$8.1M more in FEMA funds for Super Typhoon Yutu recovery

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced yesterday more than $8.1 million in additional disaster grants for the CNMI to support ongoing Super Typhoon Yutu recovery.

“This is very welcoming news for our residents on Saipan and Tinian. Lt. Gov. [Arnold I.] Palacios and I worked directly with Tinian Mayor [Edwin] Aldan after the typhoon on these key priorities on Tinian to repair the Tinian Public Market, the Social Hall, and other community areas,” said Torres. “We also worked with [the Public School System], the CNMI State Board of Education, and our education stakeholders on permanent repairs for schools on both islands, as well as funding permanent repairs on critical infrastructure. Lt. Gov. Palacios and I thank Mayor Aldan, our PSS leadership, and our community for working with us on these priority projects. We look forward to continuing our partnership with FEMA as we build a stronger Marianas.”

The award will assist 13 eligible applicants with reimbursement for eligible costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, building replacements, replacement of damaged building contents and permanent repairs.

The additional funding consists of:

• $1,990,212, in federal funding to the Tinian municipality for permanent repairs to the Tinian Public Market ($1,969,644) and the Mayor’s Social Hall ($20,568).

• $1,715,895, in federal funding to PSS for permanent repairs to Tinian Elementary School ($609,752), Garapan Elementary School ($309,346), Saipan Southern High School ($706,372), and Saipan administrative buildings ($90,424).

• $1,599,306, in federal funding to the Saipan municipality for permanent repairs to 10 buildings (274,817), 39 SUV’s and six trucks ($208,990), As Perdido Agricultural and Dog Quarantine building ($354,352) and the Parks and Recreation facilities ($412,189) and content damage. Additionally, permanent repairs for the Saipan municipality’s road signs and traffic control devices ($290,825) as well as 100% reimbursement for debris removal ($58,130).

• $500,869, in federal funding to the Office of the Governor’s Public Assistance Office for permanent repairs to Youth Affairs ($331,532), Commonwealth Election Commission (33,570), Board of Parole (49,857), Development Disabilities Council ($22,762), and Northern Marianas Housing Corp. buildings (63,147).

• $306,126, in federal funding to Saipan Community School for permanent repairs to building 1 ($20,476), building 2 ($245,460) and building 7 ($40,189) and their contents.

• $1,548,723 in federal funding to the Commonwealth Ports Authority for permanent repairs to the Tinian Sea and Air Port building and building components ($294,028) as well as 100% reimbursement for emergency protective measures ($1,254,695).

• $157,672, in federal funding to Commonwealth Utilities Corp. for the replacement of vehicles and equipment repairs.

• $135,391, in federal funding to Northern Marianas College for permanent repairs to Tinian buildings and a vehicle.

• $68,715, in federal funding to Grace Christian Academy for permanent repairs to the building.

• $54,372, in federal funding to Saipan International School for management costs.

To date, FEMA has obligated a total of more than $149 million in federal funding for Public Assistance projects related to Super Typhoon Yutu. The President authorized federal cost share for all categories of Public Assistance, at 90% of total eligible costs. In addition, federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures was authorized at 100% for 180 days from the start of the incident.

These grants are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides grant reimbursement to communities for expenses incurred in the immediate response and the recovery from a disaster. The grant applications in the CNMI are submitted by the Commonwealth, which coordinates the process with local governments.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth and it is the Commonwealth’s responsibility to ensure the eligible sub-recipients receive this award.

Following its review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, the Commonwealth will provide funds to the sub-recipient on a reimbursable basis. (PR)