Public Assistance

The process of providing public assistance funding after a disaster is a partnership between the federal, state and local governments.

Public Assistance (PA) programs are designed to support state and local authorities and certain nonprofit organizations so they can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility or infrastructure, which is damaged or destroyed by a disaster.

FEMA approves PA projects for funding and awards the grant money directly to the state, and the state disburses the funds to the local applicant (although the state may require additional information of the local applicant before releasing the funds).

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to rebuild government buildings, roads and bridges, schools, water and sewer plans, recreational facilities owned by government agencies, some facilities owned by nonprofit agencies and other publicly owned facilities. FEMA and the State can set aside money to bring each project back to its pre-disaster function and capacity. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund the projects and oversee their completion.