Rural Communities: Resources

Natural Hazards Center: Research Counts Series

A platform for hazards and disaster scholars to provide insights about research findings and the enduring lessons of disaster, as well as to raise new questions that are worthy of exploration.

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FEMA Grants Portal Website for PA Grants:

Recipient and Applicant Webinars are designed to train State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial stakeholders on the Public Assistance grant process and the FEMA Grants Portal website that is used for PA grants.

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Equitable Recovery and Resilience in Rural America

Brian Dabson explores place-based rural realities and inequalities and provides transformational ideas and pivotal moves that government can take to help rural communities become more dynamic, healthy places where everyone thrives.

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Reimagining Rural Policy

Authors from the Brookings Institution argue that strengthening America’s economic resilience and prosperity, reducing its social vulnerabilities, and addressing long-standing racial and social inequities will require policies that enable more diverse places as well as people to thrive.

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FEMA Podcast, Episode 83

The FEMA Podcast is an audio series available to anyone interested in learning more about the agency, hearing about innovation in the field of emergency management, and listening to stories about communities and individuals recovering after disasters.

Listen Now

 

Coping with Grief After Community Violence

This SAMHSA tip sheet introduces some of the signs of grief and anger after an incident of community violence, provides useful information about to how to cope with grief, and offers tips for helping children deal with grief.

Download

 

Mass Violence/Community Violence

This SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS) installment is a collection of resources about common reactions to incidents of mass violence, community violence, and terrorism; tips for coping with such incidents; and ways to support children and youth in coping.

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The Impact of Disaster and Mass Violence Events on Mental Health

This online article from the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) describes common reactions that disaster survivors may experience. While most reactions lessen over time, some may turn into long-term and severe responses, such as PTSD.

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Deep Dive: Mental Health Impacts in Medicaid Programs, November 6

As a result of COVID-19, states are experiencing severe declines in tax revenue, with projections indicating 5-15% reductions in revenue for fiscal year (FY) 2020 and reductions of 10-25% for FY 2021. A number of states have also been forced to severely cut funding for behavioral health services. Colorado has cut $26 million in funds allocated for behavioral health for FY 2021, while Florida, Georgia and Utah have cut funding for substance use disorder programs. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, the need for behavioral health care was already high before the pandemic, with deaths from overdose and suicide at near-historic and three-decade highs, respectively. Need has likely only risen since then, given the recent stress and trauma from the public health and economic crises. This session will explore how state Medicaid programs are addressing need while facing financial realities brought on the pandemic. It will also be an opportunity for state leaders to learn about the CSG Medicaid Policy Academies planned for 2021.

Register

 

Opportunity Makers: Melding Health and Equity in Rural Places, November 10, 3 – 4 PM EST

Resourceful and committed rural American health innovators are taking a fresh look at a wider range of practical answers to the question: What it will take to create healthy places where everyone feels a sense of belonging, lives with dignity and thrives? Some rural health professionals are transforming the way they work, creating a culture of hope along with health. They are increasing opportunity by integrating other components critical to better livelihoods – like preventative wellness, community agriculture and economic development action – especially focusing on those with lower incomes and in communities of color. New data tools are making it possible for rural health advocates to quantify and visualize health equity disparities within their community, which in turn allows them to be better advocates for their people and places.

Register

 

Smart Transportation Initiative Community of Practice Sessions

Register today to join us for our annual Community of Practice Meeting! We welcome DOT CEOs, staff, and staff from other transportation agencies to participate in these sessions.

  • November 16, 11 a.m. ET: DOTs’ Role in Reining in VMT

 Register

 

The Federal Response to COVID-19 from a State & Local Perspective, November 23

The rapid spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the U.S. has been met with a decentralized and piecemeal response led primarily by governors, mayors and local health departments. With limited federal action, state and local governments have been required to lead efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our state and local leaders have been faced with unprecedented decisions in regulating a public health crisis. In this session hosted by the CSG Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, hear from members of several leading membership organizations representing state and local governments on how federal strategy related to COVID-19 has impacted state and local jurisdictions.

Register

 

USDA’s Rural Community Toolbox is live!

The toolbox is a one-stop shop for those seeking federal resources that can help rural communities become strong, healthy, prosperous, and resilient places to live and work. The fact sheet on the Toolbox is here and the media release is here.

 

FEMA Announces Free Access to GIS Software and Licensed Datasets in Response to COVID-19

On March 28, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that through the DHS Enterprise License Agreement with Esri, DHS/FEMA is able to extend that agreement to non-Federal governmental partners during incidents of national significance, which includes COVID-19.

State, local, tribal and territorial governmental entities can now obtain free access to Esri software for up to 6 months to help respond to COVID-19.

Information

Navigating the CARES Act for Nonprofits

The U.S. Chamber Foundation hosted an online briefing on how 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can benefit from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Information

The U.S. Chamber also created a guide for nonprofits and small businesses with everything you need to know about how to apply for relief under the CARES Act, including eligibility, requirements, and application guidelines.

Access the guide and checklist.

 

Mutual Aid Resource Planner

The Mutual Aid Resource Planner (MARP) allows planners to develop capability based mutual aid plans using a cloud-based platform, enabling rapid deployment and streamlining information sharing. The MARP: Allows users to share plans and resource needs with partners; Helps align planners with operations staff; Provides a simplified planning template.

Information

 

CDBG-DR COVID-19 FAQs

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide information to Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), CDBG National Disaster Resilience (CDBG-NDR), and CDBG Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) grantees on flexibilities HUD is granting on timelines, eligible activities, and citizen participation as communities work to prevent and respond to the spread of COVID-19.

Information

 

PROJECTN95

The National Clearinghouse to connect healthcare providers with critical equipment. They get personal protective equipment to frontline medical workers across America. Items like gowns, gloves, ventilators, and masks. Our team is coordinating with manufacturers and suppliers across the globe.

Information

 

Health Resources and Services Administration

HRSA Provides answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19, ranging from funding other resources to information collection.

Information

HHS announced HRSA awards of %100 million to 1,381 health centers across the country with funding provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020.

Information

 

USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

Information. www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus

 

FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewal Premiums

To help serve its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardships, FEMA is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. This extension applies to NFIP flood insurance policies with an expiration date between Feb. 13 and June 15, 2020. There is typically a 30-day grace period to renew policies to avoid a lapse in coverage. However, due to the widespread economic disruption arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA recognizes that flood insurance policyholders may not meet the standard policy renewal deadline. Read the full release in English and Spanish. Facebook. Twitter: English and Spanish

 

Mitigation Minute

FEMA continues to work diligently to solicit stakeholder input. The Agency’s goal is provide transparency around the BRIC development process and offer stakeholders an opportunity to share their experiences and opinions. FEMA intends to publish a proposed BRIC policy in the Federal Register for public comment within the next few weeks. Stakeholders may provide new comments. The policy will be broad and intended to establish the framework and requirements for BRIC. After this step, FEMA anticipates finalizing the policy and releasing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by the fall of 2020.

National Health Care for the Homeless Council

NHCHC maintains a webpage on COVID-19 resources, including a link to its archived webinar on Coronavirus and the HCH Community: Status Updates, Available Guidance, Local Preparations, and Outstanding Issues.

 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Coronavirus Disease Training

Training related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is available through the TRAIN Learning Network. This includes training from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and other organizations.

Information

 

A Resource Guide to Coronavirus for Government Leaders

The novel coronavirus has tested the durability of federal, state and local governments around the country and the world. This list of resources is meant to connect leaders with useful tools to aid in response efforts.

Information

 

New Webinars and Online Discussion for Human Services Organizations Addressing Coronavirus

The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities has launched a new series of webinars and an online discussion forum for community-based human services organizations to discuss the potential health impact and business disruptions as a result of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

Information

School Meal Finder

Select your state and/or provide your address below to find meal sites while schools are closed. This site currently has data for Louisiana, Tennessee, Virginia, and Texas, provided by state education agencies, plus some data from California and Alabama provided by local districts

https://schoolmealfinder.hoonuit.com/

TX: https://txschools.gov/

LA: https://cnp.doe.louisiana.gov/ServingSites/

 

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

 

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

  • Text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • Use your preferred relay service to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
  • TTY 1-800-846-8517

Spanish Speakers

  • Call 1-800-985-5990 and press “2”
  • From the 50 States, text Hablanos to 66746
  • From Puerto Rico, text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663
  • En Español

 

Coronavirus Rumor Control

The purpose of this FEMA page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal (COVID-19) response.

Information

 

Coronavirus Pandemic: Eligible Emergency Protective Measures

Consistent with the President’s national emergency declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 13, 2020, FEMA urges officials to, without delay, take appropriate actions that are necessary to protect public health and safety pursuant to public health guidance and conditions and capabilities in their jurisdictions. FEMA provides the following guidance on the types of emergency protective measures that may be eligible under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program in accordance with the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration in order to ensure that resource constraints do not inhibit efforts to respond to this unprecedented disaster.

Information

Please Share TRO News: “Harvey households covered by FEMA group flood insurance should prepare now to buy standard flood insurance by Oct. 24”

The TRO is reminding Texans that FEMA provided Group Flood Insurance Policies (GFIP) to 6,704 households across counties impacted by Harvey. These three-year policies end Oct. 24, so policyholders must plan now to switch to a standard flood insurance policy to ensure continuous coverage. Those who received a GFIP policy as part of their FEMA disaster assistance after Harvey but don’t buy a standard flood insurance policy won’t receive federal disaster assistance for home repairs if they experience another flood event.

Please help spread the word by sharing the news release (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) and promoting on social media by sharing the post on the Harvey Facebook page and retweeting the post on the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account.

Investing in What Works for America’s Communities

Safe and affordable housing will always be an important concern for lower-income Americans, but the recent recession and resulting damage to communities across the country make it clear that communities are more than physical structures.

Information

 

USDA, FCC, and NTIA Submit Rural Broadband Coordination Report to Congress

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced USDA has submitted the JOINT REPORT in response to SECTION 6212 of the 2018 FARM BILL to Congress. This report summarizes how USDA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are working together to deploy broadband to rural areas.

Information

 

Insight from a Mitigation Veteran

On this episode we talk with Mark Carey, who recently retired after 20 years of service with FEMA. Since 2007 he served as the FEMA Region 10 Mitigation Division Director where he was responsible for the region’s hazard mitigation financial grant program, National Flood Insurance Program, Endangered Species Act compliance, Risk Analysis and Risk Reduction programs. Mark talks with us about the principles of hazard mitigation and how support for mitigation has evolved over time. He also shares his own experience and insight as a disaster survivor.

Information

 

USDA Announces Intent to Make Grants Available Under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program

USDA will make the grant funds available under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Its purpose is to increase significantly the sale and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. The program is also intended to encourage a more comprehensive approach to marketing higher blends by sharing the costs related to building out biofuel-related infrastructure.

Information

 

USDA Offers New Hurricane Insurance Endorsement for Crop Year 2020

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced a new crop insurance endorsement, Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI). HIP-WI covers a portion of the deductible of the underlying crop insurance policy when a county, or county adjacent, is within the area of sustained hurricane-force winds.

Information

 

New York Park Design and Planning

Drawing from the NYC Parks’ decades of experience with waterfront park planning and design and taking into consideration valuable lessons learned after Hurricane Sandy, these Guidelines encourage applying a contextual, site-by-site approach to the planning and design processes for each new or renovated waterfront project. Resilient waterfront park design should account for “the norm, not just the storm.” In other words waterfront parks should facilitate everyday public use during typical weather conditions while still including elements meant to face the risk – an approach that maximizes parkland utility and public investment.

Information

 

Green Infrastructure: A Strategy for Flood Risk Mitigation

The Green Infrastructure for Texas (GIFT) program specializes in water quality and quantity through a series of living landscape features. Our projects include rain gardens, floating wetlands and other low-impact design elements like WaterSmart Parks. We also partner with stakeholders in the community to share our expertise and collect valuable information through two-way dialogue, discovery workshops, town hall meetings, forums and volunteer programs.

Information

 

Banking on Soil Health

Farmers implementing conservation practices that improve soil health aren’t just hoping for better crop yields, they’re banking on them. The Natural Resources Conservation Service and American Farmland Trust recently released case studies highlighting the economic benefits of implementing soil health management practices.

Information

 

HUD Releases New IDIS Training for CDBG Grantees

HUD is pleased to announce the availability of several *new* training modules for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grantees on using the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).

Before exploring modules on specific National Objectives, explore Introduction to IDIS which presents the IDIS system and why IDIS is an essential tool for CDBG grant administration.

Information

 

Dr. Carolyn Kouky’s “Harnessing the Power of Disaster Insurance”

In her PrepTalk, Kousky demonstrates the essential role of insurance in disaster recovery. She explains why not enough people have insurance coverage, and offers suggestions for how the public and private sectors can work together to overcome challenges to increasing insurance coverage across America.

Information

 

Farm Bill Conservation Programs: Helping Landowners Manage Their Lands

Through the Farm Bill conservation programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency offer financial and technical assistance to landowners and agricultural producers to voluntarily implement conservation practices that will benefit the environment and agricultural operations.

Information

Emergency Operations Planning: Dam Incident Planning Guide

This Dam Incident Planning Guide supports state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers in planning for dam incidents and failures by summarizing the concepts that a community should consider when creating dam incident-specific elements of local emergency operations plans.

Information

 

 

ReConnect Program

The Broadband ReConnect Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.

Reconnect Loan and Grant Program. Overview

 

Texas Local Catastrophic Debris Management Guide Release

TDEM, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, released the Local Catastrophic Debris Management Guide as required by Senate Bill 6 and House Bills 5 and 6 of the 86th Legislature. This guide will assist in planning, response, and recovery efforts for disasters that generate catastrophic amounts of debris.

PDF

 

National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) releases the Dam Incident Planning Guide

FEMA’s NDSP released its newest publication – Emergency Operations Planning: Dam Incident Planning Guide. The Dam Incident Planning Guide supports state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers in planning for dam incidents and failures by summarizing the concepts that a community should consider when creating dam incident-specific elements of local emergency operations plans. This Guide is intended to help community planners create a plan to respond to dam incidents that take place in, or affect, their communities. The NDSP offers a Dam Safety Collaborative Technical Assistance (CTA) program. Through this program, emergency managers work collaboratively with neighboring communities, agencies, and the private sector to gain a detailed understanding of the risks they face from local and regional dams and how those risks can be addressed.

Information

 

USDA Highlights Investments and Accomplishments in 2019 to Build Rural Prosperity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2019 – USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today highlighted major accomplishments and investments that are building prosperity and strengthening the nation’s rural businesses and communities. “Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA continues to make great strides in building prosperity in our rural America,” LaVoy said. “In 2019, the Department collaborated with many partners and invested $28.6 billion to spark business development and create jobs in all 50 states and all U.S. territories.

Information

 

Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus

The Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) provides disaster payments to producers to offset losses from hurricanes, wildfires, and other qualifying natural disasters that occurred in the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. WHIP+ covers losses of crops, trees, bushes, and vines that occurred as a result of those disaster events.

Information

Mitigation Matters: Policy Solutions to Reduce Local Flood Risk

“Mitigation Matters,” new research from The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies 13 states or cities that have adopted policies resulting in effective flood mitigation. To learn more, read the overview, which includes lessons from these jurisdictions, or go directly to briefs below about each city or state. The policies are organized into three categories: 1) using existing funds for mitigation by redirecting revenue and spending, 2) creating revenue sources, and 3) establishing smarter regulations.

Information

 

 

Building Science Releases FEMA P-2055: Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guide

This Guide was developed as required by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, Section 1241: Post-disaster Building Safety Assessment and targets three main stakeholder groups.

  • Architects, engineers, and building officials directly involved in post-disaster building safety evaluation.
  • Emergency managers and health officials who may be involved in management of the post-disaster evaluation process, including environmental health issues.
  • Policy makers at state, local, tribal, and territorial and federal government levels.

FEMA P-2055 summarizes and references best practice guideline documents, identifies recommended improvements and needs, and provides interim recommendations for issues without best practice guidance.

Information

 

Topics in Climate Change Adaptation Planning Webinar Series

Recordings are available at: http://nau.edu/tribalclimatechange under the Trainings and Events tab.

 

 

Hazus Webinar: Economic benefits of open space

Tina Lund, principal at Urbanomics, and Michael Haggerty, associate at Starr Whitehouse, discuss their use of Hazus to document the economic benefits of converting low-lying areas in East Harlem to open space. The project considers both social resilience and climate change – increasingly important areas of discussion for the risk assessment community.

Information

 

USDA Highlights Investments and Accomplishments in 2019 to Build Rural Prosperity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2019 – USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today highlighted major accomplishments and investments that are building prosperity and strengthening the nation’s rural businesses and communities. “Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA continues to make great strides in building prosperity in our rural America,” LaVoy said. “In 2019, the Department collaborated with many partners and invested $28.6 billion to spark business development and create jobs in all 50 states and all U.S. territories.

Information

Mitigation Matters: Policy Solutions to Reduce Local Flood Risk

“Mitigation Matters,” new research from The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies 13 states or cities that have adopted policies resulting in effective flood mitigation. To learn more, read the overview, which includes lessons from these jurisdictions, or go directly to briefs below about each city or state. The policies are organized into three categories: 1) using existing funds for mitigation by redirecting revenue and spending, 2) creating revenue sources, and 3) establishing smarter regulations.

Information

 

Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus

The Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) provides disaster payments to producers to offset losses from hurricanes, wildfires, and other qualifying natural disasters that occurred in the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. WHIP+ covers losses of crops, trees, bushes, and vines that occurred as a result of those disaster events.

Information

 

USDA Helps Rural Businesses Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems in Texas

State Director for Rural Development Edd Hargett today announced that USDA is investing over $1 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).   “By lowering energy costs, these businesses and ag producers can become more competitive and create more jobs that will help to make rural communities prosper,” said Hargett.

Information

 

Bridging Oregon’s Digital Divide

The rural town of Maupin, Oregon, population 437, is now one of the most competitive communities in the state in terms of broadband service. The improved e-connectivity has been a game changer for the town’s economic development, tourist industry, and ability to attract new residents.

Information

 

USDA Invites Input on Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA’s flagship program that helps producers plan and implement 150-plus conservation practices on working lands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect upon publication and includes changes to the program prescribed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Information

FEMA Release New Wildfire and Windstorm Mitigation Job Aid

DRRA Section 1205 authorizes the use of financial assistance to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a wildfire or windstorm. FEMA may provide this assistance under Stafford Act Section 203 for pre-disaster mitigation, and under Stafford Act Section 404 for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Section 1205 only applies to Pre-Disaster Mitigation and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. HMA has developed a Job Aid on how these activities can be incorporated in eligible mitigation project applications, and a crosswalk to document the program guidance sections and efficiencies that support these activities.

Help turn Houses back into HOMES in time for the holidays

Despite the hard work of countless volunteers, thousands of families are still displaced or living in unrepaired homes, and the added destruction of Tropical Storm Imelda has many more families struggling to recover during the holidays. Houston Responds Coalitions and their local congregations are coordinating to assist as many families as possible in hopes of turning their damaged houses back into homes again during the holidays.

Information

 

USDA Helps Rural Businesses Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems in Texas

State Director for Rural Development Edd Hargett today announced that USDA is investing over $1 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).   “By lowering energy costs, these businesses and ag producers can become more competitive and create more jobs that will help to make rural communities prosper,” said Hargett.

Information

 

Bridging Oregon’s Digital Divide

The rural town of Maupin, Oregon, population 437, is now one of the most competitive communities in the state in terms of broadband service. The improved e-connectivity has been a game changer for the town’s economic development, tourist industry, and ability to attract new residents.

Information

 

USDA Invites Input on Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA’s flagship program that helps producers plan and implement 150-plus conservation practices on working lands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect upon publication and includes changes to the program prescribed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Information

 

HUD Continues Support for Fifteen States and Four U.S. Territories Recovering From Major Disaster

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today allocated over $2.3 billion to support the long-term disaster recovery process in hard-hit areas in fifteen states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This allocation is supported through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program and will address seriously damaged housing, businesses and infrastructure from disasters that occurred since 2017. The CDBG-DR Program requires grantees to develop thoughtful recovery plans informed by local residents. Learn more about CDBG-DR and the State’s role in long-term disaster recovery (en español). The State of Texas will receive an additional $26,513,000 for DR-4377 and $212,741,000 for DR-4454 and DR-4466.

Information

NYCHA Creates Model for Green Workforce Development

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) offers a model for public housing authorities nationwide to develop green workforce programs, addressing an ever-growing need in the marketplace. NYCHA is using its suite of energy performance contracts as a platform to connect residents to high-quality economic opportunity services, particularly in the field of energy efficiency.

Information

FEMA Releases Updated Community Lifelines Toolkit

On November 18 FEMA announced the release of the “Community Lifelines Implementation Toolkit 2.0” and the “Incident Stabilization Guide,” which provide updated information and resources to better understand and implement Community Lifelines throughout the emergency management community.

 

Demonstrating Area Benefit to Low and Moderate Income Persons

This video provides a helpful overview for understanding Low- and Moderate-Income Summary Data and the methodologies used by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grantees to determine whether or not a CDBG-funded activity qualifies as a Low/Mod Area Benefit (LMA) activity.

Information

 

PrepTalk Released: ‘Let the Community Lead: Rethinking Command and Control Systems’

FEMA and its emergency management partners released Aaron Titus’s PrepTalk “Let the Community Lead: Rethinking Command and Control Systems.” In his PrepTalk, Titus challenges emergency managers to acknowledge the limitations of command and control systems and to rethink how we interact with the community.

Information

Disaster Recovery Journal Webinar Series

The weekly webinars feature a different cutting-edge topic and presenter, providing you with a convenient, easy way to discover new solutions, strategies and information. Registration for any live webinar is always free, so sign up now to reserve your space. And, if you want to review the information again, an On-Demand feature is available.

Information

FEMA Updates Procurement Disaster Assistance Team Field Manual

During the response and recovery of a disaster is the worst time for communities to realize they don’t know the process for requesting public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Communities should be familiar with regulations and rules before it is needed. FEMA released an updated field manual on procurement processes after a disaster. The manual supports FEMA staff in providing accurate and consistent information to Public Assistance applicants on how to comply with the federal procurement under grant requirements.

Information

 

Updated EOP ASSIST Software and Interactive Workbook

Several years ago, the REMS TA Center created two school emergency operations plan (EOP) generator tools that education agencies can download and install/use for FREE to create a customized EOP. These tools were designed according to best practices and years of work in school emergency management. Both tools were recently updated.

EOP ASSIST software application. Interactive Workbook. EOP Interactive Tools Flyer. SITE ASSESS

 

FEMA Releases Updated Community Lifelines Toolkit

The “Community Lifelines Implementation Toolkit 2.0” and the “Incident Stabilization Guide,” which provide updated information and resources to better understand and implement Community Lifelines throughout the emergency management community.

 

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Department of State Release Guide to Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience

The guide provides a step-by-step approach to developing, implementing, and refining related policies and programs for a range of stakeholders, including experts in security, counterterrorism, crisis management and emergency response.  The guide acknowledges that the effectiveness of critical infrastructure protection is greatly enhanced when based on an approach that considers all threats and hazards.

Information

Texas General Land Office – Training

As a partner in the recovery process, the GLO is committed to providing Technical Assistance and Training to its subrecipients. With current CDBG-DR allocations spanning impacted counties with over 75% of the state’s population, the number of communities participating as subrecipients continues to grow. The GLO continues to conduct kickoff and informational meetings with subrecipients regarding 2015 and 2016 Floods and Hurricane Harvey funds. The GLO will be developing training materials on the most important topics for administering CDBG-DR funds. These topics include:

  • Uniform Relocation Act
  • Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
  • Davis Bacon
  • Financial Management
  • Procurement
  • Program Income
  • Section 3

Information

 

FEMA Building Science releases P-2054, Mitigation Assessment Team Compendium Report: 2017 Hurricane Season

FEMA’s Building Science Branch is pleased to announce that FEMA P-2054, Mitigation Assessment Team Compendium Report: 2017 Hurricane Season, is now available online. Also available are Mitigation Assessment Team Reports:

The FEMA Building Science Branch provides technical services for the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). The branch develops and produces multi-hazard mitigation guidance that focuses on creating disaster-resilient communities to reduce loss of life and property.

Information

 

What Is a Grant

The What is… Blog Series is designed to serve as an entry point for readers who are new to federal grants, or who might just need a refresher. This series includes: What is a Budget Narrative, what is a Need Statement, and many more topics.

Information

How to Prepare for Natural Disasters: A Pre-Disaster Toolkit for Small-to Medium- Size Communities

Prepared by US EPA Urban Waters Federal Partnership, the toolkit was developed to help small- to medium-size communities jump-start their natural disaster planning process. The toolkit is divided into two sections – one for local government officials, including Emergency Management Coordinators (EMCs), utility district managers, and local elected officials­­—and a section for community residents. Within each section is information about tools and resources available through federal and state agencies, and disaster relief organizations, and At-a-Glance Preparedness Checklists.

Information

 

US Department of Agriculture Invests in Rural Electric Infrastructure Improvements in Texas

Bartlett Electric Cooperative is receiving a $7 million loan to install 212 miles of fiber cable for smart grid technologies to improve system efficiencies and reliability. Bartlett Electric Cooperative is located just northeast of Austin. Its 936-square-mile service area includes more than 11,900 customers and about 1,709 miles of line. USDA is providing financing through the Electric Loan Program.

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National Response Framework, Fourth Edition

The 2017 Hurricane Season FEMA After-Action Report called for a revised NRF focusing response efforts on stabilization of Community Lifelines and recognized that after a disaster, government resourcing alone cannot meet all community needs.  Close partnerships with the private sector are required to successfully align response efforts to ensure unity of effort.  Additionally, FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency worked with the whole community, including other federal agencies, to develop the ESF #14 Annex.  This new ESF specifically seeks to improve coordination between infrastructure owners and operators, businesses, and government partners to more effectively stabilize key supply chains and community lifelines in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

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Declared Natural Disasters and Emergencies Tax Help

The Texas Comptrollers’ Office has many resources, publications, and Frequently Asked Questions. When the governor of Texas or the president of the United States declares a location in Texas to be a disaster area, taxpayers in the affected area are eligible for certain tax exemptions and filing extensions for their taxes.

Resources and Publications

 

The InfoGram

The Emergency Management and Response – Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s released Volume 19 – Issue 39 on October 24, 2019. It contained information on the 2019 Wildfire Risk Report and new prediction methods. It also provides information on the new online webPOISONCONTROL digital triage poison center.

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Green Stormwater Infrastructure Fact Sheet

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a suite of systems and practices that restore and maintain natural hydrologic processes in order to reduce the volume and water quality impacts of stormwater runoff. Riparian buffers, green roofs, bioswales, cisterns, permeable pavements and constructed wetlands are all examples of GSI.

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Low Impact Development Fact Sheet

Low Impact Development (LID) is defined as “an innovative land planning and design approach which seeks to maintain a site’s pre-development ecological and hydrological function through the protection, enhancement, or mimicry of natural processes.” There are many reasons to use LID, but stormwater management is typically the primary one.

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USDA and DOE Join Forces to Increase Energy Technology Development and Deployment in Rural America

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Donald “DJ” LaVoy and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes today announced a Memorandum of Understanding between the two departments to promote rural energy and the development of technologies that will support and advance rural and agricultural communities and domestic manufacturing.

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USDA to Provide $150 Million to Help Rural Communities Affected by Natural Disaster

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service Administrator Bruce Lammers announced that USDA is making $150 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Program to help rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters.

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Recorded Webinars and Self-Paced Trainings: 

  • * HUD: The Rural Gateway provides technical assistance, trainings, and peer learning and resource sharing to support rural housing and economic development.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): here
  • * International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM): here
  • * International Economic Development Council (IEDC): here
  • * Natural Hazards Center: here
  • * Rural Design Webinar Series: here

 

What is Considered a Rural Area by the USDA?  USDA Designated Rural Area

A lot of people are actually surprised to find out that almost any area outside of a major metropolitan city is USDA eligible, including over 85% of entire states.

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Community Prosperity Resource Matrix

The Centers of Community Prosperity offers a resource to provide easy access to information about USDA programs, tools, and data sources that foster hope and opportunity, asset building and wealth creation in rural and underserved communities.

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Recreation Economy at USDA: Economic Development Resources for Rural Communities:

USDA launched a resource guide to provide rural community leaders and economic development practitioners a complete list of programs at Rural Development, Forest Service, and National Institute for Food and Agriculture that can be used to support recreational economies in rural America. This resource guide addresses key factors necessary to build a sustainable recreational economy including natural resource management, conservation activities, infrastructure investment, business development and more.

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EPA RELEASES WATER UTILITY COVID-19 FINANCIAL IMPACT TOOL

Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool can help drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater (“water”) utilities assess the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utility’s cashflow. This tool leads water utilities through questions that can determine how their revenues, expenses, and cashflow have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The spreadsheet automatically calculates the changes for a utility’s revenues and expenses by looking at current 2020 monthly financials versus the average monthly financials of the utility’s 2019 audited financial statement. Water utilities can use the tool each month to keep a running total of their cashflow. Use of the spreadsheet is voluntary and its results are provided for your information only. EPA is not collecting either the data entered by utilities or the results.

 

The Rural Reclamation Project: Exploring Sustainable Development Across Rural America

Over the past 9 months, Mary Sketch, program associate with the Rural Assembly and Center for Rural Strategies, has been leading a project looking at new natural resource economies and just transition across rural America. The project is an initiative supported by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) and The Center for Rural Strategies/Rural Assembly exploring the diverse and interconnected ways that rural America is transitioning from extractive economies and pioneering sustainable development efforts that are good for the economy and the environment. Find out more about the project, read the first case study, and follow the publication below.

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