Today President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Arizona. The declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help the Timberline, Fernwood and Doney Park communities recover from the severe storms and flooding that occurred between July 20 and August 7 of this year.
“This Presidential declaration will provide the County with much-needed resources to address flooding in the Schultz fire area,” said Board of Supervisors Chair, and District 4 Supervisor, Mandy Metzger. “As the residents see the repairs made in their community, it will allow them to focus more on their own homes and properties.”
Under the Presidential declaration, Coconino County may apply for reimbursement for emergency work related to debris removal, emergency response and protective actions, repair of roads, public utilities, water systems, ditches, berms, and other drainage channels. The City of Flagstaff may receive reimbursement for repair of the damaged water line in the Schultz Fire area. The declaration does not provide for individual assistance to affected homeowners; or for private roads and driveways, and private utilities.
“I would like to thank Governor Brewer and the Arizona Department of Emergency Management for submitting this request on our behalf,” said District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta. “I would also like to extend our gratitude to Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl; and Representative Ann Kirkpatrick for working with Coconino County on this important issue; and of course President Obama for signing the declaration.”
The declaration is in the form of a cost share grant, meaning Coconino County will be responsible for 10% of the eligible reimbursement expenses, the State will cover 15%, and the federal government will pick up the remaining 75% of the costs. The same cost distribution will be in effect for the City of Flagstaff.
Coconino County is in the process of making repairs to public infrastructure (as outlined above) in the affected areas, and will submit the work to the State for reimbursement.
A Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, included in the declaration, also provides separate non-competitive federal funding for Coconino County. This funding allows any local communities within the County to submit mitigation projects to the State to prevent/reduce long-term risk. These projects may include flood control, wildfire prevention, and other infrastructure projects.
For more information, call Coconino County Emergency Manager Sherrie Collins at (928) 679-8310; toll-free (800) 790-1990.
