Deadline Is July 10 To File Requests For Public Assistance After May Storms

State agencies, local and tribal governments as well as certain private nonprofits in Oklahoma counties hit hard by the May 10-13 storms and tornadoes have just a few days remaining to file their official requests for federal assistance.

The deadline to file a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is Saturday, July 10.

Filing such a request with the state is the first step in the process of applying for federal reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

Applicants must file RPAs within 30 days of a Public Assistance amendment to a presidential disaster declaration. President Obama issued Oklahoma's major disaster declaration on May 24 and amended it June 11 to include PA for Alfalfa, Cleveland, Grant, Major, McIntosh, Noble, Okfuskee, Osage, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.

"We would like all eligible applicants to get in their requests for assistance quickly," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gregory W. Eaton. "The sooner those forms get to state specialists, the sooner we can start the process of getting their eligible costs reimbursed."The grants are obligated to the state to reimburse applicants for expenses they incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and making repairs to public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, private nonprofit organizations may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, nonprofits may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources; and communications systems.

Source: Deadline Is July 10 To File Requests For Public Assistance After May Storms