FEMA approves more than $2.2M to help communities in Hawai‘i, Arizona recover from recent disasters

Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $2.2 million in post-disaster funding for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant projects in two states, including about $1.4 million for Hawai‘i.

The funding includes nearly $200,000 from the agency’s Public Assistance program awarded to the state of Hawai‘i for costs related to the back-to-back kona low storms in March.

Examples of projects receiving funds through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program:

• Nearly $1.2 million to Hawai‘i to develop a flood forecasting system for monitoring streamflow and water levels, using historical rainfall, streamflow and gauge height data to improve flood prediction accuracy.
• More than $600,000 to Arizona for drainage improvement and stormwater management near Meade Lane in Flagstaff.

These programs empower states and local governments to recover and rebuild more resilient, safer communities as well as protect infrastructure from future events.

Money is disbursed to states and local governments because they are best positioned to know how the funds will be most effective.

Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates directly with the state on all hazard mitigation projects. This aligns with the agency’s principles of ensuring disaster recovery and mitigation are state-led and federally supported.

Deadline quickly approaching to apply

Big Island community members impacted by the back-to-back kona low storms in March are reminded there are just a few days remaining to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 14, to apply for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency as well as U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest physical damage disaster loans.

This deadline will not impact applications already started.

Apply for individual assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option).
• On the Federal Emergency Management Agency app, available through Google Play for Android devices and The App Store for Apple devices.
• By calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• At a local recovery center. Click here to locate a center closest to you.

Apply for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans:

• Online at sba.gov/disaster.
• By calling the administration’s Customer Service Center hotline at 800-659-2955.
• By emailing to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
• At a local recovery center. Click here to locate a center closest to you.
• At a disaster loan outreach center, where you can submit a completed application or administration representatives can help you apply. Click here to find a disaster loan outreach center near you.