Delaware fund can support disaster recovery, housing, and preparedness

The law provides for a disaster recovery fund to assist Delaware residents and local governments. The fund serves Delaware residents and local governments affected by disasters. Its listed purposes include urgent needs, temporary housing, and help repairing or replacing occupied damaged homes. The fund may receive money from public or private sources, including appropriations and grants. Assistance depends on money being available and the fund being activated by the state emergency management director with the Recovery Advisory Council’s agreement.

The Recovery Advisory Council oversees the fund, and the state emergency management director activates it with the council’s agreement. The council includes state and county officials and Governor-appointed members, including representatives with local government and disability services experience. Program managers set application periods. The council oversees appeals for applicants denied assistance and works to prevent duplicate benefits. The council must meet to adopt bylaws within 90 days after the fund is established. Appeal rules must set a deadline for final decisions.

The council sets conditions for using fund money on disaster preparation and risk reduction projects. Possible projects include reducing disaster risks, improving community readiness, and helping pay a government’s share of eligible grant costs. The fund may help pay a government’s share of a federal or private grant only if the money adds to other available resources. The council must keep a reserve for recovery, and these projects may not use up the whole fund. The council must set a dollar threshold or a waiting period of at least one year before allowing this spending when recovery purposes have not used the money.