4 D I SAS T E R R ECOVE RY TODAY.COM natural waterways is eligible if the debris poses an immediate threat such as: • Obstructing or has the potential to obstruct an intake structure; • Could damage structures such as bridges and culverts; • Could cause flooding to improved public or private property in the occurrence of a five-year flood.11 Waterways under the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are eligible for debris removal if the previous criteria are met and the NRCS is not providing assistance under their Watershed Protection Program (EWP). Debris removal from flood control works that are under the specific authority of the NRCS is not eligible for PA funding, even if the NRCS is not providing assistance.12 Federal-Aid Highways (FHWA) The FHWA Emergency Relief (ER) Program13 is intended to supplement states, counties, cities or other federal agencies when appropriate to help with unusually high expenses resulting from extraordinary circumstances. State highway agencies may seek funding under the ER program. Local highway agencies may not deal directly with the FHWA. ER funds are not eligible for disaster-related debris removal that is eligible for FEMA funding when a presidential declaration is made for an emergency or major disaster. According to the Guide to the Federal-Aid Highway Emergency Relief Program,14 federal-aid highways are all public roads not functionally classified as either local or rural minor collectors15 as established with state highway agencies. When the president declares an emergency or major disaster authorizing federal assistance under the FEMA Public Assistance Program for debris removal, FHWA ER funds are not eligible for debris removal operations. All debris removal activities on federal-aid roads will be considered for funding under the PA program and must adhere to applicable policy eligibility criteria to be funded. Public Assistance Alternative Procedures (PAAP) Pilot Program for Debris Removal SRIA amended the Stafford Act, including Section 428 which authorizes FEMA to make available four alternate procedures through a pilot program: • An increased federal cost share to accelerate debris removal operations, sliding scale; • The ability to retain recycling revenues; “When the president declares an emergency or major disaster authorizing federal assistance under the FEMA Public Assistance Program for debris removal, FHWA ER funds are not eligible for debris removal operations.”
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