News & Videos

Federal Agency Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Briefings Scheduled

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama is set to release the fiscal year 2014 President's Budget Request (PBR) tomorrow, April 10, 2013. Several federal agencies have scheduled budget briefings for later in the day. Tune into one of the briefings to learn about the impact on Indian Country.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Stakeholder FY 2014 Budget Briefing & Webcast

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Time: 3-4 p.m. ET (please arrive no later than 2:30 pm)

Location: Brooke-Mondale Auditorium, 1st floor

HUD | 451 7th Street, SW | Washington, DC

Entrance: South Lobby

RSVP: http://www.hud.gov/emarc/index.cfm?fuseaction=emar.addRegisterEvent&eventId=1669&update=N

*This briefing is not for press purposes.

The White House

FY 2014 Budget Briefing Call for Tribal Leaders

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Time: 4:00 p.m. ET (dial in 10 minutes early)

Call-in #:800.230.1766, ask the operator to join the "Tribal Cross-Agency Call"

RSVP: IndianCountry@who.eop.gov

*This call is off the record and not for press purposes or attribution.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA Stakeholder Briefing on FY 2014 Budget

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Time: 4:00 p.m. ET

Location: USDA - Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 107A | 1400 Independence Ave. SW |Washington, DC

RSVP: Intergovernmental@osec.usda.gov by April 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET

*Budget materials will be available prior to the briefing at the following link: www.usda.gov/budget

Getting it right for Indian Country

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Author:

Craig Fugate

When you're tackling a new and challenging topic, starting from a solid foundation is crucial to success. Right now, there is an opportunity to change how the federal government provides disaster assistance and we’re looking for tribal leaders to help set a solid foundation for those changes.

When President Obama signed into law the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013, he amended the Stafford Act to recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments, and this was a big step in the right direction to better meet the unique needs of Indian Country after disasters. However, there's still work to be done to shape disaster assistance programs and processes most effectively. That's where we are now -- we areconsulting with tribal governments, tribal leaders, and tribal stakeholders to consider changes to a range of federal disaster assistance processes and topics:

Input on the major disaster declaration process,
Criteria to declare a major disaster,
Program delivery, and
The unique aspects of Indian culture that might not be currently considered by the rules.

I encourage our tribal partners to join us in developing rules through consultation. You’re invited to join a series of upcoming tribal consultation calls, provide ideas to FEMA’s online collaboration community, or send an e-mail to tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov. Now is a great time to make sure the unique needs of Indian Country are considered throughout the federal disaster assistance process.

Why are we looking for input from the community? Up to this point, FEMA has established rules around the disaster declaration process, assistance programs, and other aspects of federal assistance to meet the needs of state governments and individuals in those states. Now, with the recent amendment to the Stafford Act, we have an opportunity to change those rules with regards to the sovereignty of tribal nations.

In a little more than two months since the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act became law, the President has already signed two disaster declarations directly for Indian Country. The new changes have already resulted in federal disaster assistance going directly to tribal communities.

But there’s still much to be done. That's why we're having these consultation calls, gathering feedback online, and asking for e-mails. Once the consultation concludes, FEMA will draft proposed rules. Learn more about how to join this discussion by visiting FEMA’s online collaboration community, or send us an e-mail at tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA Tribal Consultation Advisory

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, President Obama signed the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013, which included a provision amending the Stafford Act to provide federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native governments the option to choose whether to make a request directly to the President for a federal emergency or major disaster declaration, or to seek assistance, as they do presently, under a declaration for a State.

To implement this historic provision, FEMA is conducting tribal consultation conference calls with Indian tribal governments through the publication of a “Solicitation for Comments Regarding Current Procedures to Request Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations” in the Federal Register. This solicitation asks Indian tribal governments for their thoughts and comments on how these requirements and factors may or may not be appropriate as applied to requests from Indian tribal governments. The input provided will inform the development of a pilot program to process declaration requests from Indian tribal governments.

The “Solicitation for Comments Regarding Current Procedures to Request Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations” is available at the Federal Register (Docket ID FEMA-2013-0006 Document Number 2013-05391) at http://federalregister.gov/a/2013-05391. FEMA also will be accepting comments on our online collaboration site http://fema.ideascale.com and by email at tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov. Comments will be accepted until April 22, 2013.

We need your support by sharing with tribal leadership, attending and providing your input on any or all of the topics included. You are welcome to include your thoughts on any other considerations that may not be covered in the solicitation.

Visit www.fema.gov/tribal-consultations for read ahead materials and feel free to attend any of the remaining regional consultations scheduled below:

Region 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) Date	Time	Dial in Number	Pin Number
Friday, April 12, 2013	1:00pm Eastern	888-710-4007	8105487
Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee) Date	Time	Dial in Number	Pin Number
Tuesday, April 9, 2013	10:30am Eastern	888-600-4861	2344104
Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin) Date	Time	Dial in Number	Pin Number
Monday, April 8, 2013	2:00pm Central	888-686-9679	8762436
Wednesday, April 10, 2013	9:30am Central	888-747-4626	1710914
Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) Date	Time	Dial in Number	Pin Number
Thursday, April 11, 2013	2:00pm Central	888-211-4434	6481254
Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming) Date	Time	Dial in Number	Pin Number
Monday, April 15, 2013	1:00pm Mountain	888-726-2413	9841984
Tuesday, April 16, 2013	9:00am Mountain	888-737-3662	8846751
Wednesday, April 17, 2013	1:00pm Mountain	888-401-4674	3754945
Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington) Date	Time	Dial in Number	Pin Number
Friday, April 5, 2013	10:00am Pacific	866-454-4209	8253406
Friday, April 5, 2013	2:00pm Pacific	800-211-3767	6422706

FEMA and NOAA Promote National Flood Safety Awareness Week

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering to improve public awareness for National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, 2013. The agencies’ goal is to improve understanding about flood risk among individuals, families, businesses and communities. Knowledge and the right precautions can protect families, homes and finances.

"We've seen the devastation that floods can cause. They can happen at any time, anywhere across our region, which means we all need to be prepared now," said FEMA Region III Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. "Having a flood insurance policy for your home or business is just one way to prepare; there are also simple steps you can take now to be prepared for flooding such as developing a family emergency plan, having an emergency supply kit ready to go, and learning about your flood risk."

Floods are the most common hazard in the United States. However, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. Chunks of ice from a thawing river can block its normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly. Hurricanes can bring flooding to areas far inland from where they first hit the coast, as we witnessed two years ago from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and last year from Hurricane Sandy.

There are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods. Flood Safety Awareness Week is an excellent time for people and communities to learn about their flood risk and implement precautions to mitigate the threat to life and property.

“Flooding is dangerous and costly, killing nearly 100 people and causing an average of eight billion dollars in property damage in the United States each year,” said Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, director, NOAA’s National Weather Service, which produces an array of flood outlooks and forecasts, including watches and life-saving warnings. “A weather-ready nation is a prepared nation; one that will reduce flood losses by planning ahead, staying abreast of weather forecasts, and heeding the warnings.”

Dr. Uccellini emphasized that a primary flood killer is flooded roadways. People should never attempt to drive through them, but should “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” NOAA’s flood safety slogan.

NOAA will issue the 2013 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 21.

FEMA and NOAA will provide the public with key information related to flood hazards, and ways to protect yourself and your property each day of National Flood Safety Awareness week.

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site listo.gov. For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit floodsmart.gov.

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Mentmore, NM - The signing of a precedent setting formal agreement to implement federal disaster assistance directly with the Sovereign Navajo Nation will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Navajo Division of Transportation complex. The ceremony, conducted with representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and tribal leadership, reflects the working partnership developed to assist the Navajo Nation with their recovery from severe freeze that occurred December 15, 2012 to January 21, 2013.

This is the first FEMA-Tribal agreement implemented west of the Mississippi since the amendment of the Stafford Act that provides federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a major disaster declaration without going through a state government.

"We are thankful that we are taking a step to further strengthen our sovereignty as the Navajo Nation. This agreement recognizes the government to government relationship we have with the federal government. We look forward to working together to help our people," Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said.

The Presidential disaster declaration for this severe freeze event made FEMA's Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs available to the tribe. "I am pleased to partner with the Navajo leadership in addressing their disaster-related needs," said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward. "Our team of public assistance and mitigation specialists will continue to work closely with Tribal members to document all eligible costs and damages and to make funds available to assist with repairs and improvements."

FEMA's Public Assistance Program provides supplemental funding to state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to help them recover from disasters. It partially reimburses eligible applicants for extraordinary costs incurred while responding to a disaster and costs related to restore damaged infrastructure.

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to supplement those of eligible applicants to undertake projects that build resilience and eliminate or reduce damage in future hazardous events.

FEMA Consults Tribes and their Leadership on the Disaster Declaration Process

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— At the end of January, President Obama signed the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 that amended the Stafford Act to provide federally recognized Tribal governments the option to choose whether to make a request directly to the President for a federal emergency or major disaster declaration, or to seek assistance, as they do presently, under a declaration for a State.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today published on the Federal Register a “Solicitation for Comments Regarding Current Procedures to Request Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations.” This solicitation is for Tribes, Indian tribal governments and all of our stakeholders regarding the disaster declarations process. FEMA will be accepting comments through the Federal Register Notice process (Docket ID FEMA-2013-0006 Document Number 2013-05391) at http://federalregister.gov/a/2013-05391, FEMA’s online collaboration site http://fema.ideascale.com and by email at tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov no later than April 22, 2013, when the open comment period ends.

In March and April, FEMA will be conducting listening sessions with Tribal leadership, their organizations and stakeholders to present information regarding the FEMA programs, the Stafford Act and its amendment, the declarations process. Comments will be accepted until April 22, 2013.

We invite you to participate to the National Tribal Consultation Kick Off call Tuesday, March 12 from 4:00 to 5:00pm eastern time by dialing 888-790-1785 Pin: 9906070.

Visit www.fema.gov/tribal-consultations for complete schedule and read ahead materials. More information about FEMA Tribal Affairs is available at www.fema.gov/tribal.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA Conducts Tribal Consultation and Solicits Comment for Emergency and Disaster Declaration Process

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

President Declares Major Disaster for the Navajo Nation

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Navajo Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the area affected by a severe freeze during the period of December 15, 2012 to January 21, 2013.

Federal funding is available to the Navajo Nation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe freeze.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Tribe.

Mark A. Neveau has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area. Neveau said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribe and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

President Declares Major Disaster for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during the period of January 14-17, 2013.

Federal funding is available to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Tribe.

Michael Bolch has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area. Bolch said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribe and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Assistance for Tribal Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, Tribe administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for the Tribal governments will be explained at a series of federal/Tribal applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the Tribe from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

# # #

FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for individuals interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment. The NAC is an advisory committee established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management frameworks, strategies, and plans while incorporating the whole communities input through appointed council members.

The NAC will have a position open for applications and nominations in the following disciplines:

Emergency Management Field (one representative appointment)
State Non-Elected Official (one representative appointment)
Standards Setting (one representative appointment)
Public Health (one Special Government Employee (SGE) appointment)
Functional Accessibility (one representative appointment)
Emergency Medical Providers (one SGE appointment)
Tribal Non-Elected Officials (one representative appointment)
Tribal Elected Officials (one representative appointment for a one-year term)
Emergency Response (one representative appointment for a one-year term)
Department of Defense (Ex Officio representative)

Individuals interested in serving on the NAC may apply for appointment by submitting a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Office of the National Advisory Council by fax, email, or mail. Letters of recommendation may also be provided, but are not required. Applications and/or nominations must also include the following information: the applicant’s full name, home and business phone numbers, preferred e-mail address, home and business mailing addresses, current position title and organization, and the discipline area of interest (i.e., Emergency Management). The deadline for applications is Friday, March 8, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EST.

The NAC consists of up to 35 members, all of whom are experts and leaders in their respective fields. The members of the NAC are appointed by the FEMA Administrator and are composed of federal, state, tribal, local, and private-sector leaders and subject matter experts in law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, hospital, public works, emergency management, state and local governments, public health, emergency response, standard settings and accrediting organizations, representatives of individuals with disabilities, infrastructure protection, cyber security, communications, and homeland security communities.

Appointments are for three-year terms to June 15, 2016, unless otherwise noted. The Administrator may also appoint additional candidates to serve as a FEMA Administrator Selection for three-year terms.

Members selected for the council serve without compensation from the federal government; however, consistent with the charter, members receive travel reimbursement and per diem under applicable federal travel regulations. Registered lobbyists, current FEMA employees, Disaster Assistance Employees, Reservists, FEMA Contractors, and potential FEMA Contractors will not be considered for NAC Membership.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

Richard Flores on passing of Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Read here

Statement by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate released the below statement following the President’s signing of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013, which includes a provision to amend the Stafford Act allowing Tribes direct access to federal disaster relief.

"FEMA has strong, long-standing relationships with Tribal governments, and they are essential members of the emergency management team. We commend the efforts of Members of Congress, Tribal leadership and their organizations, the Department of Homeland Security, and the President who have made this change a reality. This legislative change to the Stafford Act will provide federally recognized Tribal governments the option to choose whether to make a request directly to the President for an emergency or major disaster declaration, or to receive assistance, as they do presently, through a declaration for a State. This amendment to the Stafford Act follows on the President's commitments to Indian Country, strengthens the government to government relationship between FEMA and federally recognized Tribes, and will enhance the way FEMA supports Tribal communities before, during, and after disasters.”

Fully implementing this historic provision will require consultation with Tribes and other stakeholders, particularly as FEMA develops the administrative and programmatic requirements and procedures necessary to execute the law. FEMA will provide interim guidance in the coming weeks explaining how and when Tribal governments may seek declarations, while more comprehensive consultations and administrative procedures are undertaken.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Stafford Act Press Release

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Read here

Posting of Fiscal Year 2013 Notice of Funding Availability for the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

H.R.219 Press Release

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Read here

First Annual iTEMA Conference March 20-21, 2013

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Details

Emergency Management Training

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Indian Country Training joins with Risks & Rewards Management Group to present

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY FOR TRIBAL OFFICIALS

ABOUT THE TRAINING

Each year tribal communities across the nation face crisis from man-made and natural disasters. Floods, wildland fire, blizzards, utility outages, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, bomb threats, suicide, homicide, etcetera, pose an ongoing threat to Indian Country. Our communities are home to, or are in close proximity to national critical infrastructure, international borders, dams, utility structures, natural gas hubs, railroads, interstate highways, pipelines, waterways, timber reserves, oil and natural gas fields and mines, all of which represent the potential to generate disaster.

With the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in general, it is incumbent upon the leadership of tribal communities to be prepared and have their people ready to address the wide variety of collateral problems which might be encountered as a result of an emergency or disaster. Planning for disasters, and being prepared to mitigate their impact, can mean the difference between a successful recovery for your tribal community or the loss of lives and years of agonizing reconstruction.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The safety, security and success of Indian Country lies at the forefront of priorities for the staff at Indian Country Training and RRMG. This course will provide an introduction to emergency management for elected officials and use an integrated two-day curriculum to increase knowledge and experience. Using a progressive exercise and lecture combination, participants will have the opportunity to practice what they've learned in an Emergency Operations Center Activation Exercise. In addition to the emergency management concepts, this course will also provide participants with the opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned from tribes all over the nation.

To effectively rally emergency response tribes must establish standing mutual aid agreements and Memorandums of Understanding to ensure assistance from neighboring tribes, cities, counties and regional governmental agencies. All such agreements must have at the core an acceptance and understanding of tribal sovereign nation status. This course will provide tools and suggestions for tribes to develop those agreements without diminishing sovereign status.

This training will also address the pending legislative amendment to the Stafford Act which would allow federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a federal emergency or disaster declaration.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is highly recommended for tribal elected officials, tribal department managers, tribal public safety and tribal emergency managers. Also, those in neighboring jurisdictions who would like to learn more about tribal specific processes.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Greg Gould , Cree, has been involved in emergency services and emergency management for tribes for over twenty-four years. Greg has been involved in over sixty local, state and federal disaster operations. Greg is a subject matter expert in Tribal Emergency Management, Arctic and Extreme Environment Emergency Planning, Business Continuity Planning, and Emergency Operations Planning.

Mr. Gould has been involved in numerous world class projects including designing and implementing the entire Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP) for all private and federal operations in Antarctica; Acting as the statewide Incident Commander for all pandemic flu continuity planning and response operations for 229 tribes and 11 state departments; Designing, managing and conducting the largest continuity of operations exercise in the history of North America.

Walter Lamar has thirty-years of specialized law enforcement and security experience having served as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Law Enforcement Services, Senior Advisor to the Director of the Department of the Interior - Office of Law Enforcement and Security, and President/CEO of Lamar Associates-Indian Country Training.

Walter is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana and a descendant of the Wichita Tribe of Oklahoma, and was raised on the Blackfeet, Wind River, Jicarilla Apache and Navajo Reservations, in addition to Oklahoma Indian Country.

As a Special Weapons and Tactics Operator with the FBI in San Francisco and Oklahoma City Divisions, he responded to incidents, which included the Los Angeles Rodney King Riots, the Branch Davidian standoff at Waco and the bombing of the A.P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City.

DATES:

February 26-27, 2013

LOCATION:

Albuquerque,

New Mexico

TUITION:

$399 + tax

TRAINING VENUE

Personnel Security Consultants

219 Central Ave, Suite 201

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Located in the Sunrise

Bank Building

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on this training, please contact Indian Country Training at info@lamarassociates or at 202.543.8181.

TRAINING PROVIDED BY

Tribal experts bringing life saving instruction to Indian Country.

DOI Seeks Tribal Nominations for Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resources Science

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is convening a Federal Advisory Committee to provide input and guidance on the establishment and operations of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC) and DOI Climate Science Centers (CSC).

NCCWSC and CSCs have been established with a strong partnership orientation. The Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resources Science (ACCCNRS) will bring together representatives from key organizations and stakeholder communities to:

Advise on the contents of a national strategy identifying key science priorities to advance the management of natural resources in the face of climate change;

Advise on the nature, extent, and quality of relations with and engagement of key partners at the regional/CSC level;

Advise on the nature and effectiveness of mechanisms to ensure the identification of key priorities from management partners and to effectively deliver scientific results in useful forms;

Advise on mechanisms that may be employed by the NCCWSC to ensure high standards of scientific quality and integrity in its products, and to review and evaluate the performance of individual CSCs, in advance of opportunities to re-establish expiring agreements with universities for the hosting of CSCs.

The Committee will have approximately 25 members from federal, state, tribal, nongovernmental, academic and private sectors. The Committee will likely be established in late 2012 or early 2013, and will meet two to four times annually.

USGS understands and respects the diversity of tribal settings, tribal capabilities, and natural and cultural resource issues facing tribal communities. The selected tribal ACCCNRS members will be asked to participate both in regular committee meetings and in related tribal gatherings at which climate change and adaptation will be discussed, to enable the selected members to reflect a broader range of tribal concerns and perspectives. Members serve without compensation, but travel support will be available for committee meetings and up to four additional tribal meetings between the two members.

Seeking Member Nominations:

The Department plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register inviting nominations for membership on the ACCCNRS. The Department is seeking two representatives from tribal nations or organizations to serve on the ACCCNRS. Nominations for membership will be open through November 19, 2012. An initial meeting is expected in early 2013. Ideally, USGS and DOI are seeking tribal community members who are familiar with the natural and cultural resource challenges faced by tribes that may be exacerbated by changing climate, and with the priority scientific needs of tribal resource managers for responding to these challenges.

Nominations for Membership on ACCCNRS:

- Should describe and document the proposed member’s qualifications for membership to the Committee, and include a resume listing their name, title, address, telephone number, email address, and fax number.
- Should be sent to Robin O’Malley, Policy and Partnership Coordinator, National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Mail Stop 400, Reston, VA 20192, romalley@usgs.gov. The deadline is Monday, November 19, 2012.

Link to the Federal Register Notice:

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/10/04/2012-24478/establishment-of-the-advisory-committee-on-climate-change-and-natural-resource-science

Hurricane Sandy Survivors: Be Aware of Scam Artists

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

WINDSOR, Conn.—Hurricane Sandy survivors should be alert to the possibility of fraudulent building contractors and other con artists angling to get their hands on some of the state and federal recovery dollars survivors have received in disaster assistance.

Asking just a few questions can save survivors a lot of heartache. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include fraudulent building contractors, phony housing inspectors, bogus pleas for disaster donations, and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Anyone suspecting fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at

1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local authorities or the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at www.ct.gov/dcp or 1-800-842-2649 (in the Hartford area call 860-713-6110).

The following list of consumer safety tips can help homeowners and other survivors spot fraudulent activity:

There is never a fee to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or to receive it.
There is no fee for FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration property damage inspections.
Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They wear official badges. Watch out for middlemen who promise you will receive money, especially if they ask for an up-front payment. FEMA inspectors carry the registration number assigned to the applicant at the time they register.
Get three written estimates for repair work. Then check credentials and contact your Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to check complaints against the contractor or business.
Before work begins, obtain a written contract detailing all the work to be performed, costs, a projected completion date, and procedures to negotiate changes and settle disputes.
If the contractor provides any guarantees, they should be written into the contract clearly, stating what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.
Pay only by credit card which allows you to dispute a payment later if it turns out to be fraudulent. A reasonable down payment may be required to buy materials for some projects, but do not pay for anything without a signed contract.

To register for FEMA assistance, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov with a smartphone or web-enabled device. To register by telephone, call 800-621-3362 or for TTY users call 800-462-7585. The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations, fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support Those Impacted by Sandy

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON -- At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government's effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, and tribal communities in affected areas. The Administration's top priority remains supporting states, tribes and communities, as response efforts continue.

As FEMA and its partners continue an aggressive power restoration effort, the President has approved an extension to the 100 percent cost share for emergency work performed by state, tribal and local governments through November 14, 2012. The 100 percent funding was set originally to last ten days, starting October 31 and specifically applies to work executed to restore emergency power and emergency public transportation assistance, including direct federal assistance for New Jersey, New York and Connecticut counties designated for FEMA Public Assistance. Other forms of Category B (emergency work) public assistance remain at a 75 percent cost share.

The federal family continues to work to assist with power restorations and to address fuel shortages. The Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and representatives from the private sector and local law enforcement remain committed to supporting state and local governments in these efforts. The federal government has provided hundreds of generators and millions of gallons of fuel to help critical infrastructure sites and fuel stations operate until full power is restored.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to aggressively support a de-watering mission at the direction of FEMA. Teams remain in place at critical areas in New Jersey and New York and pumping operations in 12 of the 14 critical locations as identified by local officials has been completed. The pumping in the Jersey City PATH Train Tunnel and Passaic Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant are estimated to be completed this weekend. Additional USACE teams are in both New Jersey and New York clearing debris and providing technical assistance personnel to support emergency power operations.

FEMA is one part of a large team that is working together to support the states in meeting needs of disaster survivors. As extensive work continues to restore power, open roadways and remove debris so that homes can begin to be repaired or rebuilt, individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

“FEMA’s focus remains on helping the survivors of Hurricane Sandy in a number of different ways," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “In addition to registering for disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362), Disaster Unemployment Assistance and free legal services are also now available to eligible survivors in New Jersey and New York.”

Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been activated for both New Jersey and New York for those whose jobs were impacted by the hurricane in counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. This may include people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits such as the self-employed and those unable to provide their services because of Hurricane Sandy. Free legal services are also available. This includes legal advice, counseling and representation, may be provided to low-income disaster victims through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association. Services typically provided include assistance with insurance claims (life, medical, property); counseling on landlord/tenant problems; assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures; and replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster.

As of 3 p.m., more than 356,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $411 million has been approved in FEMA housing and other needs assistance. Currently 44 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Of that amount, 21 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, 16 in New Jersey and seven in Connecticut and more continue to open. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov. You may also text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).

FEMA has more than 6,600 FEMA personnel deployed to support response and recovery operations and is actively taking registration information through our 24 hour call centers. Many residents may be asking themselves what's next after they register for FEMA assistance. During registration, applicants will be given a personal number that should be kept handy for future use. Often times, a housing inspection is needed and one of the 1,987 FEMA Housing Inspectors on the ground will make contact to schedule an appointment to come see the damaged property if it is accessible. Appointments generally take 30-40 minutes and include an inspection of damaged areas of your home and review of your records. There is no fee for the inspection and inspectors always have proper identification.

To date, the President has declared that major disasters exist in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island and emergency declarations have been made in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia. FEMA continues to deliver commodities including food, water, blankets, generators and others resources to distribution points across the region impacted by Sandy.

In addition, a snapshot of some of the federal activities that are being coordinated:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that businesses with physical damages or loss of revenue should consider visiting a Business Recover Center and applying for an SBA disaster business loan. The SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private non-profit organizations, to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. SBA continues to operate several Business Recovery Centers in New York and New Jersey. As of November 10, the SBA has issued 248,094 disaster loan applications to residents and businesses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. That includes 196,822 home disaster loan applications, and 51,272 business disaster loan applications. SBA continues to operate Business Recovery Centers in New York and New Jersey. For more information, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or go to www.sba.gov.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has more than 1,100 HHS personnel deployed to provide public health and medical assistance to New York and New Jersey. These personnel include disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs). DMATs are a group of professional medical personnel organized to provide rapid-response medical care. To read more about DMAT teams active in the Hurricane Sandy response visit: www.phe.gov/asprblog. The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps also continues to support shelter operations. Nearly 60 officers from three Mental Health Teams have assisted approximately 700 residents and first responders a day, helping address basic mental health issues and facilitating environmental interventions in shelters such as ensuring that lights were off or low in a shelter at a sufficient time for people to sleep, arranging structured activities for children and adults, limiting access to sugary/caffeinated items by children after supper so that they are better able to sleep. These types of basic issues are increase people's resilience in difficult circumstances.

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced special relief intended to support leave-based donation programs to aid survivors who have suffered from the extraordinary destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. Under these programs, employees may donate their vacation, sick or personal leave in exchange for employer cash payments made to qualified tax-exempt organizations providing relief for the survivors of Hurricane Sandy. Also, the Treasury Department and the IRS announced an expedited review and approval process will be offered for organizations seeking tax-exempt status in order to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy. The IRS continues to encourage people to use existing organizations currently working on immediate aid efforts.

The Department of Energy (DOE) in response to a request from the State of Connecticut, the will be loaning an additional 4.2 million gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), to provide emergency loans to fuel distributors in Connecticut to address fuel shortages in the state. This is a continuation of the agreement announced a week ago when President Obama declared that Hurricane Sandy has created a severe energy supply interruption. The fuel will then be provided to fuel distributors in the state and will be repaid in the next 30 days by the distributors directly. DOE and DLA stand ready to make available additional fuel as needed.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is a fully integrated partner in the federal, state, tribal, and local response to Hurricane Sandy and the northeaster that swept through the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States.

U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has nearly 4,000 personnel supporting Hurricane Sandy relief operations in the affected area.

Air Force teams completed unwatering (removing water) operations at Rockaway Waste Water Treatment facility, and East School in Long Beach, N.Y., and provided teams to support fire departments conducting unwatering operations in Breezy Point, N.Y. Army divers repaired the pier system at Caven Point, N.J. Also, divers continue to assist the New York City Fire Department unwater the PATH Tunnel at the World Trade Center and unwater the Long Beach High School and Recreation Center. Navy dive detachments continue to support the World Trade Center site and Marine pump teams are assisting pumping operations at Breezy Point. Helicopters from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are transporting and re-locating generators in affected areas to support critical infrastructure. Navy Seabees and Marine personnel restored the beach at Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook and continue supporting debris clearance operations at locations in Bayonne, N.J. and the Battery, N.Y.

The Defense Logistics Agency continues to supply FEMA with much needed emergency supplies, medical equipment, fuel and now cold and wet weather clothing to help those working toward recovery after Hurricane Sandy. DLA has delivered more than 1.8 million gallons of fuel to federal government distribution points in the New York/New Jersey region. DLA delivered nine generators to the Army Corps of Engineers to power apartment buildings in New York City. Seven more generators and seven transformers are en route. They also provided seven additional generators to the New York City Housing Authority. DLA has contracts in place to support waste water clean-up, hazardous material removal, and debris removal operations. DLA has also awarded two contracts for 330 roll-off dumpsters and 34 trucks for overland trash hauling. 2.5 million pounds of debris have been removed in the last 48 hours.

The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has more than 3000 employees from the North Atlantic Division with an additional 960 team members deployed from other USACE divisions across the Nation engaged to support the response mission. Response teams are assisting with debris management, commodities distribution, infrastructure assessment, temporary roofing, critical public facilities, water planning, and temporary housing. USACE has established Recovery Field Offices in New York and New Jersey to support FEMA and recovery operations.

The National Guard continues to work to expedite recovery efforts. More than 6,200 Army and Air National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from 11 states are conducting food, water, and fuel distribution, communications, security, sheltering, debris removal and transportation missions in support of recovery efforts.

The U.S. Fleet Forces (Navy & Marine Corps) are assisting the Army Corps of Engineers in their power restoration, cleaning and dewatering efforts in NY and NJ.

The United State Postal Service (USPS) wants to remind customers who have evacuated or relocated due to hurricane Sandy to submit a change of address, place mail on hold or request that mail be temporarily forwarded to their new location. For the latest service updates regarding hurricane Sandy, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has distributed an initial $5.3 million to 11 states affected by Hurricane Sandy. NRCS provides this funding through its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is allowing flexibility to New York City Public School District to serve all meals free through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the month of November. FNS has also approved New Jersey's request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP- formerly Food Stamps) recipients that reside in Atlantic County, Bergen County, Cape May County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Somerset County and Union County,( all of which have received individual assistance declarations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to be allowed to purchase hot foods and hot food products with SNAP benefits through the end of the month.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has 1008 national service members who have been deployed to seven states. AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia are assisting with shelter operations, call centers, debris removal, and mass care. About 435 members of FEMA Corps, an innovative partnership between FEMA and AmeriCorps, are working directly with disaster survivors in New York and New Jersey.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminds consumers to take precautions for storing water and ensuring the safety of their food and medical supplies for themselves, their families, and their pets during and after any hurricane-related rain, possible flooding and power outages. For food and drug safety messaging, visit the Food and Drug Administration hurricane safety checklist, available in English and Spanish (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm317232.htm).

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) mobilized resources to speed storm recovery on Federal and tribal lands in the impacted region and to support FEMA in its efforts to assist states and local governments in the disaster area, including nearly 700 DOI employees conducting response and recovery missions and at least an equal number are committed to disaster recovery work in at their home locations. More than 1,200 wildland firefighters from all agencies, including about 260 wildland firefighters from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park service are responding with fellow wildland firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and State Forestry Divisions to support FEMA staging areas, assist in emergency operations centers, and provide crews to clear trees for emergency access and power crews.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is leading a Tribal Assistance Coordination Group, enhancing communications and coordination between Native American Tribes in the disaster area, other Federal agencies including FEMA, and non-profit relief organizations.

The National Park Service (NPS) has deployed more than 300 incident management personnel, technical experts and work crews to assist almost 650 personnel at parks throughout the region in recovery operations. Working with interagency partners, NPS has also established a debris transfer site at Jacob Riis Park in New York to support local clean-up activities and is providing feeding for emergency workers in the vicinity of its logistics base at Fort Wadsworth in the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Last Updated:

November 10, 2012 - 21:56

State or Region:

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, Region I, Region II and Region III

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey Hurricane Sandy, Connecticut Hurricane Sandy, Maryland Hurricane Sandy, Massachusetts Hurricane Sandy, District of Columbia Hurricane Sandy, Rhode Island Hurricane Sandy, Pennsylvania Hurricane Sandy, Delaware Hurricane Sandy, West Virginia Hurricane Sandy, Virginia Hurricane Sandy and New Hampshire Hurricane Sandy