The following is a review of additional disaster housing recovery developments since the last edition of Memo to Members and Partners (for the article in the previous Memo, see 3/02).
Federal Action and National News
The president mentioned disaster response during remarks at the National Association of Counties’ Legislative Conference. He touted what he called a quick federal funding response saying, “I think everybody in this room would say that you get the money much quicker under our administration than in the past” and spoke on the importance of debris removal.
The bipartisan “Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act” (H.R. 5953) was approved by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and is ready to be considered for a vote by the full House. This bill would prevent FEMA from attempting to recoup disaster recovery funds from disaster survivors.
An article in Counterpunch lays out deficiencies in FEMA’s disaster response and questions whether the agency is prepared to deal with the effects of climate change.
US Wireless companies are exploring ways to streamline information-sharing between operators and utility companies after disasters – improving access to cell phone signals after disasters.
Tennessee Tornadoes
Nashville and middle Tennessee were struck by multiple tornadoes on March 3. At least 24 people across the region were killed by the storm with dozens more missing. At least 48 buildings collapsed in Nashville alone.
New York Storms
Representatives Elise Stefanix (R-NY) and Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) expressed gratitude for federal assistance provided to their region following extreme storms that occurred this past Halloween but also expressed frustration at FEMA’s decision to deny their request for emergency funding.
Midwest Flooding
Nebraska officials spoke on a panel to discuss lessons from 2019’s flooding and ongoing efforts to mitigate against future flooding.
In an editorial, the Omaha World-Herald called on Congress to pass legislation to reimburse local authorities performing levee repairs and other flood-related relief work.
Puerto Rico
Individuals who lost their jobs due to the recent Puerto Rico earthquakes have until April 2 to file for disaster unemployment benefits from FEMA. FEMA granted a deadline extension to this date.
Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez said that increased and improved communication has allowed Puerto Rico to “gain access” to FEMA funds to implement recovery efforts. The funds in question had been delayed for nearly two years before being released last month with strong restrictions.
Special Representative for Puerto Rico's Disaster Recovery Rear Admiral Peter J. Brown stated that federally funded projects for Puerto Rico have sped up but there are still concerns about long term efforts. “Continuity is vital” regarding recovery efforts on the island.
A blog post from the Scientific American covers the “unnatural disaster” that is the slow response to the earthquakes in Puerto Rico in January.
Hurricane Harvey
Texas
A University of Colorado study tested for inequalities in access to FEMA grants in Houston after Hurricane Harvey. They found unequal access to federal disaster assistance and loans for lower-income residents and a significant increase in their bankruptcy rates.
Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence
North Carolina
The Pembroke Town Council rejected a rezoning request from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina that would have cleared the way for construction of quality mobile homes for homeless veterans. Officials say the rejection stems from the potential for spot-zoning and issues with future developers wanting to open mobile home parks.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared March 1 to 7 “Severe Weather Preparedness Week” in the state. He urged North Carolinians to prepare and practice safety plans in case severe weather strikes.
California Wildfires
Most of Butte County’s Native tribes are aiming to leverage their status as sovereign nations into contracts related to clean-up efforts in the area. They want the state to create a 20% carve-out for local and tribal workers and will continue to advocate for it until it happens.
A group at California State University-Chico has formed to facilitate conversations about disaster recovery. Many students were affected by the Camp Fire in nearby Paradise, CA. Students are working to come up with ethical guidelines for working in post-trauma conditions.
Hurricanes Michael and Irma
Florida
FEMA announced a six-month extension of its temporary housing program through October 11 in Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf and Jackson counties of Florida.
Lawtey City has no funds set aside for natural disasters but proposes uses state funds as well as their recently approved grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to fix lingering water drainage problems resulting from Hurricane Irma.