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News
FEMA
Guidelines on Debris Removal
Posted 24 June 2008
Most natural disasters displace an astonishing amount of natural and
man-made materials. Dirt, shoes, trees and bushes, appliances,
insulation, treasured collections, lumber—it all winds up as storm or
flood debris that has to be cleaned up before life can get back to
normal. That makes debris removal one of the most immediate recovery
tasks.
Throughout Iowa, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is
working with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division
(HSEMD), local governments and other federal agencies to facilitate and
support this critical service.
Due to the magnitude of the Iowa disaster and related debris problem,
FEMA has assigned to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers--which has great
expertise in debris management--the mission of soliciting and managing
Iowa debris contractors.
Following disasters, local governments in counties declared eligible
for Public Assistance and the state may apply for federal grants to
help pay for debris removal. Last week FEMA approved a Public
Assistance grant of $5.5 million for debris removal in Parkersburg
following the devastating tornado that hit the community on May 25. The
federal 75 percent share is $4.2 million.
To tackle the overall challenge of debris removal for the 67 counties
now declared eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program, FEMA is
spearheading a Debris Removal Task Force that includes state agencies
and subject matter experts. The task force will oversee federal and
state activities in all debris removal operations.
At their option, local governments may solicit bid for removal
contracts, then award and manage those contracts. Local governments
frequently use FEMA’s and the state’s expertise in disaster debris
removal to guide them in choosing a contractor and writing a contract.
However, FEMA itself does not award contracts or hire debris removal
companies.
The cost of removing debris from private property is ineligible for
federal funding except in extraordinary circumstances. Volunteer groups
usually assist the elderly and incapacitated with moving debris from
their property and transporting it to the curb/public right of way
where it can be picked up by a municipality.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for,
preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering
from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including
acts of terror.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race,
color, sex, religion, nationality, age, disability, English
proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you or someone you
known has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at
800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY Call 800-462-7585.
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