04-23311. Florida; Amendment No. 8 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration

AGENCY:

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

This notice amends the notice of a major disaster for the State of Florida (FEMA-1539-DR), dated August 13, 2004, and related determinations.

DATES:

Effective October 7, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Magda Ruiz, Recovery Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC 20472, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated October 7, 2004, the President amended the cost-sharing arrangements concerning Federal funds provided under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5206 (Stafford Act), in a letter to Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, as follows:

I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State of Florida, resulting from a tropical storm and four major hurricanes within six weeks, including Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley on August 11-30, 2004; Hurricane Frances on September 3, 2004, and continuing; Hurricane Ivan on September 13, 2004, and continuing; and Hurricane Jeanne on September 24, 2004, and continuing, is of sufficient severity and magnitude that special conditions are warranted regarding the cost sharing arrangements concerning Federal funds provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5206 (the Stafford Act).

Therefore, I amend my declarations of August 13, 2004, September 4, 2004, September 16, 2004, and September 26, 2004, to authorize Federal funds for Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, at 90 percent of total eligible costs, except those categories, including direct Federal assistance, previously approved at 100 percent.

This adjustment to State and local cost sharing applies only to Public Assistance costs and direct Federal assistance eligible for such adjustments under the law. The law specifically prohibits a similar adjustment for funds provided to States for Other Needs Assistance (Section 408), and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (Section 404). These funds will continue to be reimbursed at 75 percent of total eligible costs.

Please notify the Governor of Florida and the Federal Coordinating Officer of these amendments to my major disaster declarations.

These cost shares are effective as of the date of the President's major disaster declaration.

(The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund Program; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services Program; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance; 97.048, Individuals and Households Housing; 97.049, Individuals and Households Disaster Housing Operations; 97.050 Individuals and Households Program—Other Needs, 97.036, Public Assistance Grants; 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program)

Michael D. Brown,

Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security.