FEMA Updates: New Counties Added Under Declaration, Updated Dollar Totals

Federal disaster assistance to Texas for the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding has been expanded to include 16 counties in Texas for FEMA Public Assistance (PA).

Eleven counties designated for PA, including Bastrop, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Liberty, Navarro, Travis, Willacy and Wilson Counties, already are designated for Individual Assistance in the Nov. 25 disaster declaration. Five additional counties, including Bosque, Hill, Jasper, Newton and Walker Counties, have been approved for PA only.

Local and state government agencies, and certain private nonprofit organizations such as utilities and schools, in PA designated counties may now request supplementary FEMA PA reimbursements for disaster repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other eligible facilities affected in the Oct. 22 to Oct. 31 storms event.

FEMA reimburses a minimum of 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects, which can include debris removal and emergency protective services, such as police overtime for extra work caused from responding to the disaster.

Applicants apply through the state using a one-page Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form alerting FEMA that an applicant will seek assistance from the agency. State Public Assistance personnel will conduct briefings for applicants on how to prepare projects for submission.

FEMA ensures that all projects meet environmental quality standards and gives final approval for all projects. The federal share goes directly to the state, with the applicant paying the remaining 25 percent. The state forwards the federal funds to eligible applicants when documentation is complete.

The Nov. 25 disaster declaration for severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding during Oct. 22-Oct 31 has been amended to designate Bastrop, Bosque, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Hill, Jasper, Liberty, Navarro, Newton, Travis, Walker, Willacy and Wilson Counties for FEMA Public Assistance (PA). Eleven were already designated for Individual Assistance; Bosque, Hill, Jasper, Newton and Walker Counties have been approved for PA only.

Public Assistance reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, such as school districts, 75 percent of the costs of eligible disaster repairs.

Disaster Recovery Centers will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve. The Hays County DRC in San Marcos closes at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 and reopens as an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at 8 a.m. Jan. 4. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) remains available except on Jan. 1.

Homeowners and renters in any designated county can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. TTY users should call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except on Jan. 1. Multilingual operators are available. For a visual explanation, visit: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/112402

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

Individual Assistance Update (as of close of business Dec. 28)

• Total approved registrations: 2,359
• Total Individuals and Households Program grants approved: More than $14.1 million
• 98 percent of inspections requested are complete. For more about inspections, visit What Texans Should Expect after FEMA Registration
• Total U.S. Small Business Administration loan amount approved: $6,289,700

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

All State/FEMA DRCs in Texas will be closed Jan. 1-3 for the New Year holiday. DRCs close at 2 p.m. Dec. 31 and be back to normal operating hours Jan. 4.

The Hays County DRC in San Marcos closes at 6 p.m. Dec. 30, but will transition to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the same location. Disaster survivors can always register or get information via the FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362). Representatives from the SBA will be available at the DLOC to meet individually with residents and business owners to answer their questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program, help them complete their applications and close their approved disaster loans.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit our disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4245, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.