FEMA Programs for California Emergency Disaster

Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings.

Photo of FEMA worker courtesy: disasterrecoverytraining.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Federal Emergency Management has issued a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's Emergency disaster declaration issued for California.

This type of Emergency Declaration is used when the president determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts to save lives and protect property and public health and safety or to avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.

Assistance for the state and affected local governments Can include "as required":

Payment of not less than 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. This aspect of the work is FEMA funded and state administered.

Initial FEMA-administered aid is limited to $5 million. If limit is exceeded, the president reports on the nature and extent of continuing emergency assistance requirements to Congress before approving further federal aid.

How to Apply for Assistance

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

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.