SEMA Sets 10 Disaster Public Assistance Briefings for Officials
In 20 Counties Declared For January Winter Storm
The State Emergency Management Agency will conduct 10 Public Assistance briefings for Officials in the 20 Counties that were declared for Public Assistance on Feb.17. Officials from those counties including the cities, special districts, and certain nonprofit organizations within those counties should also attend. This Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance is a result of the Jan. 26 through 28 Winter Storm.
The Public Assistance Declaration reimburses county, local governments, special districts and certain non-profit organizations for their emergency protective measures, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged critical infrastructure. Public Officials must file a Request for Public Assistance with SEMA by March 19 (30 days from the Public Assistance Disaster Declaration) to be eligible to be reimbursed for disaster expenses.
The 20 counties approved for all categories of Federal Public Assistance are: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, and Wayne.
Because of the recent FEMA Public Assistance Program changes, all potential applicants (City, County, Specials Districts and certain nonprofit officials) are encouraged to attend one of the following briefings and sign the required documents:
Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 8:30 a.m. briefings:
- Kennett: Presbyterian Activities Center, 226 North Main Street
- Poplar Bluff : Black River Coliseum, 301 South 5 th Street
- Alton (Oregon County): Victory Free Will Baptist Church, Intersection Hwy 19 and HH
Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 8:30 a.m. briefings:
- New Madrid: Mill Street Community Building, 1199 Mill Street
- Greenville : Wayne County Courthouse, 109 Walnut Street
- Gainesville : Ozark County Ambulance Base, Old Highway 160 West.
Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8:30 a.m. briefings:
- Sikeston : Clinton Building, 501 Campanella (at the Sports Complex)
- Kimberling City: First Baptist Church, East Campus, 161 Heaven’s Way
Friday, Feb. 27 at 8:30 a.m. briefings:
- Van Buren: Van Buren Community Center, Business Hwy 60 and State Hwy D
Monday, March 9 at 8:30 a.m. State Agency Applicant Briefing at SEOC
During the approximately three-hour briefing, officials will be asked to complete and submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) . In addition to a senior official with signature authority, representatives involved in fiscal grant administration and recovery operations should also attend the briefing.
The briefing will explain program eligibility requirements and reimbursement procedures to officials of the governmental agencies.
Private Nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for assistance if they meet the federal definition of educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care facility or critical facilities or provide an essential public service such as a zoo, museum, library, community center, homeless shelter, senior citizen center. In order to be reimbursed for their emergency work, they must attend a briefing and submit a Request for Public Assistance.