FEMA now processing NMI’s request for aid

Gov. Juan N. Babauta is optimistic that President Bush would declare a major disaster in the CNMI following the onslaught of Typhoon Tingting, soon after receiving notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the CNMI’s plea for assistance is now being processed.

Besides the processing of FEMA’s public assistance and hazard mitigation assistance, the agency’s acting regional director Karen E. Armes assured that her office’s preliminary damage assessment team would assist the CNMI in its efforts to avail of U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance.

In a July 8 letter to Babauta, Armes also said damage assessment for Rota is going on, following the completion of a joint PDA for Saipan and Tinian from June 30 to July 2.

Babauta requested for Bush’s disaster declaration on July 7, based on the results of the joint PDA.

“I appreciate the very quick response from FEMA,” Babauta said. “We look forward to approval of the FEMA request for assistance.”

FEMA reminded the governor that ongoing rehabilitation efforts to establish public services should comply with federal law, including environmental and historic preservation requirements. FEMA said the CNMI might be eligible for reimbursement for the ongoing rehabilitation work if the agency’s assistance is approved.

Babauta requested Bush to declare a major disaster in the Commonwealth so that the islands could avail of federal assistance pursuant to Public Law 93-288, also known as the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The governor cited significant damage to public utilities, infrastructure and agriculture on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Based on the joint PDA for Saipan and Tinian, Babauta estimated damage brought on by the typhoon at over $2.53 million.

Of this estimate, some $650,000 would be needed to restore utilities; $350,000, roads and bridges; $250,000, buildings and equipment; $210,000, parks and recreational facilities; $150,000, water control facilities; and $77,000, debris clearance. Some $82,000 would cover overtime pay of government personnel during response and recovery efforts after the typhoon.

Babauta earlier disclosed an estimated $761,800 worth of damage on Rota’s roads and bridges that needed debris clearing. The amount, however, has yet to be verified by a joint PDA on Rota.

“The island of Rota reported in excess of $1 million damage to their only commercial port and over $500,000 in crop destroyed. The island of Tinian also reported damage to their floating dock at the marina and over 60 percent in crop damage. Additional damage to commercial and residential areas due to flooding were reported on Saipan and more than 60 percent in crop damages,” the governor earlier said.

In his request to Bush, Babauta assured that the CNMI government would assume all non-federal share of costs required by the Robert T. Stafford act.