State and Local
Hawai’i
The Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency and the University of Hawai’i at Manoa are working on a new temporary shelter for deployment during disasters. Due to the geography of the state, the deployment of the manufactured shelters that are often used after disasters in the continental U.S can be difficult.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s disaster recovery efforts following a swarm of deadly tornados last year has proceeded slowly but is progressing. Federal data show that FEMA has approved the applications of fewer than 16% of Kentuckians who applied for relief from housing programs after the tornadoes.
Louisiana
Louisiana continues to plan for long-term recovery funding provided by HUD. As repairs continue, the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane season is just beginning.
Louisiana Governor Bell Edwards signed a law preventing residential evictions in areas subject to disaster declarations within 30 days of the occurrence of a disaster.
PBS Newshour traveled to Pointe-au-Chen and other rural, coastal areas in Terrebonne Parish to document attempts to ready communities for the 2022 hurricane season.
Montana
After catastrophic flooding occurred in Yellowstone and other riverside towns in Montana, President Biden issued a disaster declaration on June 10. As federal resources kick in, volunteer organizations have arrived in the area to assist with sheltering and cleanup.
North Carolina
Residents in Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties are still awaiting critical home repairs after Hurricane Florence struck four years ago. The state is now rolling out a certification process for building contractors that it hopes will speed the process.
Construction has begun on a new affordable housing complex in Rocky Mount. The complex is funded through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program.
New Mexico
President Biden announced during a trip to New Mexico earlier this month that FEMA would be covering 100% of eligible recovery costs as the state reels from massive wildfires. The reimbursements will come via the agency’s Public Assistance program and will pay for state and local emergency protective measures implemented during the fires.
FEMA is providing millions in assistance to those affected by the New Mexico fires, but those who were initially denied assistance have struggled to appeal these initial decisions. The issue is especially charged because the fires were caused by a National Forest Service-controlled blaze that spread, becoming one of the largest fires in the history of the state.
Oregon
Oregon submitted its action plan for long-term disaster recovery spending to HUD on June 8.
Resources and Reporting
An op-ed in Truthout makes the argument that government should fund mutual aid.
US News and World Report’s Healthiest Communities analysis shows how racial and ethnic minority groups are at the highest risk from various natural hazards.
Yale Climate Connections outlines the documents needed to file a FEMA claim.
Nature published a study detailing the disparities in exposure to air pollution for those living in public housing developments.