Explore

FEMA Denies Key Disaster Aid Requests for Colorado Fire Victims

FEMA Denies Key Disaster Aid Requests for Colorado Fire Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied specific portions of Colorado's request for disaster aid following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires in Pueblo and Custer counties. While the federal government approved Colorado's Major Disaster Declaration for other requests, including public assistance for critical infrastructure repair and debris cleanup, FEMA rejected the Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program components. Individual Assistance would have provided direct financial help to affected residents for temporary housing and home rebuilding. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program aims to support communities in rebuilding efforts and reduce their vulnerability to future events. Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment with the denial, emphasizing the state's ongoing efforts to coordinate debris cleanup with local governments. The state is currently evaluating its options and next steps, including a potential appeal of FEMA's decision within 30 days.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Two years after Helene, recovery remains unfinished across WNC

Two years after Helene, recovery remains unfinished across WNC

Thousands of projects remain in FEMA’s pipeline as communities continue repairing infrastructure damaged by Helene.

FEMA Denies Key Disaster Aid Requests for Colorado Wildfire Victims

FEMA Denies Key Disaster Aid Requests for Colorado Wildfire Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied specific portions of Colorado's request for disaster aid following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires in Pueblo and Custer counties. While the federal government approved Colorado's Major Disaster Declaration for other requests, FEMA rejected the Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program components. Individual Assistance would have provided direct aid to affected residents for needs such as temporary housing and home rebuilding. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, if approved, would have helped communities rebuild in a way that reduces vulnerability to future disasters. Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment over the denial, stating that these additional resources would have further supported impacted families and communities. The state is currently evaluating its options and next steps, including a potential appeal within 30 days.

Understanding FEMA Assistance: What It Covers and How It Works

Understanding FEMA Assistance: What It Covers and How It Works

FEMA provides critical support to communities after disasters, but not all requests for aid are approved. Learn what FEMA assistance covers and how it helps communities recover.

FEMA Allocates $1.4 Million to New Hampshire for Disaster Infrastructure Projects

FEMA Allocates $1.4 Million to New Hampshire for Disaster Infrastructure Projects

New Hampshire is set to receive over $1.4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bolster its disaster infrastructure. This funding is part of a larger allocation of approximately $18 million distributed among New England states. Specifically, $1.2 million will be directed to the town of Hampton for the New Hampshire Coast Resilience Storm Water Infiltration Reduction Project. These funds are provided through FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which aims to reduce risks to communities and properties from natural hazards. Additionally, about $212,000 will be allocated to support floodplain management practices, facilitated by FEMA's Community Assistance Program. These initiatives are designed to enhance the state's resilience against future disaster events and improve its capacity to manage and mitigate flood risks.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Two years after Helene, survivors are still rebuilding their lives

Two years after Helene, survivors are still rebuilding their lives

A ruined storefront rises again, a flooded-out DJ finds his footing and a premature infant beats expectations.

FEMA Provides Over $92 Million in Disaster Assistance to Indiana Households Following August Storms

FEMA Provides Over $92 Million in Disaster Assistance to Indiana Households Following August Storms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed more than $92.1 million in Individual Assistance to over 22,600 households in Indiana affected by August storms and flooding. Additionally, National Flood Insurance Program policyholders have received over $11.6 million. FEMA is reminding homeowners and renters in 21 designated Indiana counties that the deadline to apply for assistance is October 25, 2026. Residents can apply online via DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by visiting an in-person assistance center. FEMA emphasizes that applicants have the right to appeal decisions and that rental assistance may be available for those whose homes are unsafe. The agency also cautions against the duplication of benefits, though individuals who have exhausted other aid sources may still be eligible for FEMA assistance. Further recovery resources are available through Indiana 211.

Representative Maxwell Frost Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Extend FEMA Appeal Deadlines

Representative Maxwell Frost Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Extend FEMA Appeal Deadlines

U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill, the 'Post-Disaster Protection Act,' which recently advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This legislation, also led by Representatives Mike Ezell and Kimberlyn King-Hinds, aims to extend the appeal period for FEMA disaster assistance denials from 60 to 90 days. The proposed change would align the time disaster survivors and government applicants have to appeal with the time FEMA has to review those appeals. Supporters of the bill argue that this extension would provide applicants with more adequate time to gather necessary documents and respond to FEMA's decisions. The bill has garnered support from various organizations, including the National Association of Counties and the National League of Cities, and has multiple Democratic and Republican co-sponsors, indicating broad agreement on its practical benefits.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Extend FEMA Disaster Appeal Deadline to 90 Days

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Extend FEMA Disaster Appeal Deadline to 90 Days

A bipartisan legislative effort, the Post-Disaster Protection Act, has advanced through the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, moving closer to a full House vote. Led by Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (MP-AL), the bill aims to extend the deadline for disaster survivors to appeal denials of FEMA disaster assistance from the current 60 days to 90 days. This proposed extension would align the appeal period for applicants with the 90-day timeframe FEMA has to review appeals. The legislation is designed to benefit both individual disaster survivors and governmental applicants, including states, cities, counties, and utilities, providing them with more time to gather necessary documentation and navigate the appeals process during the challenging period of disaster recovery. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) is among the cosponsors of this bill.

Washoe County Emergency Alert System Fails During Hawk Fire, Exposing National Flaws

Washoe County Emergency Alert System Fails During Hawk Fire, Exposing National Flaws

During the Hawk Fire on August 22, Washoe County Emergency Management Administrator Kelly Echeverria attempted to send public alerts through various channels, including social media, cell phones, and local radio and TV stations. However, KUNR discovered that the broadcast alerts intended for radio and TV never aired. Echeverria's office uses Rave, a Motorola subsidiary's software suite, to distribute these alerts. Rave reportedly informed Echeverria that she and her colleague did not select the Emergency Alert System (EAS) option, a claim Echeverria disputes, stating they definitely selected it. The EAS is FEMA's system for broadcasting alerts on radio and TV during disasters. This incident highlights potential issues with the software and gaps in public infrastructure, as FEMA provides the EAS system for free but does not offer an interface, requiring emergency managers to use private platforms like Rave.

Representative Frederica Wilson Co-Sponsors Bill to Extend FEMA Appeal Deadlines for Disaster Survivors

Representative Frederica Wilson Co-Sponsors Bill to Extend FEMA Appeal Deadlines for Disaster Survivors

Representative Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has co-sponsored the bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act, a bill aimed at extending the deadline for disaster survivors to appeal denials of FEMA assistance. The legislation, which recently passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's markup, proposes to increase the appeal period from 60 to 90 days. This change would align the time frame for applicants to appeal with the amount of time FEMA has to review an appeal. The extension would benefit both individual disaster survivors and governmental applicants, including states, cities, counties, and utilities. The bill's proponents argue that disaster survivors are often in a vulnerable state and face significant challenges in navigating FEMA's complex appeals process, making the current 60-day window insufficient. The National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, and the National Emergency Management Association have endorsed the bill, emphasizing its role in providing fairness...

New Mexico Sues FEMA for $61 Million in Wildfire Compensation

New Mexico Sues FEMA for $61 Million in Wildfire Compensation

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in U.S. District Court, seeking over $61 million. This compensation is intended to fund the New Mexico National Guard's ongoing wildfire and flood response efforts in the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon area for the next decade. The lawsuit comes after FEMA reportedly denied the state's request twice. The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, ignited by two prescribed burns by the U.S. Forest Service in April 2022, became the largest wildfire in New Mexico's history, burning over 341,000 acres. Subsequent heavy rains on the burn scar have led to persistent widespread flooding. Governor Lujan Grisham deployed the National Guard to assist residents with evacuations, debris removal, and flood damage prevention, and their work in the affected areas is ongoing.