Although the recent FEMA disaster declaration is based only on the blizzard of January 26-28, FEMA has indicated a willingness to consider the unique circumstances the Commonwealth faced this winter (four weeks of record breaking snowfall and cold temperatures) and is open to granting more flexibility in determining eligibility of costs for removing snow, undertaking emergency protective measures, and repairing damage to public facilities. This resulting flexibility means communities can seek reimbursment for any 48 hour window with a nexus to the disaster declaration of January 26-28, thereby increasing the potential overall reimbursement amount as long as it relates to the initial storm.
As indicated above, this approach by FEMA is different than in the past and could well result in your community being reimbursed for more of its costs. FEMA and MEMA will provide additional guidance at the upcoming Applicant Briefings. We strongly encourage municipal finance officials to attend as this will enable your community to maximize the reimbursement under all applicable rules. DLS staff will be present at each of the Briefings to answer any questions you may have concerning how the FEMA reimbursement will be handled as part of your community's overall deficit closure plan. For additional information and a list upcoming Applicant Briefing dates and locations, please click here.
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