Governor, Congressional Delegation Thank FEMA For Disaster Repair Support

Statement

Following the Governor's request of federal support, particularly in Sussex County, for repairs related to January's major snowstorm and flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a federal disaster declaration by the President. The action means federal disaster assistance will be made available to Delaware to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

"During the January storm, our state sustained damage to public infrastructure, beaches, homes, and businesses, particularly in the coastal areas of Sussex County," said Governor Markell. "While preventive steps like dune restoration helped prevent more serious harm, we know this storm caused significant disruptions to our citizens beyond its immediate aftermath and I am grateful to the Obama Administration for their support in helping our communities fully recover. I also thank the members of our congressional delegation, who have been strong advocates for both disaster response funding as well as initiatives like beach and dune restoration, which are vital to limit the effects of severe weather."

"President Obama's disaster declaration means Delaware is now eligible for important federal assistance to repair damage caused by the January storm," said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. "While our beaches and dunes did their job and took the brunt of the storm's forces, they could not prevent the severe weather from causing damage in our coastal communities, such as the damage to the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and in Cape Henlopen State Park. This declaration is a first step toward repairing that damage, but it won't provide funding to replenish the sand lost from our beaches. I will continue working with the delegation to continue to search for emergency beach nourishment money so we can rebuild our protective dune line."

"The recent news that FEMA has approved our request for a disaster declaration for Sussex County post-Winter Storm Jonas is great news," said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. "As Delawareans, especially those in Sussex County, know, the storm packed a devastating punch and many Delawareans are still struggling from the effects of flood damage. It's my hope that this declaration will assist businesses and homeowners rebuilding from the ramifications of the storm. Thank you to Governor Markell for pushing the major disaster declaration to restore Delaware coastal communities and our infrastructure to pre-storm conditions."

"The federal disaster declaration, and the funding that comes with it, are crucial to Delaware's efforts to rebuild and to ensure we're ready for the next storm," said Congressman John Carney. "This funding will save lives and protect critical property and infrastructure along Delaware's coast. I'm thankful to the Governor, the Obama Administration, and the other partners for providing the resources needed to get this important work done."

"DEMA appreciates the support from FEMA Region III and the President's approval," said A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). "We are eager to begin working with our partners in Sussex County and assist them with their projects."

"The Obama Administration's approval of this declaration will enable Delaware to make repairs to outdoor infrastructure damaged by the winter storm, and will require only limited state funding so that we can continue to make appropriate investments in other infrastructure -- and for completing repairs from storm damage in time for the opening of our traditional outdoors activities," said Dave Small, Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

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Additional Information on Use of Federal Funding

The Presidential Declaration makes federal funding available to projects involving public infrastructure damaged by the storm. Examples of eligible repair projects include the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, portions of the Rehoboth Beach storm water outfalls, and Cape Henlopen State Park walking trails, among others. The costs of Delaware National Guard and Delaware State Police deployments to Sussex County during the storm may also be recovered under the federal disaster declaration. In addition, the declaration included mitigation funding for the entire state. FEMA-validated estimates use the low end of each estimate range submitted by applicants for funding.

Only government entities and non-profit agencies impacted by the January winter storm in Sussex County are involved in the assistance program. The declaration includes a 75/25 cost-sharing formula for emergency response and infrastructure damage from the storm, with Delaware responsible for 25 percent of the costs. Kent County damages are still being reviewed and may be submitted to FEMA.

In his letter to President Obama last month, Markell noted that over three days in January large snowfall totals, damaging winds, and coastal flooding caused substantial damage, particularly in coastal areas of the state. A State of Emergency was implemented, while Governor Markell authorized the Delaware National Guard to deploy assets throughout the state. The Delaware Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated, driving restrictions were issued by the Governor, and fire and police departments, and municipal and county EOCs, were also activated for multiple days in response to the storm.

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