42 USC 5170 - Essential assistance

Collapse to view only § 5170b. Essential assistance

§ 5170. Procedure for declaration
§ 5170a. General Federal assistance
§ 5170b. Essential assistance
§ 5170c. Hazard mitigation
§ 5171. Federal facilities
§ 5172. Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities
§ 5173. Debris removal
§ 5174. Federal assistance to individuals and households
§ 5174a. Flexibility
§ 5174b. Critical document fee waiver
§ 5175. Repealed.
§ 5176. Repealed.
§ 5177. Unemployment assistance
§ 5177a. Emergency grants to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers
§ 5178. Repealed.
§ 5179. Benefits and distribution
§ 5180. Food commodities
§ 5181. Relocation assistance
§ 5182. Legal services
§ 5183. Crisis counseling assistance and training
§ 5184. Community disaster loans
§ 5185. Emergency communications
§ 5186. Emergency public transportation
§ 5187. Fire management assistance
§ 5188. Timber sale contracts
§ 5189. Simplified procedure
§ 5189a. Appeals of assistance decisions
§ 5189b. Date of eligibility; expenses incurred before date of disaster
§ 5189c. Transportation assistance to individuals and households
§ 5189d. Case management services
§ 5189e. Essential service providers
§ 5189f. Public assistance program alternative procedures
§ 5189g. Unified Federal review
§ 5189h. Agency accountability

§ 5170. Procedure for declaration

(a) In general

(b) Indian tribal government requests

(1) In general

(2) References

(3) Savings provision

(1) In general

In providing assistance to an Indian tribal government under this subchapter, the President may waive or adjust any payment of a non-Federal contribution with respect to the assistance if—

(A) the President has the authority to waive or adjust the payment under another provision of this subchapter; and

(B) the President determines that the waiver or adjustment is necessary and appropriate.

(2) Criteria for making determinations

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 401, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(a)(3), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4696; amended Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1110(a), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 47.)

§ 5170a. General Federal assistanceIn any major disaster, the President may—

(1) direct any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to utilize its authorities and the resources granted to it under Federal law (including personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, and managerial, technical, and advisory services) in support of State and local assistance response or recovery efforts, including precautionary evacuations;

(2) coordinate all disaster relief assistance (including voluntary assistance) provided by Federal agencies, private organizations, and State and local governments, including precautionary evacuations and recovery;

(3) provide technical and advisory assistance to affected State and local governments for—

(A) the performance of essential community services;

(B) issuance of warnings of risks and hazards;

(D) provision of health and safety measures;

(E) management, control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety; and

(F) recovery activities, including disaster impact assessments and planning;

(4) assist State and local governments in the distribution of medicine, food, and other consumable supplies, and emergency assistance;

(5) provide assistance to State and local governments for building code and floodplain management ordinance administration and enforcement, including inspections for substantial damage compliance; and

(6) provide accelerated Federal assistance and Federal support where necessary to save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate severe damage, which may be provided in the absence of a specific request and in which case the President—

(A) shall, to the fullest extent practicable, promptly notify and coordinate with officials in a State in which such assistance or support is provided; and

(B) shall not, in notifying and coordinating with a State under subparagraph (A), delay or impede the rapid deployment, use, and distribution of critical resources to victims of a major disaster.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 402, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(a)(3), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4696; amended Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 681(a), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1444; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1206(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3440.)

§ 5170b. Essential assistance

(a) In generalFederal agencies may on the direction of the President, provide assistance essential to meeting immediate threats to life and property resulting from a major disaster, as follows:

(1) Federal resources, generally

(2) Medicine, food, and other consumables

(3) Work and services to save lives and protect propertyPerforming on public or private lands or waters any work or services essential to saving lives and protecting and preserving property or public health and safety, including—

(A) debris removal;

(B) search and rescue, emergency medical care, emergency mass care, emergency shelter, and provision of food, water, medicine durable medical equipment,,1 and other essential needs, including movement of supplies or persons;

(C) clearance of roads and construction of temporary bridges necessary to the performance of emergency tasks and essential community services;

(D) provision of temporary facilities for schools and other essential community services;

(E) demolition of unsafe structures which endanger the public;

(F) warning of further risks and hazards;

(G) dissemination of public information and assistance regarding health and safety measures;

(H) provision of technical advice to State and local governments on disaster management and control;

(I) reduction of immediate threats to life, property, and public health and safety; and

(J) provision of rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs—

(i) to individuals with household pets and service animals; and

(ii) to such pets and animals.

(4) Contributions

(b) Federal share

(1) General rule

(2) Rules applicable to debris removal

(3) Expenditures out of disaster relief funds

(4) Federal share

(5) Guidelines

(6) DefinitionsFor purposes of this section—

(A) Department of Defense

(B) Emergency work

(d) Salaries and benefits

(1) In generalIf the President declares a major disaster or emergency for an area within the jurisdiction of a State, tribal, or local government, the President may reimburse the State, tribal, or local government for costs relating to—

(A) basic pay and benefits for permanent employees of the State, tribal, or local government conducting emergency protective measures under this section, if—

(i) the work is not typically performed by the employees; and

(ii) the type of work may otherwise be carried out by contract or agreement with private organizations, firms, or individuals.; 2

2 So in original.

(B) overtime and hazardous duty compensation for permanent employees of the State, tribal, or local government conducting emergency protective measures under this section.

(2) Overtime

(3) No effect on mutual aid pacts

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 403, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(a)(3), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4697; amended Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 689(b), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1449; Pub. L. 109–308, § 4, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1726; Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1108(b), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 47; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1217(d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3452.)

§ 5170c. Hazard mitigation

(a) In general

(b) Property acquisition and relocation assistance

(1) General authority

(2) Terms and conditionsAn acquisition or relocation project shall be eligible to receive assistance pursuant to paragraph (1) only if—

(A) the applicant for the assistance is otherwise eligible to receive assistance under the hazard mitigation grant program established under subsection (a); and

(B) on or after December 3, 1993, the applicant for the assistance enters into an agreement with the Administrator that provides assurances that—

(i) any property acquired, accepted, or from which a structure will be removed pursuant to the project will be dedicated and maintained in perpetuity for a use that is compatible with open space, recreational, or wetlands management practices;

(ii) no new structure will be erected on property acquired, accepted or from which a structure was removed under the acquisition or relocation program other than—(I) a public facility that is open on all sides and functionally related to a designated open space;(II) a rest room; or(III) a structure that the Administrator approves in writing before the commencement of the construction of the structure; and

(iii) after receipt of the assistance, with respect to any property acquired, accepted or from which a structure was removed under the acquisition or relocation program—(I) no subsequent application for additional disaster assistance for any purpose will be made by the recipient to any Federal entity; and(II) no assistance referred to in subclause (I) will be provided to the applicant by any Federal source.

(3) Statutory construction

(1) In general

(2) CriteriaThe President, in consultation and coordination with States and local governments, shall establish criteria for the approval of applications submitted under paragraph (1). Until such time as the Administrator promulgates regulations to implement this paragraph, the Administrator may waive notice and comment rulemaking, if the Administrator determines doing so is necessary to expeditiously implement this section, and may carry out this section as a pilot program. The criteria shall include, at a minimum—

(A) the demonstrated ability of the State to manage the grant program under this section;

(B) there being in effect an approved mitigation plan under section 5165 of this title; and

(3) Approval

(4) Withdrawal of approval

(5) Audits

(d) Streamlined procedures

(1) In generalFor the purpose of providing assistance under this section, the President shall ensure that—

(A) adequate resources are devoted to ensure that applicable environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] and historic preservation reviews under the National Historic Preservation Act 1

1 See References in Text note below.

are completed on an expeditious basis; and

(B) the shortest existing applicable process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] and the National Historic Preservation Act 1 is utilized.

(2) Authority for other expedited procedures

(e) Advance assistance

(f) Use of assistanceRecipients of hazard mitigation assistance provided under this section and section 5133 of this title may use the assistance to conduct activities to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a wildfire or windstorm, such as—

(1) reseeding ground cover with quick-growing or native species;

(2) mulching with straw or chipped wood;

(3) constructing straw, rock, or log dams in small tributaries to prevent flooding;

(4) placing logs and other erosion barriers to catch sediment on hill slopes;

(5) installing debris traps to modify road and trail drainage mechanisms;

(6) modifying or removing culverts to allow drainage to flow freely;

(7) adding drainage dips and constructing emergency spillways to keep roads and bridges from washing out during floods;

(8) planting grass to prevent the spread of noxious weeds;

(9) installing warning signs;

(10) establishing defensible space measures;

(11) reducing hazardous fuels;

(12) mitigating windstorm and wildfire damage, including—

(A) replacing or installing electrical transmission or distribution utility pole structures with poles that are resilient to extreme wind, wildfire, and combined ice and wind loadings for the basic wind speeds and ice conditions associated with the relevant location; and

(B) the installation of fire-resistant wires and infrastructure and the undergrounding of wires;

(13) removing standing burned trees; and

(14) replacing water systems that have been burned and have caused contamination.

(g) Use of assistance for earthquake hazardsRecipients of hazard mitigation assistance provided under this section and section 5133 of this title may use the assistance to conduct activities to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by earthquake hazards, including—

(1) improvements to regional seismic networks in support of building a capability for earthquake early warning;

(2) improvements to geodetic networks in support of building a capability for earthquake early warning; and

(3) improvements to seismometers, Global Positioning System receivers, and associated infrastructure in support of building a capability for earthquake early warning.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 404, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(a)(3), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4698; amended Pub. L. 103–181, §§ 2(a), 3, Dec. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 2054; Pub. L. 106–390, title I, § 104(c)(1), title II, § 204, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1559, 1561; Pub. L. 108–7, div. K, title IV, § 417, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 525; Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 684, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1447; Pub. L. 111–351, § 3(c)(2), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3864; Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1104(a), (b), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 43; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §§ 1204(b)(1), 1205, 1233, 1235(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3439, 3460, 3463; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title I, § 40102, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 928.)

§ 5171. Federal facilities

(a) Repair, reconstruction, restoration, or replacement of United States facilities

(b) Availability of funds appropriated to agency for repair, reconstruction, restoration, or replacement of agency facilities

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 405, formerly § 401, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 153; renumbered § 405, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(a)(2), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4696.)

§ 5172. Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities

(a) Contributions

(1) In generalThe President may make contributions—

(A) to a State or local government for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster and for associated expenses incurred by the government; and

(B) subject to paragraph (3), to a person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the facility and for associated expenses incurred by the person.

(2) Associated expensesFor the purposes of this section, associated expenses shall include—

(A) the costs of mobilizing and employing the National Guard for performance of eligible work;

(B) the costs of using prison labor to perform eligible work, including wages actually paid, transportation to a worksite, and extraordinary costs of guards, food, and lodging;

(C) base and overtime wages for the employees and extra hires of a State, local government, or person described in paragraph (1) that perform eligible work, plus fringe benefits on such wages to the extent that such benefits were being paid before the major disaster; and

(D) base and overtime wages for extra hires to facilitate the implementation and enforcement of adopted building codes for a period of not more than 180 days after the major disaster is declared.

(3) Conditions for assistance to private nonprofit facilities

(A) In generalThe President may make contributions to a private nonprofit facility under paragraph (1)(B) only if—

(i) the facility provides critical services (as defined by the President) in the event of a major disaster; or

(ii) the owner or operator of the facility—(I) has applied for a disaster loan under section 636(b) of title 15; and(II)(aa) has been determined to be ineligible for such a loan; or(bb) has obtained such a loan in the maximum amount for which the Small Business Administration determines the facility is eligible.

(B) Definition of critical services

(4) Notification to CongressBefore making any contribution under this section in an amount greater than $20,000,000, the President shall notify—

(A) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate;

(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;

(D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(b) Federal share

(1) Minimum Federal share

(2) Reduced Federal shareThe President shall promulgate regulations to reduce the Federal share of assistance under this section to not less than 25 percent in the case of the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of any eligible public facility or private nonprofit facility following an event associated with a major disaster—

(A) that has been damaged, on more than one occasion within the preceding 10-year period, by the same type of event; and

(B) the owner of which has failed to implement appropriate mitigation measures to address the hazard that caused the damage to the facility.

(3) Increased Federal share

(A) Incentive measuresThe President may provide incentives to a State or Tribal government to invest in measures that increase readiness for, and resilience from, a major disaster by recognizing such investments through a sliding scale that increases the minimum Federal share to 85 percent. Such measures may include—

(i) the adoption of a mitigation plan approved under section 5165 of this title;

(ii) investments in disaster relief, insurance, and emergency management programs;

(iii) encouraging the adoption and enforcement of the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this chapter for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ users against disasters;

(iv) facilitating participation in the community rating system; and

(v) funding mitigation projects or granting tax incentives for projects that reduce risk.

(B) Comprehensive guidance

(D) Savings clause

(1) For public facilities

(A) In general

(B) Use of fundsFunds contributed to a State or local government under this paragraph may be used—

(i) to repair, restore, or expand other selected public facilities;

(ii) to construct new facilities; or

(iii) to fund hazard mitigation measures that the State or local government determines to be necessary to meet a need for governmental services and functions in the area affected by the major disaster.

(i) any public facility located in a regulatory floodway (as defined in section 59.1 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)); or

(ii) any uninsured public facility located in a special flood hazard area identified by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).

(2) For private nonprofit facilities

(A) In general

(B) Use of fundsFunds contributed to a person under this paragraph may be used—

(i) to repair, restore, or expand other selected private nonprofit facilities owned or operated by the person;

(ii) to construct new private nonprofit facilities to be owned or operated by the person; or

(iii) to fund hazard mitigation measures that the person determines to be necessary to meet a need for the person’s services and functions in the area affected by the major disaster.

(i) any private nonprofit facility located in a regulatory floodway (as defined in section 59.1 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)); or

(ii) any uninsured private nonprofit facility located in a special flood hazard area identified by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).

(d) Flood insurance

(1) Reduction of Federal assistance

(2) Amount of reductionThe amount of a reduction in Federal assistance under this section with respect to a facility shall be the lesser of—

(A) the value of such facility on the date of the flood damage or destruction, or

(B) the maximum amount of insurance proceeds which would have been payable with respect to such facility if such facility had been covered by flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 on such date.

(3) Exception

(4) Dissemination of information

(e) Eligible cost

(1) Determination

(A) In generalFor the purposes of this section, for disasters declared on or after August 1, 2017, or a disaster in which a cost estimate has not yet been finalized for a project, or for any project for which the finalized cost estimate is on appeal, the President shall estimate the eligible cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing a public facility or private nonprofit facility—

(i) on the basis of the design of the facility as the facility existed immediately before the major disaster;

(ii) in conformity with the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this chapter for the purposes of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of a facility’s users against disasters (including floodplain management and hazard mitigation criteria required by the President or under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)); and

(iii) in a manner that allows the facility to meet the definition of resilient developed pursuant to this subsection.

(B) Cost estimation procedures

(i) In general

(ii) Applicability

(2) Modification of eligible cost

(A) Actual cost greater than ceiling percentage of estimated cost

(B) Actual cost less than estimated cost

(i) Greater than or equal to floor percentage of estimated cost

(ii) Less than floor percentage of estimated cost

(3) Expert panel

(A) Establishment

(B) DutiesThe expert panel shall develop recommendations concerning—

(i) procedures for estimating the cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing a facility consistent with industry practices; and

(ii) the ceiling and floor percentages referred to in paragraph (2).

(C) RegulationsTaking into account the recommendations of the expert panel under subparagraph (B), the President shall promulgate regulations that establish—

(i) cost estimation procedures described in subparagraph (B)(i); and

(ii) the ceiling and floor percentages referred to in paragraph (2).

(D) Review by President

(E) Report to Congress

(4) Special rule

(5) New rules

(A) In general

(B) Interim guidance

(D) Report

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 406, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(b), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4699; amended Pub. L. 106–390, title II, § 205(a)–(d)(1), (e), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1562–1564, 1566; Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 689h, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1453; Pub. L. 109–347, title VI, § 609, Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1942; Pub. L. 111–351, § 3(c)(2), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3864; Pub. L. 114–111, § 2(b), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2240; Pub. L. 115–123, div. B, title VI, §§ 20604(b), 20606, Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 86; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §§ 1206(b), 1207(a), (b), 1235(b)–(d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3440, 3463, 3464.)

§ 5173. Debris removal

(a) Presidential authority

The President, whenever he determines it to be in the public interest, is authorized—

(1) through the use of Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, to clear debris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster from publicly and privately owned lands and waters; and

(2) to make grants to any State or local government or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility for the purpose of removing debris or wreckage resulting from a major disaster from publicly or privately owned lands and waters.

(b) Authorization by State or local government; indemnification agreement

(d) Federal share

(e) Expedited payments

(1) Grant assistance

(2) Date of payment

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 407, formerly § 403, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 154; renumbered § 407 and amended Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4701; Pub. L. 109–347, title VI, § 610, Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1942.)

§ 5174. Federal assistance to individuals and households

(a) In general

(1) Provision of assistance

(2) Relationship to other assistance

(b) Housing assistance

(1) Eligibility

(2) Determination of appropriate types of assistance

(A) In general

(B) Multiple types of assistance

(1) Temporary housing

(A) Financial assistance

(i) In general

(ii) Amount

(B) Direct assistance

(i) In general

(ii) Lease and repair of rental units for temporary housing(I) In generalThe President, to the extent the President determines it would be a cost-effective alternative to other temporary housing options, may—(aa) enter into lease agreements with owners of multifamily rental property impacted by a major disaster or located in areas covered by a major disaster declaration to house individuals and households eligible for assistance under this section; and(bb) make repairs or improvements to properties under such lease agreements, to the extent necessary to serve as safe and adequate temporary housing.(II) Improvements or repairs

(iii) Period of assistance

(iv) Collection of rental charges

(2) Repairs

(A) In generalThe President may provide financial assistance for—

(i) the repair of owner-occupied private residences, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as a private access route) damaged by a major disaster to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition; and

(ii) eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the likelihood of future damage to such residences, utilities, or infrastructure.

(B) Relationship to other assistance

(3) Replacement

(A) In general

(B) Applicability of flood insurance requirement

(4) Permanent housing constructionThe President may provide financial assistance or direct assistance to individuals or households to construct permanent or semi-permanent housing in insular areas outside the continental United States and in other locations in cases in which—

(A) no alternative housing resources are available; and

(B) the types of temporary housing assistance described in paragraph (1) are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective.

(d) Terms and conditions relating to housing assistance

(1) Sites

(A) In generalAny readily fabricated dwelling provided under this section shall, whenever practicable, be located on a site that—

(i) is complete with utilities;

(ii) meets the physical accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities; and

(iii) is provided by the State or local government, by the owner of the site, or by the occupant who was displaced by the major disaster.

(B) Sites provided by the President

(2) Disposal of units

(A) Sale to occupants

(i) In general

(ii) Sale price

(iii) Deposit of proceeds

(iv) Hazard and flood insurance

(v) Use of GSA services

(B) Other methods of disposalIf not disposed of under subparagraph (A), a temporary housing unit purchased under this section by the President for the purpose of housing disaster victims—

(i) may be sold to any person; or

(ii) may be sold, transferred, donated, or otherwise made available directly to a State or other governmental entity or to a voluntary organization for the sole purpose of providing temporary housing to disaster victims in major disasters and emergencies if, as a condition of the sale, transfer, or donation, the State, other governmental agency, or voluntary organization agrees—(I) to comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of section 5151 of this title; and(II) to obtain and maintain hazard and flood insurance on the housing unit.

(e) Financial assistance to address other needs

(1) Medical, dental, child care, and funeral expenses

(2) Personal property, transportation, and other expenses

(f) State role

(1) State- or Indian tribal government-administered assistance and other needs assistance

(A) Grant to State

(B) Administrative costs

(2) Access to records

(3) Requirements

(A) Application

(B) CriteriaThe President, in consultation and coordination with State and Indian tribal governments, shall establish criteria for the approval of applications submitted under subparagraph (A). The criteria shall include, at a minimum—

(i) a requirement that the State or Indian tribal government submit a housing strategy under subparagraph (C);

(ii) the demonstrated ability of the State or Indian tribal government to manage the program under this section;

(iii) there being in effect a plan approved by the President as to how the State or Indian tribal government will comply with applicable Federal laws and regulations and how the State or Indian tribal government will provide assistance under its plan;

(iv) a requirement that the State or Indian tribal government comply with rules and regulations established pursuant to subsection (j); and

(v) a requirement that the President, or the designee of the President, comply with subsection (i).

(i) In general

(ii) RequirementsThe housing strategy required under clause (i) shall—(I) outline the approach of the State in working with Federal partners, Indian tribal governments, local communities, nongovernmental organizations, and individual disaster survivors to meet disaster-related sheltering and housing needs; and(II) include the establishment of an activation plan for a State Disaster Housing Task Force, as outlined in the National Disaster Housing Strategy, to bring together State, tribal, local, Federal, nongovernmental, and private sector expertise to evaluate housing requirements, consider potential solutions, recognize special needs populations, and propose recommendations.

(D) Quality assurance

(E) Audits

(F) Applicable laws

(G) Report on effectivenessNot later than 18 months after October 5, 2018, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the State or Indian tribal government’s role to provide assistance under this section. The report shall contain an assessment of the effectiveness of the State or Indian tribal government’s role in providing assistance under this section, including—

(i) whether the State or Indian tribal government’s role helped to improve the general speed of disaster recovery;

(ii) whether the State or Indian tribal government providing assistance under this section had the capacity to administer this section; and

(iii) recommendations for changes to improve the program if the State or Indian tribal government’s role to administer the programs should be continued.

(H) Report on incentives

(I) Prohibition

(J) Miscellaneous

(i) Notice and comment

(ii) Final rule

(iii) Waiver and expiration

(g) Cost sharing

(1) Federal share

(2) Financial assistance to address other needsIn the case of financial assistance provided under subsection (e)—

(A) the Federal share shall be 75 percent; and

(B) the non-Federal share shall be paid from funds made available by the State.

(h) Maximum amount of assistance

(1) In general

(2) Other needs assistance

(3) Adjustment of limit

(4) Exclusion of necessary expenses for individuals with disabilities

(A) In general

(B) Other needs assistance

(i) Verification measuresIn carrying out this section, the President shall develop a system, including an electronic database, that shall allow the President, or the designee of the President, to—

(1) verify the identity and address of recipients of assistance under this section to provide reasonable assurance that payments are made only to an individual or household that is eligible for such assistance;

(2) minimize the risk of making duplicative payments or payments for fraudulent claims under this section;

(3) collect any duplicate payment on a claim under this section, or reduce the amount of subsequent payments to offset the amount of any such duplicate payment;

(4) provide instructions to recipients of assistance under this section regarding the proper use of any such assistance, regardless of how such assistance is distributed; and

(5) conduct an expedited and simplified review and appeal process for an individual or household whose application for assistance under this section is denied.

(j) Rules and regulations

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 408, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(d), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4702; amended Pub. L. 106–390, title II, § 206(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1566; Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §§ 685, 686, 689(c), 689d, 696(c), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1447–1449, 1452, 1461; Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, §§ 1103, 1108(a), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 42, 47; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §§ 1211(a), 1212, 1213(a), (b), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3445, 3448.)

§ 5174a. Flexibility

(a) Waiver authority

(1) DefinitionIn this subsection, the term “covered assistance” means assistance provided—

(A) under section 5174 of this title; and

(B) in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 5170 or 5191, respectively, of this title on or after October 28, 2012.

(2) AuthorityNotwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, the Administrator—

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall—

(i) waive a debt owed to the United States related to covered assistance provided to an individual or household if the covered assistance was distributed based on an error by the Agency and such debt shall be construed as a hardship; and

(ii) waive a debt owed to the United States related to covered assistance provided to an individual or household if such assistance is subject to a claim or legal action, including in accordance with section 1

1 So in original. Probably should be a reference to section 317 of the Act.

of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5160); and

(B) may not waive a debt under subparagraph (A) if the debt involves fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation by the debtor or any party having an interest in the claim.

(3) Monitoring of covered assistance distributed based on error

(A) In general

(B) Report on waiver authority based on excessive error rateIf the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security determines, with respect to any 12-month period, that the amount of covered assistance distributed based on an error by the Agency exceeds 4 percent of the total amount of covered assistance distributed—

(i) the Inspector General shall notify the Administrator and publish the determination in the Federal Register; and

(ii) with respect to any major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 5170 or section 5191, respectively, of this title after the date on which the determination is published under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate actions that the Administrator will take to reduce the error rate.

(b) Recoupment of certain assistance prohibited

(1) In general

(2) Covered assistance definedIn this subsection, the term “covered assistance” means assistance provided—

(A) under section 5174 of this title; and

(B) in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 5170 or 5191 of this title, respectively, on or after January 1, 2012.

(1) Omitted

(2) Applicability

(A) In generalWith respect to disaster or emergency assistance provided to a State or local government on or after January 1, 2004—

(i) no administrative action may be taken to recover a payment of such assistance after October 5, 2018, if the action is prohibited under section 5205(a)(1) of this title, as amended by paragraph (1); and

(ii) any administrative action to recover a payment of such assistance that is pending on such date of enactment shall be terminated if the action is prohibited under section 5205(a)(1) of this title, as amended by paragraph (1).

(B) Limitation

(Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1216, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3449; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LVI, § 5602(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3404.)

§ 5174b. Critical document fee waiver

(1) In general

Notwithstanding section 214 of title 22 or any other provision of law, the President, in consultation with the Governor of a State, may provide a waiver under this subsection to an individual or household described in section 5174(e)(1) of this title for the following document replacement fees:

(A) The passport application fee for individuals who lost their United States passport in a major disaster within the preceding three calendar years.

(B) The file search fee for a United States passport.

(D) The Permanent Resident Card replacement form (Form I–90) filing fee.

(E) The Declaration of Intention form (Form N–300) filing fee.

(F) The Naturalization/Citizenship Document replacement form (Form N–565) filing fee.

(G) The Employment Authorization form (Form I–765) filing fee.

(H) The biometric service fee.

(2) Exemption from form requirement

(3) Exemption from assistance maximum

(4) Report

(Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1238(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3465.)

§ 5175. Repealed. Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 105(m)(2), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4696

§ 5176. Repealed. Pub. L. 106–390, title I, § 104(c)(2), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1559

§ 5177. Unemployment assistance

(a) Benefit assistance

(b) Reemployment assistance

(1) State assistance

(2) Federal assistance

(1) In general

(2) Extension

The President may accept an application from an individual described in paragraph (1) that is submitted after the deadline described in paragraph (1) if—

(A) the individual has good cause for the late submission; and

(B) the individual submits the application before the date on which the period during which assistance is provided under this section for the applicable major disaster expires.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 410, formerly § 407, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 156; renumbered § 410 and amended Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(e), (f), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4703, 4704; Pub. L. 118–44, § 2, Mar. 18, 2024, 138 Stat. 455.)

§ 5177a. Emergency grants to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers

(a) In general

(b) “Low-income migrant or seasonal farmworker” defined

For the purposes of this section, the term “low-income migrant or seasonal farmworker” means an individual—

(1) who has, during any consecutive 12 month period within the preceding 24 month period, performed farm work for wages;

(2) who has received not less than one-half of such individual’s total income, or been employed at least one-half of total work time in farm work; and

(3) whose annual family income within the 12 month period referred to in paragraph (1) does not exceed the higher of the poverty level or 70 percent of the lower living standard income level.

(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXII, § 2281, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3978; Pub. L. 107–171, title X, § 10102, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 488.)

§ 5178. Repealed. Pub. L. 106–390, title II, § 206(c), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1571

§ 5179. Benefits and distribution

(a) Persons eligible; terms and conditions

(b) Duration of assistance; factors considered

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 412, formerly § 409, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 157; renumbered § 412, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(h), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §§ 4002(b)(1)(C), (E), (2)(DD), 4115(c)(1)(A)(ii), (iv), (B)(v), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097, 1109; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, §§ 4002(b)(1)(C), (E), (2)(DD), 4115(c)(1)(A)(ii), (iv), (B)(v), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1859, 1870, 1871.)

§ 5180. Food commodities

(a) Emergency mass feeding

(b) Funds for purchase of food commodities

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 413, formerly § 410, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 157; renumbered § 413, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(h), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705.)

§ 5181. Relocation assistance

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person otherwise eligible for any kind of replacement housing payment under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91–646) [42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.] shall be denied such eligibility as a result of his being unable, because of a major disaster as determined by the President, to meet the occupancy requirements set by such Act.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 414, formerly § 411, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 157; renumbered § 414, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(h), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705.)

§ 5182. Legal services

Whenever the President determines that low-income individuals are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their needs as a consequence of a major disaster, consistent with the goals of the programs authorized by this chapter, the President shall assure that such programs are conducted with the advice and assistance of appropriate Federal agencies and State and local bar associations.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 415, formerly § 412, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 157; renumbered § 415, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(h), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705.)

§ 5183. Crisis counseling assistance and training

(a) In general

(b) Training

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 416, formerly § 413, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 157; renumbered § 416 and amended Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(i), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705; Pub. L. 117–251, § 7(a), Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2357.)

§ 5184. Community disaster loans

(a) In general

(b) Amount

The amount of any such loan shall be based on need, shall not exceed—

(1) 25 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government for the fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs, and shall not exceed $5,000,000; or

(2) if the loss of tax and other revenues of the local government as a result of the major disaster is at least 75 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government for the fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs, 50 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government for the fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs, and shall not exceed $5,000,000.

(1) Cancellation

(2) Condition on continuing eligibility

(d) Effect on other assistance

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 417, formerly § 414(a), (b), May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 158; renumbered § 417, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(j), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705; Pub. L. 106–390, title II, § 207, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1571; Pub. L. 109–347, title VI, § 608, Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1942.)

§ 5185. Emergency communications

The President is authorized during, or in anticipation of, an emergency or major disaster to establish temporary communications systems and to make such communications available to State and local government officials and other persons as he deems appropriate.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 418, formerly § 415, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 158; renumbered § 418, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(j), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705.)

§ 5186. Emergency public transportation

The President is authorized to provide temporary public transportation service in an area affected by a major disaster to meet emergency needs and to provide transportation to governmental offices, supply centers, stores, post offices, schools, major employment centers, and such other places as may be necessary in order to enable the community to resume its normal pattern of life as soon as possible.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 419, formerly § 416, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 158; renumbered § 419, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(j), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705.)

§ 5187. Fire management assistance

(a) In general

(b) Coordination with State and tribal departments of forestry

(d) Hazard mitigation assistance

(e) Rules and regulations

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 420, formerly § 417, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 158; renumbered § 420, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(j), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705; Pub. L. 106–390, title III, § 303(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1572; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1204(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3438.)

§ 5188. Timber sale contracts

(a) Cost-sharing arrangement

(b) Cancellation of authority

(d) State grants for removal of damaged timber; reimbursement of expenses limited to salvage value of removed timber

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 421, formerly § 418, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 158; renumbered § 421, Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(j), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705.)

§ 5189. Simplified procedure

(a) In general

If the Federal estimate of the cost of—

(1) repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing under section 5172 of this title any damaged or destroyed public facility or private nonprofit facility,

(2) emergency assistance under section 5170b or 5192 of this title, or

(3) debris removed under section 5173 of this title,

is less than $1,000,000 (or, if the Administrator has established a threshold under subsection (b), the amount established under subsection (b)), the President (on application of the State or local government or the owner or operator of the private nonprofit facility) may make the contribution to such State or local government or owner or operator under section 5170b, 5172, 5173, or 5192 of this title, as the case may be, on the basis of such Federal estimate. Such $1,000,000 amount or, if applicable, the amount established under subsection (b), shall be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.

(b) Threshold

(1) Report

Not later than 1 year after January 29, 2013, the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (in this section referred to as the “Administrator”), shall—

(A) complete an analysis to determine whether an increase in the threshold for eligibility under subsection (a) is appropriate, which shall include consideration of cost-effectiveness, speed of recovery, capacity of grantees, past performance, and accountability measures; and

(B) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report regarding the analysis conducted under subparagraph (A).

(2) Amount

After the Administrator submits the report required under paragraph (1), the President shall direct the Administrator to—

(A) immediately establish a threshold for eligibility under this section in an appropriate amount, without regard to chapter 5 of title 5; and

(B) adjust the threshold annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.

(3) Review and report

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 422, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(k), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705; amended Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1107, Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 46; Pub. L. 117–189, § 2(a), Oct. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 2204.)

§ 5189a. Appeals of assistance decisions

(a) Right of appeal

(b) Period for decision

(d) Right of arbitration

(1) In general

(2) Review

(3) Rural areas

(4) Rural area defined

(5) Eligibility

To participate in arbitration under this subsection, an applicant—

(A) shall submit the dispute to the arbitration process established under the authority granted under section 601 of Public Law 111–5; and

(B) may submit a request for arbitration after the completion of the first appeal under subsection (a) at any time before the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a final agency determination or 180 days after the Administrator’s receipt of the appeal if the Administrator has not provided the applicant with a final determination on the appeal. The applicant’s request shall contain documentation from the administrative record for the first appeal and may contain additional documentation supporting the applicant’s position.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 423, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(l), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4705; amended Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1219, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3452.)

§ 5189b. Date of eligibility; expenses incurred before date of disaster

Eligibility for Federal assistance under this subchapter shall begin on the date of the occurrence of the event which results in a declaration by the President that a major disaster exists; except that reasonable expenses which are incurred in anticipation of and immediately preceding such event may be eligible for Federal assistance under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 424, as added Pub. L. 100–707, title I, § 106(l), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4706.)

§ 5189c. Transportation assistance to individuals and households

The President may provide transportation assistance to relocate individuals displaced from their predisaster primary residences as a result of an incident declared under this chapter or otherwise transported from their predisaster primary residences under section 5170b(a)(3) or 5192 of this title, to and from alternative locations for short or long-term accommodation or to return an individual or household to their predisaster primary residence or alternative location, as determined necessary by the President.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 425, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 689f, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1452.)

§ 5189d. Case management services

(a) In general

(b) Training

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 426, as added Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, § 689f, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1453; amended Pub. L. 117–251, § 8(a), Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2357.)

§ 5189e. Essential service providers

(a) DefinitionIn this section, the term “essential service provider” means an entity that—

(1)

(A) provides

(i) wireline or mobile telephone service, Internet access service, radio or television broadcasting, cable service, or direct broadcast satellite service;

(ii) electrical power;

(iii) natural gas;

(iv) water and sewer services; or

(v) any other essential service, as determined by the President; or

(B) is a tower owner or operator;

(2) is—

(A) a municipal entity;

(B) a nonprofit entity; or

(3) is contributing to efforts to respond to an emergency or major disaster.

(b) Authorization for accessibilityUnless exceptional circumstances apply, in an emergency or major disaster, the head of a Federal agency, to the greatest extent practicable, shall not—

(1) deny or impede access to the disaster site to an essential service provider whose access is necessary to restore and repair an essential service; or

(2) impede the restoration or repair of the services described in subsection (a)(1).

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 427, formerly § 425, as added Pub. L. 109–347, title VI, § 607, Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1941; renumbered § 427, Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1102(1), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 39; amended Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title III, § 302, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1087.)

§ 5189f. Public assistance program alternative procedures

(a) Approval of projects

(b) Adoption

(1) reducing the costs to the Federal Government of providing such assistance;

(2) increasing flexibility in the administration of such assistance;

(3) expediting the provision of such assistance to a State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility; and

(4) providing financial incentives and disincentives for a State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility for the timely and cost-effective completion of projects with such assistance.

(d) Participation

(1) In general

(2) No conditions

(e) Minimum proceduresThe alternative procedures adopted under this section shall include the following:

(1) For repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities under section 5172 of this title—

(A) making grants on the basis of fixed estimates, if the State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of the private nonprofit facility agrees to be responsible for any actual costs that exceed the estimate;

(B) providing an option for a State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility to elect to receive an in-lieu contribution, without reduction, on the basis of estimates of—

(i) the cost of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility owned or controlled by the State, tribal or local government or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility; and

(ii) management expenses;

(C) consolidating, to the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator, the facilities of a State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility as a single project based upon the estimates adopted under the procedures;

(D) if the actual costs of a project completed under the procedures are less than the estimated costs thereof, the Administrator may permit a grantee or subgrantee to use all or part of the excess funds for—

(i) cost-effective activities that reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, or suffering from a major disaster; and

(ii) other activities to improve future Public Assistance operations or planning;

(E) in determining eligible costs under section 5172 of this title, the Administrator shall make available, at an applicant’s request and where the Administrator or the certified cost estimate prepared by the applicant’s professionally licensed engineers has estimated an eligible Federal share for a project of at least $5,000,000, an independent expert panel to validate the estimated eligible cost consistent with applicable regulations and policies implementing this section;

(F) in determining eligible costs under section 5172 of this title, the Administrator shall, at the applicant’s request, consider properly conducted and certified cost estimates prepared by professionally licensed engineers (mutually agreed upon by the Administrator and the applicant), to the extent that such estimates comply with applicable regulations, policy, and guidance; and

(G) once certified by a professionally licensed engineer and accepted by the Administrator, the estimates on which grants made pursuant to this section are based shall be presumed to be reasonable and eligible costs, as long as there is no evidence of fraud.

(2) For debris removal under sections 5170b(a)(3)(A), 5173, and 5192(a)(5) of this title—

(A) making grants on the basis of fixed estimates to provide financial incentives and disincentives for the timely or cost-effective completion if the State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of the private nonprofit facility agrees to be responsible to pay for any actual costs that exceed the estimate;

(B) using a sliding scale for determining the Federal share for removal of debris and wreckage based on the time it takes to complete debris and wreckage removal;

(D) reimbursing base and overtime wages for employees and extra hires of a State, tribal or local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility performing or administering debris and wreckage removal;

(E) providing incentives to a State or tribal or local government to have a debris management plan approved by the Administrator and have pre-qualified 1 or more debris and wreckage removal contractors before the date of declaration of the major disaster; and

(F) if the actual costs of projects under subparagraph (A) are less than the estimated costs of the project, the Administrator may permit a grantee or subgrantee to use all or part of the excess funds for—

(i) debris management planning;

(ii) acquisition of debris management equipment for current or future use; and

(iii) other activities to improve future debris removal operations, as determined by the Administrator.

(f) Waiver authorityUntil such time as the Administrator promulgates regulations to implement this section, the Administrator may—

(1) waive notice and comment rulemaking, if the Administrator determines the waiver is necessary to expeditiously implement this section; and

(2) carry out the alternative procedures under this section as a pilot program.

(g) Overtime payments

(h) Report

(1) In general

(2) ContentsThe report shall contain an assessment of the effectiveness of the alternative procedures, including—

(A) whether the alternative procedures helped to improve the general speed of disaster recovery;

(B) the accuracy of the estimates relied upon;

(D) whether the alternative procedures were cost effective;

(E) whether the independent expert panel described in subsection (e)(1)(E) was effective; and

(F) recommendations for whether the alternative procedures should be continued and any recommendations for changes to the alternative procedures.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 428, as added Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1102(2), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 39; amended Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1207(c), (d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3440, 3441.)

§ 5189g. Unified Federal review

(a) In general

(b) Contents

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 429, as added Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, § 1106, Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 45.)

§ 5189h. Agency accountability

(a) Public assistanceNot later than 5 days after an award of a public assistance grant is made under section 5172 of this title that is in excess of $1,000,000, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall publish on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency the specifics of each such grant award, including—

(1) identifying the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region;

(2) the disaster or emergency declaration number;

(3) the State, county, and applicant name;

(4) if the applicant is a private nonprofit organization;

(5) the damage category code;

(6) the amount of the Federal share obligated; and

(7) the date of the award.

(b) Mission assignments

(1) In general

(A) the name of the impacted State or Indian Tribe;

(B) the disaster declaration for such State or Indian Tribe;

(D) the assistance requested;

(E) a description of the disaster;

(F) the total cost estimate;

(G) the amount obligated;

(H) the State or Indian tribal government cost share, if applicable;

(I) the authority under which the mission assignment or mission assignment task order was directed; and

(J) if applicable, the date a State or Indian Tribe requested the mission assignment.

(2) Recording changes

(c) Disaster relief monthly reportNot later than 10 days after the first day of each month, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall publish on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency reports, including a specific description of the methodology and the source data used in developing such reports, including—

(1) an estimate of the amounts for the fiscal year covered by the President’s most recent budget pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31 including—

(A) the unobligated balance of funds to be carried over from the prior fiscal year to the budget year;

(B) the unobligated balance of funds to be carried over from the budget year to the budget year plus 1;

(D) the amount of obligations for the budget year for catastrophic events delineated by event and by State;

(E) the total amount that has been previously obligated or will be required for catastrophic events delineated by event and by State for all prior years, the current fiscal year, the budget year, and each fiscal year thereafter;

(F) the amount of previously obligated funds that will be recovered for the budget year;

(G) the amount that will be required for obligations for emergencies, as described in section 5122(1) of this title, major disasters, as described in section 5122(2) of this title, fire management assistance grants, as described in section 5187 of this title, surge activities, and disaster readiness and support activities; and

(H) the amount required for activities not covered under section 901(b)(2)(D)(iii) of title 2; and

(2) an estimate or actual amounts, if available, of the following for the current fiscal year, which shall be submitted not later than the fifth day of each month, published by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency not later than the fifth day of each month:

(A) A summary of the amount of appropriations made available by source, the transfers executed, the previously allocated funds recovered, and the commitments, allocations, and obligations made.

(B) A table of disaster relief activity delineated by month, including—

(i) the beginning and ending balances;

(ii) the total obligations to include amounts obligated for fire assistance, emergencies, surge, and disaster support activities;

(iii) the obligations for catastrophic events delineated by event and by State; and

(iv) the amount of previously obligated funds that are recovered.

(D) The cost of the following categories of spending:

(i) Public assistance.

(ii) Individual assistance.

(iii) Mitigation.

(iv) Administrative.

(v) Operations.

(vi) Any other relevant category (including emergency measures and disaster resources) delineated by disaster.

(E) The date on which funds appropriated will be exhausted.

(d) Contracts

(1) InformationNot later than 10 days after the first day of each month, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall publish on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency the specifics of each contract in excess of $1,000,000 that the Federal Emergency Management Agency enters into, including—

(A) the name of the party;

(B) the date the contract was awarded;

(D) if the contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process;

(E) if no competitive bidding process was used, the reason why competitive bidding was not used; and

(F) the authority used to bypass the competitive bidding process.

The information shall be delineated by disaster, if applicable, and specify the damage category code, if applicable.

(2) ReportNot later than 10 days after the last day of the fiscal year, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall provide a report to the appropriate committees of Congress summarizing the following information for the preceding fiscal year:

(A) The number of contracts awarded without competitive bidding.

(B) The reasons why a competitive bidding process was not used.

(D) The damage category codes, if applicable, for contracts awarded without competitive bidding.

(e) Collection of public assistance recipient and subrecipient contracts

(1) In generalNot later than 180 days after October 5, 2018, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall initiate and maintain an effort to collect and store information, prior to the project closeout phase on any contract entered into by a public assistance recipient or subrecipient that through the base award, available options, or any subsequent modifications has an estimated value of more than $1,000,000 and is funded through section 5165b, 5170b, 5170c, 5172, 5173, 5189f, or 5192 of this title, including—

(A) the disaster number, project worksheet number, and the category of work associated with each contract;

(B) the name of each party;

(D) the amount of the contract;

(E) the scope of the contract;

(F) the period of performance for the contract; and

(G) whether the contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process.

(2) Availability of information collected

(3) Report

(Pub. L. 93–288, title IV, § 430, as added Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, § 1224, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3455.)