FEMA seeks feedback on updated Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide

Author

Image of Brett-Mattson.jpg

Brett Mattson

Legislative Director, Justice & Public Safety | Midsize County Caucus
Naomi Freel

Naomi Freel

Legislative Associate

Upcoming Events

Related News

Flooding

Key Takeaways

FEMA is inviting county leaders to provide feedback on the newly updated Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) Version 5. This public comment period opened on June 18, 2024, and closes on August 19, 2024.

The PAPPG Version 5 aims to:

  • Increase assistance eligibility
  • Streamline and simplify processes
  • Enhance accessibility 
  • Support community resilience

Key updates include allowing applicants to submit cost summaries for projects instead of detailed itemized costs and reducing documentation requirements by grouping projects with similar damage.

County stakeholders are encouraged to review the guide and submit comments via the Federal Register Portal and FEMA.gov. The feedback collected during this period will help shape the final version of the guide, ensuring it meets the needs of all stakeholders.

Read the PAPPG Submit Comments

Impact on counties

Counties are on the front lines of disaster response and recovery efforts. The PAPPG Version 5 directly impacts how counties navigate FEMA's Public Assistance program, ensuring smoother and more efficient recovery processes for their communities. By providing feedback during this public comment period, NACo and county leaders can help shape policies that better meet the unique needs of our communities. 

Informational webinar

To help stakeholders understand these updates and encourage participation, FEMA is hosting four informational webinars. These sessions will provide a comprehensive overview of the changes and offer a platform for participants to ask questions. Webinars are open to all, with specific sessions available in Spanish and targeted consultations for Tribal Nations. Advanced registration is not required.

See Webinars
 

Related News

Crews remove ladder fuels at Land Trust of Napa County’s Linda Falls Preserve in Angwin, CA. Photo by Mike Palladini – Land Trust of Napa County.
Advocacy

Federal judge temporarily halts FEMA disaster mitigation grant program termination

On April 4, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will not allocate $750 million this year for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. According to the press release, FEMA will also stop funding BRIC projects that were previously approved and are still underway.

Image of Disaster-Recovery.jpg
County News

Podcast: County experience can improve disaster response

Kevin Leonard, executive director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and Amanda McKinney, a Yakima County, Wash. commissioner, talk about two different challenges county officials face in responding to disasters.

Image of White-House.jpg
Advocacy

DOJ releases updated list of designated sanctuary jurisdictions

On August 5, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published an updated list of designated “sanctuary jurisdictions” following the Administration’s Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order.