Putting it into Perspective: Disaster Planning in Clatsop Co.

by Carrie Bartoldus

Astoria, Or – The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) under the Federal Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) provided new and revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. It continued the requirement for a standard state mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance, and provided for states to receive an increased percentage of Hazard Mitigation Grant Project funds if, at the time of the declaration of a major disaster, they have in effect a FEMA-approved Enhanced State Mitigation Plan.

A significant opportunity to reduce the nation’s disaster losses through mitigation planning was introduced through DMA 2000, in concert with other sections of the Act. In addition, implementation of planned, pre-identified, cost-effective mitigation measures will streamline the disaster recovery process. The Act provides a framework for linking pre- and post-disaster mitigation planning and initiatives with public and private interests to ensure an integrated, comprehensive approach to disaster loss reduction.

The language in the Act, taken as a whole, emphasizes the importance of strong State and local planning processes and comprehensive program management at the State level. The new planning criteria also supports State administration of the HMGP, and contemplate a significant State commitment to mitigation activities, comprehensive State mitigation planning, and strong program management.

The planning process also provides a link between State and local mitigation programs. Both State level and local plans should address strategies for incorporating post-disaster early mitigation implementation strategies and sustainable recovery actions. Improved mitigation planning will result in a better understanding of risks and vulnerabilities, as well as to expedite implementation of measures and activities to reduce those risks, both pre- and post-disaster.

Simply put, mitigation planning is a process for States and communities to identify policies, activities and tools to implement mitigation actions. Mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event. This process has four steps:

• Organizing resources
• Assessing risks
• Developing a mitigation plan
• Implementing the plan and monitoring progress

Certain Laws, Regulations and Guidance which are addressed in mitigation planning: Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 provides the legal basis for FEMA’s mitigation plan requirements for State, local and Indian Tribal governments as a condition of mitigation grant assistance. Mitigation Planning Regulations (Interim Final Rule), as published in the Code of Federal Regulations, provide the rules for State, local and Indian Tribal governments to meet in order to be eligible for specified FEMA mitigation grants. Finally, Mitigation Planning Guidance provides additional guidance for States and local communities to meet the requirements of FEMA’s Mitigation Planning Regulations.

The grant programs that have Mitigation Plan Requirements:

Stafford Act Grant Programs

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM)
• Public Assistance (PA)

National Flood Insurance Act Grant Programs

• Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
• Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC)
• Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)

When looking for funding of property damaged in the storm, the first place the agencies are turning to is the insurance companies. After that there is emergency funding available, as well as state funds. For those agencies that are looking at rebuilding with a mind towards mitigating damages for future disasters, applying for funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program would have to go through the Region 10 regional office for approval.

Future mitigation projects can wait for the County plan to go through but currently projects/property damaged in the current storm must file for federal funds by February 7, 2008. Local representative Gene Strong is available to help with the application process. At the state level, Dennis Sigrist, Oregon State Hazard Mitigation Officer, expects the Clatsop County Disaster Mitigation Plan to be ready for review by FEMA in September of this year.

At this time no agency has reported funding problems for any publicly owned buildings or projects damaged by the storm.

Jan 14, 08:37 am | Carrie Bartoldus

Tags: Clatsop County, Disaster Planning

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On The Paper Trail to Storm Recovery

by Carrie Bartoldus

Astoria, OR – The Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met at the Guy Boyington Building today to discuss the process of how local government agencies and non-profit organizations can apply for benefits from State and Federal Government programs.

A comprehensive one hour overview was given to the representatives of twenty-four local agencies. Contact personnel from FEMA and OEM gave the presentation and encouraged local agencies to immediately begin the process of filling out the Requests for Public Assistance. All requests must be received by February 7th.

Local representative Gene Strong was on hand to make future appointments with each local agency to go over applications. From there, FEMA and OEM will determine whether or not applicants met the qualifications for assistance.

After the meeting, Brett Estes with the City of Astoria Community Develop Department was asked by NCO about their application.

“The City of Astoria has submitted paperwork to request FEMA public assistance and will be meeting with their representatives this week. The City is also pursing opportunities for FEMA mitigation dollars on damaged City-owned facilities. Once the public assistance kick-off meeting occurs, we should know more as to whether there will be opportunities for mitigation funding” Estes said.

Good News For Local Agencies

In September of 2007 Clatsop County had begun the process of making its own Mitigation Plan. Because this process was underway, local county and city agencies will have special consideration with projects that qualify under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The program is used for long term projects that reduce the impact of storms, flooding and earth movement (slides, earthquake, etc).

All projects under this program must be approved through Regional Administration for Region 10, operating out of Bothell, Washington. HMGP operates as part of the Stafford Act under sections 404 and 406. The Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, PL 93-288. This Act constitutes the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities, especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs.

Deadlines and Additional Help

Many of the agencies on hand saw substantial damage. A County Fisheries Project on the South Fork Klaskanine River had $100,000 in estimated damages. The project was recently completed in the summer with a price tag of $400,000, according to Tod Jones with Clatsop County Fisheries.

“Much of it was rearranged and washed out, but we won’t know the total extent of costs to re-build until the water levels get low enough for the NRCS surveyors to get into the river and examine it in detail. Right now we only have their guesstimates based on a site visit last week” said Jones.

In order to comply with FEMA standards, projects have to meet certain deadlines. The start date for these projects is the declaration date of the applicant. For an emergency repair, it is six months for completion, but permanent work has an 18 month deadline. There is also a 75/25 cost share that must be met. FEMA will cover 75% and the local agency must cover the other 25%.

If the local agency has difficulty covering their share, they can turn to other sources to get help. Also present at the meeting was Vicki Goodman from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, (OECDD) who provided additional information including a nine page matrix of Resource Recovery. Grants are available which can help with the 25% percent share that local agencies are required to pay.

Goodman is the local contact for OECDD and can be reached at 503-842-4045.

Tillamook County was introduced as a case study of best practices using flood mitigation. The case study showed how mitigation planning can lessen the impact of natural disasters in a community. With Clatsop County’s plan underway, local agencies will be able to rebuild with both the financial and planning expertise of State and Federal agencies. Which in turn will help mitigate against future storms, flooding and earth movement, and improve recovery response.

FEMA’s strongest advice for local agencies and non-profits in attendance was to apply immediately and to keep records of everything. Local agencies may be turned down if they don’t meet the qualifications, but if the February 7th deadline is missed they are out of luck. All approved projects will be audited and have a final inspection, so detailed records must be kept for three years for the federal program. Some agencies may be required to keep records even longer if the project falls under state and local laws and ordinances.

Jan 4, 02:00 pm | Carrie Bartoldus