Develop a Rebuilding Plan: Knowing your program and funding options is vital

ADJUSTERS INTERNATIONAL .COM D I S A S T E R R E C O V E R Y T O D A Y to the type of restoration ► Apply uniformly to all similar types of facilities within the jurisdiction of owner of the facility ► Must have been in effect during the time the damage occurred As We Want It To Be Once these two elements — “ as it was” and “ as it has to be” — have been established, an applicant must then decide what “ will ” or “ should ” be done. As mentioned in previous issues, even if an applicant knows ahead of time that they are going to improve, drastically change, or not repair a facility, it is imperative to ensure that an accurate scope and cost estimate is developed for the “ as it was ” and “ as it has to be ” portions in order to establish a basis for eligible funding. The improvements that go beyond this basis are considered the responsibility of the applicant. In most cases where changes are to take place, applicants will have their funding capped using the following logic: FEMAwill pay to restore the facility to “ as it was ” condition, plus the amount necessary to make it “ as it has to be ,” and this total becomes the basis of eligible funding, or the “cap.” When that number is determined to the applicant’s satisfaction, they can then decide to pursue the goal of “ as we want it to be .” Improved Projects When performing restoration work on a damaged facility, applicants may decide to use the opportunity to make improvements. Projects that incorporate such improve- ments are called (oddly enough) Improved Projects. Applicants may request improvements on small or large projects. The improved facility must have the same func- tion and at least the equivalent capacity as that of the pre-disaster facility. Funding for these projects is limited to the federal share of the costs that would be associated with repairing or replacing the damaged facility to its pre-disaster design (the cap discussed above). Applicants must obtain approval for an Improved Project from the state prior to construction. Furthermore, any Improved Project that results in a significant change from the pre-disaster configuration (that is, different location, footprint, function, or size) of the facility must also be approved by FEMA prior to construction . Prior to approval, FEMAwill require completion of the appropriate environmental or historical reviews. Alternate Projects In some instances, applicants may determine that the public welfare will not be best served by restoring a damaged facility or its function to the pre-disaster design. In this event, they may request to use the public assistance grant for that facility for other purposes —Alternate Project(s). Applicants may request an Alternate Project in lieu of small or large projects, but only for permanent restoration projects. Funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures cannot be used for Alternate Projects. Funds for Alternate Projects are limited to 90 percent of the federal share of the eligible costs (cap) that would have been associated with Under the FEMA Public Assistance Program, additional funding is available to bring public facilities up to code.