Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the FEMA Reimbursement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homeland and FEMA teams say applications and joint damage assessments under way; reimbursements could take months
Summary
Homeland Security and FEMA representatives told senators they have started joint damage assessments and oriented agencies on application deadlines; FEMA approval and reimbursement timelines vary and hazard mitigation/individual assistance outcomes remain uncertain.
Homeland Security and FEMA officials updated the committee on federal-reimbursement steps and documentation requirements following Super Typhoon Bavi.
"We just started that process yesterday," a FEMA/Homeland representative said of post-damage assessment orientation; the panel was told there is a July 30 deadline for agencies and individuals to submit applications for post-damage assessment and individual assistance. Homeland and civil-defense staff said FEMA is conducting joint damage assessments on Guam and that a federal coordinating officer remains on the ground to help collect documentation and close paperwork from prior storms as well.
Officials cautioned senators that individual assistance and hazard mitigation approvals are decided case-by-case and that some prior disaster requests (Sunlaku) were denied for individual assistance and hazard mitigation but remain eligible for appeal. Civil-defense said FEMA requires meticulous payroll and sign-in records to justify overtime reimbursement and that agencies should keep receipts, photos and time sheets to support claims if a presidential disaster declaration is issued.
