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What is Public Assistance?
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COVID-19 Public Assistance (PA) Grant Application Deadlines:
- Request for Public Assistance (RPA) were due as of July 1, 2022.
- Applicants were to submit RPAs through FEMA’s Grants Portal system.
- Federal grant cost-share under the PA program decreased from 100% to 90% for any projects with work completed on or after July 1, 2022.
- 100% Funding: FEMA applied 100% federal funding to all eligible COVID-19 costs for work performed and items used from the beginning of the incident period through 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 2022
- 90% Funding: In Section 311 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Congress directed the federal share of assistance for the COVID-19 disaster declarations to be at least 90%. FEMA applied the 90% federal cost-share to funding for all eligible costs for work performed and items used on or after July 1, 2022. This includes any P.P.E. or other supplies purchased for a 60-day time.
- Project applications and all supporting backup documentation for work completed between January 20, 2020 to July 1, 2022 are due to FEMA no later than December 21, 2022. All backup documentation should be uploaded into the FEMA Grants Portal, per project.
If you have any questions, please contact your FEMA Program Delivery Manager (PDMG) or reach out to Stacy Massaconi, DEMA State Public Assistance Officer (SPAO) (Stacy.Massaconi@delaware.gov).
F.A.Q.: Non-COVID PA Grant Cost-Share Changed:
What Happens Next?
On March 15, President Biden signed "H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022" into law, which granted a minimum 90% federal cost-share for any emergency or major disaster declarations with an incident period between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the new 90/10 cost-share adjustment, "the enacted law authorized an increase to the standard 75% federal cost-share to at least 90% for Public Assistance (PA), the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and specified Individual Assistance (IA) programs authorized under emergency and major disaster declarations."
In Delaware, DR-4566 Tropical Storm Isaias and DR-4627 Remnants of Hurricane Ida are both within the associated timeframe for the increased cost-share. Therefore, the increased federal cost-share directly benefits applicants with projects in all phases, including those that have already been obligated and those still in project formulation and will be obligated in the future.
1. Process: Applicants do not need to request the change to increase their cost-share: this process was initiated automatically in the FEMA Grants Portal for all affected projects. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) PA team is verifying all applicant projects affected by the additional grant funding increase were accurately adjusted.
2. Agreements: Those applicants with increased obligated project awards will be contacted to sign amended or initial Public Assistance Sub-Recipient Award Acceptance Agreement letters acknowledging the increase in funding. Once the administrative process is complete, DEMA PA staff will work diligently to coordinate awarding the additional PA grant funding.
3. Timeline: Our team is working on updating all award letters and agreements affected by this change, and it will likely be the end of August before you will see the effects of the increased cost-share for your grants.
PA Resources (All disasters):
For more information and questions about this new PA guidance, please contact DEMA State Public Assistance Officer (SPAO) Stacy Massaconi at Stacy.Massaconi@delaware.gov.
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Air Disinfection under FEMA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Safe Opening and Operation Policy (O&O Policy).
On June 13, 2022, FEMA issued clarification regarding the eligibility of Air Disinfection under FEMA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Safe Opening and Operation Policy (O&O Policy).
Specifically, based on information regarding the spread of COVID-19 that continues to be disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). FEMA is clarifying that air disinfection may be eligible in limited circumstances in accordance with the O&O Policy under the category of cleaning and disinfecting. This clarification applies to the effective dates in the O&O Policy, which is retroactive to the beginning of the incident period.
In certain circumstances, the updated guidance allows for different forms of ventilation and air disinfection, including Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI). In general, these measures had previously been considered to be not eligible. Therefore, the region’s disaster teams will work with State Public Assistance staff to identify applicants that may be impacted by the new guidance. As necessary, previous project claims will be re-instated if they are determined to now be eligible.
For more information on Safe Opening and Operation Work Eligible for Public Assistance please click Here. Additional information can be found in the memorandum Here.
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FEMA PA Grants: Test-to-Treat Guidance for COVID-19
The Test-to-Treat initiative, released as part of the White House updated National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, makes it easier for people at high risk of severe disease to quickly access COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments. FEMA will continue to support the fight against COVID-19 by offering funding through the Public Assistance Program to state, local, tribal nation, and territorial (SLTT) government entities for eligible costs related to Test-to-Treat sites. These Test-to-Treat sites will offer rapid COVID-19 testing, an assessment from a medical provider, and prescription and administration of oral antiviral treatments, if medically appropriate. In some cases, the sites may also offer vaccinations. Test-to-Treat sites will provide all of these services and treatments at no cost to individuals.
FEMA will offer Public Assistance grant funding to applicable SLTTs and eligible private nonprofit medical care providers for activities conducted at Test-to-Treat sites that are eligible for reimbursement under the PA program. As a condition of receiving this financial assistance, potential Applicants must comply with all of the equity requirements detailed in FEMA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Medical Care Eligible for Public Assistance (Interim) policy.
The process to potentially receive PA reimbursement funding for Test-to-Treat sites is the same process used for all other COVID-19 work and costs under the PA program for the COVID-19 disaster. (For example, period of performance dates and cost-share percentages are no different for test-to-treat sites under Category B for emergency work, than for previous eligible work performed under the COVID-19 PA program and disaster). All applicants must be legally responsible for the emergency work they are conducting and applying for reimbursement. FEMA’s policies, fact sheets, and guidance documents for COVID-19 PA grants are available here. Please download the entire FEMA fact sheet to learn more about the eligibility under FEMA PA grants for work considered eligible as part of the Test-to-Treat sites initiative.
For more information and questions about this new PA guidance, please contact DEMA State Public Assistance Officer (SPAO) Stacy Massaconi at Stacy.Massaconi@delaware.gov.
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The Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD)
is the state counterpart to, and a member in good standing of, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The DEVOAD serves as an umbrella organization to encourage collaboration, communication, and cooperation of volunteer organizations in response to State disasters. Contact Delaware VOAD State Chair, Toby French, at delawarevoad@gmail.com for further information or questions.
Volunteers Needed:
Forty-one properties in our communities still need assistance. If you or your organization wishes to volunteer please email Vice Chair, Marty Brett, at mbrett5@verizon.net and DEVOAD will arrange work to fit the skills and number of volunteers available.
Type Of Work:
- Yard and alley cleanup with debris removal
- Removal of drywall, insulation, and carpets
- Replacing molding and base boards
- Inspection of properties for mold
- Cleaning of mold affected areas
- Spray to remediate mold (inquire for training)
What You Need:
Long pants, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses. Depending on the work, heavy work gloves and respirator mask (P100 Recommended) may also be needed.
Please see all other volunteer opportunities: Here
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New Castle County
When: Aug 22 starting at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Cornerstone Ministries International: 116 Mario Drive, Bear, DE 19701
Register in advance: Here
When: Aug 24 starting at 11:00 a.m.
Where: The Flats: 525 N Union St, Wilmington, DE 19805
Register in advance: Here
When: Aug 26 starting at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Ezion Fair Church: 1400 B St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Register in advance: Here
Kent County
When: Aug 19 starting at 8:30 a.m.
Where: TAC Assembly: 16 E Mt Vernon St, Smyrna, DE 19977
Register in advance: Here
Sussex County
When: Sep 07 starting at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Greenwood United Methodist Church: 101 West Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19950
Register in advance: Here
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National Adaptation Forum
October 25-27
Online Program Available
Register Early: Here
The National Adaptation Forum was created by a diverse group of professional adaptation practitioners from the private and public sectors concerned about the need to anticipate and prepare for the impacts of climate change. It represents a collective effort to enhance the resilience of the Nation’s communities, natural systems and economy in the face of a changing climate, through open participation from actors across the country.
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The 2022 Coastal & Island Symposium
November 10-11, 2022
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. ET
Register: Here
This symposium is designed for practitioners to learn more about the challenges of coastal & island environments and share the tools, stories, challenges they face as practitioners in the coastal and island environment. High water tables, flooding, lack of elevation, difficulty in acquiring traditional materials, variations in soil type, and other issues play a critical role in the types and ways tools should be applied and practiced. Participants will hear from other experts around the country on watershed and stormwater issues while connecting with experts in the field.
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Addressing Equity through Hazard Mitigation Planning
September 21, 2022
11:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. ET
Register: Here
Considering equity in emergency management and hazard mitigation is an important goal. The most at-risk members of our community often experience the greatest losses from disasters. A “Whole Community” approach to hazard mitigation includes incorporating the considerations of these populations into the hazard mitigation planning and project development process. This webinar will make the connection between equitable planning and inclusive project development and the community outreach that goes into making this possible.
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Utilizing University Partnerships in Hazard Mitigation Planning
November 16, 2022
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. ET
Register: Here
Universities possess unique data and the opportunity to research important topics to hazard mitigation, including development changes, ongoing mitigation efforts, and the impacts of natural hazards. This webinar will explore how to maximize the opportunity for collaboration between jurisdictions and higher education institutes when drafting Hazard Mitigation Plans.
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Ready Seniors Virtual Workshops
August 23 – 24
9:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (English)
Register: Here
August 30 – 31
9:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (Spanish)
Register: Here
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Many older adults depend on community service providers for necessities and psychosocial support. However, these crucial services may be disrupted during disaster, impacting seniors in your community. Please join FEMA Region 2 and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for virtual Ready Seniors Workshops in English and Spanish. This workshop prepares Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and other organizations that provide critical support services to senior citizens.
Who should attend? Emergency planners for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior community centers, senior housing, adult day care centers, home meal delivery services, charitable organizations, and others who provide services to senior citizens.
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The Integrated Warning Team (IWT)
September 14 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Registration deadline: September 2
Register: Here
Location:
- In person class: Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center (53 Academy Drive in Westampton Township, New Jersey)
- Virtual option also available
The Integrated Warning Team (IWT) includes the National Weather Service and key partners in emergency management, the media, transportation, public utilities, and academia. The purpose of the IWT is to foster communication and to find ways to provide better and more consistent messaging to the public when significant weather events occur. During the workshop, we hope to go through an event scenario, have a panel discussion and cover several topics of interest. We will be working with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) to offer professional development points for our media partners who are AMS certification holders.
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Delaware Emergency Management Agency Training
August Courses:
- DEMA Standard Reunification Method presented by the I Love U Guys Foundation: August 23-24
- DEMA L-962: All Hazards Position Specific Planning Section Chief: August 23-26
- DEMA Standard Reunification Method presented by the I Love U Guys Foundation: August 25-26
- Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training (CERT MEMBERS ONLY): August 26-27
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WEBINARS, TRAINING, & CONFERENCES
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Find a Vaccination & Testing Location Near You!
- Find a Vaccine near you by visiting: Here
- Testing: A list of testing locations can be found: Here
- At-Home Testing Kits: Here
- COVID-19 Boosters Shots: Stay informed about who is available and where you can get your booster shots in Delaware by visiting: Here
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Stay Connected & Share with your Networks!
Want to add someone to the distribution list, have a story to share, or are experiencing issues receiving this newsletter because of firewalls or spam filters, please add Stephanie Swisher (Stephanie.Swisher@delaware.gov) to your email contact lists. You can review any past newsletter editions here.
We hope you are well and thank you for reading!
Brought to you by the Recovery Team at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), in partnership with Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD).
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