FEMA denies more funds to Texas...

[DreamGypsy]

21. FEMA denies disaster funds for West, Texas. Is that unusual?

From the Christian Science Monitor article FEMA denies disaster funds for West, Texas. Is that unusual?:

FEMA said the agency and the US Small Business Administration have approved more than $7 million in aid and low-interest loans to West residents impacted by the blast, which killed 15 people. FEMA also is paying 75 percent of the costs of debris removal and will reimburse the state and the municipality for the initial emergency response.

While the ruling means that residents won’t get as much assistance as is typically given to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, it isn’t unprecedented. FEMA has turned down that level of assistance for emergencies not stemming from natural disasters before, such as in 2010 when officials denied a request for millions in aid after a gas pipeline explosion in northern California.

Lots of information about the FEMA procedures for disaster assistence is available.

The FEMA disaster declaration for West TX is here Texas Explosion.

What is a Declaration?

Based on the Governor's request, the President may declare that a major disaster or emergency exists, thus activating an array of Federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort. Not all programs, however, are activated for every disaster. The determination of which programs are activated is based on the needs found during damage assessment and any subsequent information that may be discovered.

Some declarations will provide only individual assistance or only public assistance. Hazard mitigation opportunities are assessed in most situations.

News Releases
June 7, 2013
FEMA Working With Plant Explosion Survivors to Identify Unmet Needs
June 4, 2013
FEMA Registration Deadline Two Weeks Away for West, Texas Plant Explosion Survivors
May 30, 2013
WEST, TEXAS FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE TOPS $5 MILLION
May 20, 2013
CONTACT FEMA WITH INSURANCE SETTLEMENT DOCUMENTATION
May 5, 2013
FEMA TRANSITIONAL SHELTERING ASSISTANCE LAUNCHED IN WEST, TEXAS
May 4, 2013
FEMA TEAMS BLANKET WEST, TEXAS NEIGHBORHOODS
May 3, 2013
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER OPENS SATURDAY IN WEST, TEXAS
May 2, 2013
TEXANS URGED TO REGISTER FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
May 1, 2013
President Expands Emergency Declaration for Texas to Include Assistance to Individuals
April 19, 2013
President Declares Emergency for Texas
April 19, 2013
Federal Aid Programs for Emergency Declaration for Texas

The earliest release states:

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s emergency declaration issued for Texas.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

FEMA is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for commonwealth, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by officials. Approved projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

About Public Assistance

The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The grantee (usually the State) determines how the non-Federal share (up to 25%) is split with the subgrantees (eligible applicants).

Yes, the game of politics is being played with the West disaster. Rick Perry is doing the playing.