Orlando, FL: Today Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) praised the new Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico, which will significantly expand the federal aid available to the island in the wake of Hurricane Fiona.
Said Rep. Demings, “It is critical that we protect the health and safety of Puerto Rican Americans in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. By declaring a major disaster, we can unlock significant new assistance to make families and communities whole. Five years since Hurricane Maria, I am committed to make sure that Puerto Rico has everything they need to rebuild.”
Rep. Demings previously called for the Major Disaster Declaration. She also wrote to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell calling on FEMA to initiate 100% cost-share to reduce burden on Puerto Rico and speed the response. Rep. Demings chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery, which oversees FEMA.
Major Disaster Declarations
New Assistance Available Under Major Disaster Declarations:
- Individual Assistance – Assistance to individuals and households, which may include:
- Individuals and Households Program;
- Crisis Counseling Program
- Disaster Case Management
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- Disaster Legal Services
- Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Public Assistance – Assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, which may include the following Categories:
- A – Debris removal
- B – Emergency protective measures
- C – Roads and bridges
- D – Water control facilities
- E – Buildings and equipment
- F – Utilities
- G – Parks, recreational and other facilities
- Hazard Mitigation Assistance – Assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.