SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is working with county emergency managers throughout the state to ensure local governments impacted by the historic spring floods have the necessary documents and paperwork in order to meet the October 19th filing deadline for federal public assistance funding.
In addition to local governments, the disaster declaration also provides reimbursement availability for private non-profit organizations and houses of worship. Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), FEMA provides financial assistance to certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. Additionally, houses of worship owned or operated by PNP organizations can apply for assistance if their facilities suffered damage during the declared flood event.
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“The state is working closely with our local partners to ensure our communities have the information they need to apply for federal funding,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Acting Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “In order for local governments, non-profits and houses of worship to receive reimbursement, the proper paperwork must turned in within 30 days. If you have a question about eligibility, we urge you to contact your county emergency management office today, so you can complete the necessary paperwork before time runs out.”
In the coming days, applicant briefings will be conducted for potential local applicants in the designated counties. These applicant briefings provide an overview of the program requirements and a hands-on session to complete the required application forms.
To apply for assistance, each organization must complete and submit a FEMA Form 90-49, Request for Public Assistance form to IEMA within 30 days of the date of the Presidential declaration. The deadline for this application is October 19. Applicants will also be required to complete and submit a Public Assistance Grant Agreement, Public Assistance Risk Assessment, and FFATA Certification forms to IEMA before grant payments can be made.
Public Assistance (PA) is available in the following counties: Adams, Alexander, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jackson, Jersey, Knox, Madison, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Pike, Randolph, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, St. Clair, Stephenson, Union and Whiteside.
Under the guidelines of the PA program, local jurisdictions can be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of eligible costs. The program can provide funding for debris removal, implementation of emergency protective measures and permanent restoration of infrastructure. The program also encourages protection from future damage by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.
As a reminder, public assistance funding is not for individuals or business owners affected by the flood. The State of Illinois was notified last week that its request for federal assistance to help residents and businesses in 22 counties along the Illinois and Mississippi River recover from flooding was denied. In a letter notifying the state of the denial, FEMA Associate Administrator Jeff Byard said federal officials “determined the impact to individuals and households from this event is not of such severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of Individual Assistance.” This is a statement the State of Illinois passionately denies and thus, the State will appeal the decision of the federal government.
For additional information regarding the flood recovery process, visit www.illinois.gov/2019floods.
