Public Assistance

Public Assistance Documents

• Presidential Declared Disaster 4115
  • This disaster declaration was due to the April 8-10 winter storm
• Public Assistance Policy Digest - FEMA 321
  • Very easy-to-read, brief summary of Public Assistance program policies.
• Public Assistance Guide - FEMA 322
  • Replaces FEMA 286. Describes provisions and application procedures for Public Assistance program grants. Also contains index, relevant portions of 44 CFR, and the Stafford Act.
• Applicant Handbook - FEMA 323
  • Questions and answers on how to apply for Public Assistance program grants
• Debris Management Guide - FEMA 325
  • Guidance in planning, mobilizing, and controlling large-scale debris clearance and disposal operations.
  • Appendixes
    • Appendix A
    • Appendix B
    • Appendix C
    • Appendix D
    • Appendix E
    • Appendix F
    • Appendix F
    • Appendix G
    • Appendix H
• Debris Management brochure - FEMA 329
  • Provides information on eligibility and debris management under FEMA's Public Assistance Program. 
  • The information can also be found on the FEMA website.

Public Assistance Forms

• FEMA Form 90-49 Request for Public Assistance
• FEMA Form 90-120 Special Considerations Questions
• FEMA Form 90-121 Private Non-Profit Facility Questionnaire
• FEMA Form 90-123 Force Account Labor Summary Record
• FEMA Form 90-124 Materials Summary Record
• FEMA Form 90-125 Rented Equipment Summary Record
• FEMA Form 90-126 Contract Work Summary Record
• FEMA Form 90-127 Force Account Equipment Summary Record
• FEMA Form 90-128 Applicant's Benefits Calculation Worksheet
• FEMA Schedule of Equipment Rates
• Public Assistance Program State/Applicant Agreement

Public Assistance Links

• FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program
• State Role and Responsibility
• FEMA Presidential Declared Disasters in the U.S. by Calendar Year
• FEMA Region VIII Disaster History
• FEMA Region VIII

FAQs

What is the Public Assistance program?
Once a Presidential disaster is declared, the South Dakota Public Assistance Program is initiated. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants money to the state of South Dakota to help rebuild destroyed public related and private non profit facilities to pre-disaster existence.

Why would a Presidential disaster be declared?
A Presidential disaster could be a result of any natural disaster, which includes floods, tornadoes, winter storms, and wildfires.

How is a Presidential disaster declared?
The local jurisdiction would respond to the incident. If the county determines the event to be beyond its capability to manage, the county commission declares a disaster, requesting help from the state. The state assesses the damages and determines whether to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

How much damage is required before requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration?
To qualify for federal assistance, the state must document more than one million dollars of damage to public infrastructure statewide and the county must meet the current FEMA per capita dollar amount of damage.

How much damage is required before requesting financial assistance from the state?
To qualify for state financial assistance, the county must expend two mills of its assessed valuation for emergency or disaster purposes within the twelve months preceding the request under an emergency or disaster declaration by the governor.

What actions should take place during a disaster?

1. County emergency management personnel notifies the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (OEM) of the event.
2. OEM works with county officials to assess the damage and immediate needs of the area.
3. Following an evaluation, a county determines if the event is beyond its capability to manage. If it is, the county commission declares a disaster, requesting help from the state.
4. The county identifies and documents any damage to public infrastructure (roads, sewage treatment plants, airports, irrigation channels, schools, public buildings, utilities, and certain essential private non profit facilities). Even though homeowners and business owners are expected to utilize private insurance policies to repair property damage, the county notes the extent of damage to private homes and businesses.
5. Photographs are taken of the damage.
6. A detailed record of expenses associated with emergency protective measures and repairs is maintained.
7. The state assesses the dollar amount of the damages and determines whether to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration.