FEMA would use fixed percentages when reviewing disaster aid needs

FEMA would assign fixed percentages when assessing public disaster aid needs. The rules would cover disasters for which governors’ major disaster declaration requests were denied on or after January 1, 2012. Local impacts would count for 40%. Estimated aid costs, insurance coverage, disaster risk reduction, recent multiple disasters, other federal aid programs, and economic conditions would each count for 10%. Economic factors would include local tax resources, local income and poverty compared with state levels, and state unemployment compared with the national rate. FEMA would have to amend its rules within 120 days after enactment.

FEMA would assign fixed percentages when assessing disaster aid needs for individuals. The rules would cover disasters for which governors’ major disaster declaration requests were denied on or after January 1, 2012. Damage concentration, trauma, population groups needing special consideration, and insurance would each count for 20%. Volunteer agency aid would count for 10%. Average individual aid by state and local economic conditions would each count for 5%. Economic factors would include local tax resources and local income and poverty compared with state levels. FEMA would have to amend its rules within 120 days after enactment.