PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
ABOUT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program provides federal funding when aid major disasters have been delcared to help communities in our recovery efforts. The Public Assistance Program (PA) provides federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged property. The Public Assistance Program (PA) is based on a partnership between FEMA, State, and local officials.
ACTIVE DISASTER PROGRAMS
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TROPICAL STORM-GITA (DR-4357)
Declaration Date: Mar. 7, 2018
Total Public Assistance Grants Dollars Obligated: $9,763,391.26
On February 25, 2018, Governor Lolo M. Moliga requested a major disaster declaration due to Tropical Storm Gita during the period of February 7-12, 2018. The Governor requested a declaration for Individual Assistance; Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance; and Hazard Mitigation for the territory of American Samoa. On March 2, 2018, President Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the territory of American Samoa. This declaration also made Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance requested by the Governor available to the territory and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Gita in the territory of American Samoa. Finally, this declaration made Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance requested by the Governor available for hazard mitigation measures for the territory of American Samoa (fema.gov).
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COVID-19 PANDEMIC (DR-4537)
Declaration Date: April 17, 2020
Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the territory of American Samoa (FEMA-4537-DR), dated April 17, 2020 and related determinations. Emergency conditions in the territory of American Samoa resulting from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020 and continuing are sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. et seq. (the “Stafford Act”). Funds are available for the purpose of federal disaster assistance and administrative expenses. Under the declaration, assistance for emergency protective measures including Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program will be utilized for the territory (fema.gov).
