Govt, FEMA signs accord on typhoon aid

Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinating officer William Lokey yesterday signed an agreement for relief and assistance in connection with the damage caused by Typhoon Tingting last June.

The agreement, which provides for a 75-25 fund sharing, came following President Bush’s declaration of the CNMI as a major disaster area on July 29.

“This is to implement the President’s declaration. It would allow FEMA to set up a shop here and go about the business of ascertaining the extent of damage caused by the typhoon,” said Babauta during the signing ceremony.

Babauta noted that the CNMI would be eligible for a 90-10 fund sharing if total damage cost exceeds the threshold.

“Right now, if total cost is $4 million, CNMI share is about $1 million. If we go above that, we’d be entitled to apply for a 90-10 sharing. I’m pretty sure we’d receive that amount,” said the governor in an interview.

Governor’s authorized representative Vicky Villagomez said that preliminary damage estimate was $3.8 million.

“It’s going to be higher when we look at the state level,” she said.

Babauta said the presidential emergency declaration was based on damage resulting from flooding, high surf, high winds, and wind-driven rain associated with Typhoon Tingting on June 27 to 29, 2004.

The federal assistance under the agreement is limited to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. All the three islands are eligible for public assistance and hazard mitigation grant program.

The Northern Islands’ eligibility, according to Lokey, is under review.

Further, the agreement provides for a 75 percent federal funds share of total eligible costs for public assistance and 75 percent share for hazard mitigation measures “that could substantially reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss or suffering in any area within the Commonwealth.”

Recent reports put the preliminary damage assessment conducted by the CNMI and the FEMA on Saipan and Tinian 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.

Villagomez said the typhoon left major damage on Tinian and Rota’s port facilities.

On Saipan, major damage were reported affecting the hospital and utilities. She said that damage on Beach Road will be reassessed.