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County coordinator says arbitration restored access to up to $160 million; next step is benefit-cost analyses
Summary
County FEMA coordinator briefed commissioners that a CBCA arbitration requires FEMA and the state to allow project-level benefit-cost analyses (BCAs); if BCAs pass, the county could access roughly $160 million in previously disputed funds, but FEMA engagement and BCA work remain pending.
Washington CountyFEMA coordinator updated commissioners March 19 on a Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) arbitration outcome that restores the countyability to submit benefit-cost analyses for eligible projects.
Coordinator said the arbitration directs FEMA and state partners to work with the county and allow BCAs by project; if the BCAs are approved, roughly $160.2 million that had been in dispute could be available. Staff emphasized that the next step is to prepare the BCAs and to await FEMA staff availability — FEMA was operating under partial shutdown at the time, limiting immediate contact.
The coordinator described that paving—when shown to prevent washouts and erosion—can qualify as hazard-mitigation work under FEMApublic assistance if it is cost-effective. He said the county has an internal GIS tool showing projects by zone so commissioners can identify eligible roads; funds can be applied only to roads identified in the original disaster-era lists, not to new roads.
Commissioners asked whether the arbitration decision should immediately unlock previously withheld state funds (an item of about $5 million was discussed); staff said those funds remain held until BCAs are completed and FEMA provides direction. Commissioners pressed staff to continue following the matter and to report next steps once FEMA re-engages.
The coordinator concluded that the CBCA ruling was a significant procedural win but that implementation will require technical BCA work and coordination with FEMA and the state.
