Local Taxing Bodies And Non-Profits May Seek Covid-19 Reimbursement From FEMA

Press release from the Peoria County Government:

Peoria County Emergency Management Agency would like to make local taxing bodies, nonprofits, and religious organizations aware of the opportunity to recoup funds spent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds spent on overtime costs, personal protective equipment (PPE), testing supplies/equipment, housing assistance, food distribution or other emergency protective measures associated with the COVID-19 response are reimbursable under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) program.

Applications may be submitted online, and resources through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are available to guide applicants through the reimbursement process.

“Many of our local governments, taxing districts, and community non-profits have been struggling to find ways to fund their COVID-19 response. We want to ensure that everyone is aware of the assistance FEMA is offering,” says Jason Marks, Peoria County’s Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness. “Understanding what funding mechanisms are available, and how to access them, is crucial to our local entities who have been on the front lines of this response.”

Public Assistance (PA) is available to local taxing bodies in all 102 counties in Illinois. Under the guidelines of the PA program, local jurisdictions may be reimbursed up to 75 percent of eligible costs for emergency protective measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that the PA program does not reimburse for lost wages or revenue as a result of the pandemic.

Organizations that qualify should immediately begin the process, as these programs have hard deadlines.

Applicant briefings are currently underway and provide an overview of the program requirements and instructions for completing the required application forms. Previously recorded webinars can be found on the IEMA website to help guide applicants through this process at their convenience.

“Organizations who think they may qualify should begin the application process immediately,” Marks states. “Use the online resources from IEMA, as well as FEMA’s documents on what is eligible for reimbursement.”

Below are examples of eligible applicants under the FEMA Public Assistance Program:

Eligible Applicants – Public Authorities

• Municipalities, Cities
• Counties
• Airport Authorities
• Public Housing Authorities
• Public Transportation Authorities
• Townships
• Agencies of Local Governments
• Public School Districts
• Special Districts Established Under State Law
• Community Colleges
• Water, Sewer Authorities

Eligible Applicants – Private Non-Profits

• Houses of Worship/Churches
• Assisted Living
• Child Care
• Low Income Housing
• Community Center
• Medical Care Facility
• Custodial Care Facility
• Private College
• Day Care (Access and Functional Needs)
• Rehabilitation Facility
• Domestic Violence Services
• Residential Services
• Emergency Care Facilities
• Senior Citizen Center
• Emergency Services
• Shelter Workshop
• Food Assistance Programs
• Utilities

FEMA - Private Nonprofit organizations:https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-private-nonprofit-organizations

FEMA – Emergency Protective Measures Face Sheet: https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/LocalEMA/Documents/PAforms/COVID-19-Protective_Measures_Fact_Sheet.pdf

IEMA – Public Assistance Forms and Briefings: https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/LocalEMA/Pages/PA_Forms.aspx

This press release was produced by the Peoria County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.