From Rep. Farr:
I spent the 4th of July week in Monterey County, with much of my
time
in the Big Sur region monitoring the Basin and Indians fires, meeting
with emergency officials and the region's residents. I continue to do
everything I can to direct as many resources to these fires as possible.
I met with David Paulison, director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, and Gov. Schwarzenegger during that time. I again made the case
that the Central Coast deserves to be recognized as a federal disaster,
which would allow federal funds for home and business owners.
Currently, Presidents Bush has only declared our fires a federal
emergency, which means federal funds are limited to fighting the fires.
I also hope to have Highway 1 open as soon as its safe to do so.
Keeping our communication and transportation routes open will be a key
part in speeding the recovery of the region, both for residents and for
the economy.
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The federal emergency declaration by President Bush on June 28 means
federal aid can be used to supplement state and local response efforts.
The president has not yet declared a federal disaster, a necessary step
to free up federal funds for affected residents and businesses.
Gov. Schwartzenegger has requested that President Bush declare a
federal disaster, and I have joined many colleagues in Congress in
vocally supporting that request. In addition, I have spoken to FEMA
chief Paulison in an effort to move that process along.
Emergency Declaration
The emergency declaration allows federal funds to help state and local
governments.
FEMA will direct other federal agencies and provide 75 percent federal
funding for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property
and public health.
The initial FEMA-administered aid is limited to $5 million. If this
limit is exceeded, the president must report on the nature and extent
of continuing emergency assistance requirements to Congress before
approving further federal aid.
FEMA will also provide direct federal assistance when state and local
governments certify they lack the capability to perform or contract for
the requested work.
Food, water and other consumable commodities.
Other emergency protective measures, including installation of
generators, installation of large plastic sheet roofing and shoring or
demolition of unsafe structures.
Disaster Declaration
President Bush has not yet declared the affected counties a federal
disaster zone. That means federal funds for individuals and businesses
are not yet available.
If a federal disaster is declared, it would open up funding from a
variety of federal programs on a case-by-case basis.
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides assistance for
disaster-affected individuals and families.
FEMA provides rental payments for temporary housing for those whose
homes are uninhabitable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to
three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.
FEMA may also fund grants for home repairs and replacement of essential
household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe
and functional. FEMA also administers grants to replace personal
property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and
other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal,
state and charitable aid programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration may provide low-interest loans
to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans
of up to $200,000 for a primary residence and $1.5 million for business
property may become available.
The Small Business Administration may also provide loans up to $1.5
million for small businesses that have suffered disaster-related cash
flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover. These
loans can be offered in combination with property loss loans, but
cannot exceed a total of $1.5 million.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture can provide loans up to $500,000 for
farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and
property losses.
The Public Assistance Program provides assistance for state and local
governments.
FEMA may provide payment of up to 75 percent of the eligible costs for
repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads,
bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar
publicly owned property.
FEMA also may offer payment of up to 75 percent of the eligible costs
for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken
to save lives and protect property and public health.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program offers additional assistance
programs.
FEMA may offer payment of up to 75 percent of the approved costs for
hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to
prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or
technological disasters.
For Questions or Assistance:
The FEMA Regional Office: 800-621-3362
Rep. Farr District Offices: Salinas (831) 424-2229; Santa Cruz (831)
429-1976; 1-800-340-3277.