Friday, June 3, 2011
Commissioner Jackson Explains Progress With Disaster Relief
Lawrence County Commissioner Chris Jackson released the following information Friday morning regarding progress being made in providing disaster relief for local residents affected by recent storms.
"Over the past week or so at the request of several concerned citizens, I have been in contact with the federal government regarding assistance for Lawrence County in the aftermath of the recent strong storms that hit our county,” Jackson explained,
“This morning I received word that Lawrence County has been included in the latest disaster declaration which makes our county eligible to receive assistance for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities.
It is my hope that our county will soon be included in the declaration that provides assistance for the citizens which were affected by the storms.”
President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration on May 1, releasing federal funds to assist victims of the April 25-28 storms.
On Thursday, Jackson learned that the declaration had been amended, and that Lawrence County was among the counties added that will now be eligible for Public Assistance monies.
Eligible applicants include State governments, local governments and any other political subdivision of the State, Native American tribes, and Alaska Native Villages.
Certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations may also receive assistance. Eligible PNPs include educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled), and other PNP facilities that provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.
PNPs that provide “critical services” (power, water--including water provided by an irrigation organization or facility, sewer, wastewater treatment, communications, educational services, and emergency medical care) may apply directly to FEMA for a disaster grant.
All other PNPs must first apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a disaster loan. If the PNP is declined for an SBA loan, or the loan does not cover all eligible damages, the applicant may re-apply for FEMA assistance.
Eligible projects fall within the following categories:
*A – Debris removal
*B – Emergency protective measures
*C – Road systems and bridges
*D – water control facilities
*E – Public buildings and contents
*F – Public utilities
*G – Parks, recreation and other
Jackson praised the efforts of local individuals and organizations that assisted those affected by the storms, saying, “Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Joe Baxter, the local Red Cross and all officials who have worked to make sure our county and its people get the assistance they deserve should be commended for their tireless work in this endeavor.
Lawrence County Government will remain committed to helping those affected by these storms get the help they need to start to rebuild what was destroyed."
