEMA Awards More Than $26 Million to New Hampshire Entities for COVID Costs

adrien.urbani — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:27:31 +0000

FEMA Awards More Than $26 Million to New Hampshire Entities for COVID Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending over $26 million to the State of New Hampshire and Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital to reimburse them for costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One Public Assistance grant of $24,410,106 will go to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for the cost of staffing a network vaccination sites for the public.

The state contracted with On-Site Medical Services for personnel to run 5 fixed and 93 mobile vaccine sites state-wide, which provided distribution and administration of vaccinations to approximately 36,727 homebound individuals, school staff, and other vulnerable individuals. The cost of the vaccines was not included.

A second Public Assistance grant will provide $1,770,931 in federal funding to Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital for the cost of setting up a testing system for the Hanover-based hospital’s staff and patients, part of the Dartmouth Health system.

Mary Hitchcock purchased just over 30,000 antigen test kits as well as equipment for processing the tests inhouse. The hospital also contracted Cronin and Company for the creation and dissemination of various public service announcements regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of New Hampshire and Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $286 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:27

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to New Hampshire for COVID Warehouse Costs

adrien.urbani — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:25:41 +0000

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to New Hampshire for COVID Warehouse Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.4 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse it for the costs of renting and operating warehouse space during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Public Assistance grant of $1,388,922 will go to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for the cost of renting and operating warehouse space to stockpile and distribute vaccines, testing kits and other supplies used to protect the public between April 2020 and July 2022.

The costs also included a large capacity refrigerator, one-gallon pumps, 6-yard waste management containers and removal service, inventory management software, coolers, printer toner, and work stools.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $286 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:25

FEMA Awards More Than $18 Million to Connecticut Entities for COVID Costs

adrien.urbani — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:08:03 +0000

FEMA Awards More Than $18 Million to Connecticut Entities for COVID Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending over $26 million to the State of Connecticut and two hospitals to reimburse them for costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two Public Assistance grants totaling $6,684,642 will go to the Connecticut Department of Housing for the cost of providing non-congregate sheltering to homeless populations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The department contracted with Hartford Airport Hotel LLC (Best Western - Hartford) to rent one hundred twenty hotel rooms; Milford Enterprises, LLC (Motel 6 - Milford) to make twenty-six of the units in the facility available; and the non-profits Pacific House Inc. and United Way of Connecticut Inc to provide shelter to high-risk individuals. Most hotel rates averaged between $60 and $70 a night.

A Public Assistance grant of $8,836,995 will provide federal funding to the Connecticut Department of Public Health for contracting to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the general public.

The department contracted with SEMA4 OpCo (Mount Sinai Genonomics) to provide registration, testing and results for 93,021 tests at a cost of $95 per test.

In Danbury, a Public Assistance grant of $1,487,573 will reimburse Danbury Hospital for the additional costs of operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including purchasing cleaning and disinfection supplies and medical supplies specific to providing care to COVID-19 patients.

Finally, in Torrington a $1,080,100 Public Assistance grant will go to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital for the cost of setting up temporary space adjacent to the 109-bed, general acute care community hospital to cope with the surge of COVID-19 patients.

The hospital rented equipment and contracted services to build the space, which included generators an emergency department triage site, trailers, portable toilets, signage, heaters, electrical work in the parking lot to install a temporary CAT scan, and security services.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of Connecticut and these two hospitals with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $906 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:08