Federal Disaster Assistance

​​Federal Disaster Assistance

In a catastrophic disaster, and if the state's governor requests, federal resources may be mobilized through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal assistance to state or local governments to pay part of the costs of rebuilding a community's damaged infrastructure. Federal assistance may include funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and public services, repair or replacement of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools. FEMA coordinates with Cal OES to implement the Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

• ​​A joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is conducted by FEMA, Cal OES, and local partners to determine losses and recovery needs.

• The Governor requests federal assistance.

• The President approves the request for federal disaster funding or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks.

• Cal OES holds Applicants' Briefings to provide a general overview of the Public Assistance (PA) program and describe the application process.

• Applicants submit a Request for Public Assistance to Cal OES within 30 days of the date of the declaration.

• Kick-off Meetings for eligible applicants are held with FEMA, Cal OES and the local partner to provide a more detailed review of the program and specific applicant needs.

• The applicant submits a List of Projects to Cal OES.

• Damaged sites are documented using a Subgrant Application (Project Worksheet).

• Eligible Project Worksheets are obligated.

• Funding is disbursed through Cal OES to the applicant as appropriate.

• Applicants are required to provide quarterly status updates for each large project.

• Applicants must submit time extension requests prior to the last approved project deadline.

• Applicants complete construction of their projects and notify Cal OES

• within 60 days of completion of EACH large progect

• within 60 days of completion of ALL small projects

• Cal OES and FEMA complete a closeout of the application.

​DR vs EM Declarations

The Stafford Act provides two types of declaratons, a Major Disaster Declaration (DR) and an Emergency Declaration (EM).

​Available Programs to Applicants

Debris Management

It is important for local governments to be familiar with state and federal eligibility and reasonable costs guidelines. Debris planning allows communities to be better prepared for a disaster by identifying debris collection and disposal sites, identifying potential debris contractors, and preparing debris removal contracts in advance of a disaster.

Environmental/Historic

Provides subject matter expertise with regard to state and federal environmental and historic laws/regulations. It is the responsibility of the applicants to be familiar and comply with theses laws and regulatons.

​Other Federal Agency Assistance