The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a public notice regarding its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of California, local and Indian tribal governments, and private nonprofit organizations under major disaster declaration FEMA-4750-DR-CA. This assistance is being offered through the Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) programs, which are authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
The major disaster declaration for the State of California was made by the President on November 21, 2023, in response to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Hillary. The declaration includes Public Assistance for emergency work and permanent work in several counties, including Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Riverside, and Siskiyou, with the possibility of additional counties being designated at a later date. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available statewide.
Under the Public Assistance Program, FEMA may provide financial assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program allows for financial assistance to implement mitigation measures aimed at reducing the risk of future disasters. Specific project proposals will be developed in the future, and subsequent public notices will be published as more information becomes available.
FEMA has also emphasized its commitment to environmental protection and compliance with relevant regulations. Activities funded by FEMA that may affect historic properties, wetland areas, or floodplains will be subject to review and evaluation for feasible alternatives. The agency will ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Executive Orders on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, and the National Historic Preservation Act. Public notice will be provided for projects that require approval of financial assistance and are subject to these regulations.
Regarding federal actions in floodplains and wetlands, FEMA has determined that restoration in certain facilities is necessary and there are no feasible alternatives. These facilities must meet specific criteria, such as having a cost of repairs less than 50 percent of the cost to replace the entire facility and not being critical in nature. FEMA intends to provide assistance for the restoration of these facilities to their pre-disaster condition, while also incorporating measures to mitigate the effects of future flooding.
For activities that involve facilities not meeting the criteria, more detailed reviews will be conducted, including the study of alternate locations. However, if an applicant has already started facility restoration before federal involvement, FEMA will fund eligible restoration at the original location under certain circumstances.
In terms of federal actions affecting historic properties, FEMA is required to consider the effects of its activities on such properties and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on projects before the expenditure of federal funds. Additional public notices may be provided for projects that would adversely affect historic properties.
FEMA is committed to ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities as mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The agency also acknowledges the need to achieve environmental justice and equity, as highlighted by Executive Orders 13985 and 14008. FEMA is working with applicants and sub-applicants to identify communities with environmental justice concerns and collaborate with local groups and non-profits with an environmental justice mission on specific projects.
The public is encouraged to obtain further information or provide comments on these actions by contacting the FEMA Region IX office within 30 days of the notice. Interested individuals can reach out via email to FEMA-RIX-EHP-Documents@fema.dhs.gov or mail to the Regional Environmental Officer at 111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94607-4052.
This announcement marks FEMA's commitment to providing financial assistance to California for disaster relief and mitigation efforts. Through the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs, the agency aims to support the state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, in their recovery and resilience efforts following the major disaster declaration.