FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program

OVERVIEW: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funding so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President. Grant assistance is available for the following activities:

  • Debris removal
  • Emergency protective measures
  • The repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations
  • The protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process

The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The grantee (usually the state) determines how the non-federal share (up to 25%) is split with the subgrantees (eligible applicants).

TIMETABLE: Public Assistance grants are available only after a Presidential Disaster Declaration. FEMA, the state and local agencies will work together to conduct a preliminary damage assessment and determine if such a declaration is necessary.

APPLICATION PROCESS: The funding process, following an official declaration consists of the following steps:

  1. Applicants’ briefing by grantee (generally the state)
  2. Submission of Request for Public Assistance by applicant
  3. Kick-off meeting with Public Assistance Coordinator
  4. Project formulation and cost estimating
  5. Project review and validation
  6. Obligation of federal funds and disbursement to subgrantees
  7. Appeals and Closeout

FOR MORE INFORMATION: See the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program page.

TAGS: structural, funding, declared disaster