Communities

Disaster assistance to local units of government is typically provided by the state. In catastrophic events, FEMA and other federal agencies have resources which may aid impacted communities in their recovery. State assistance is provided on a regular basis and is not usually dependent on a disaster declaration.

State Resources

Minnesota Disaster Recovery Assistance Framework

The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Assistance Framework is a resource document that provides assistance program information from state, federal, local, and voluntary agency resources following a disaster.

This guide is intended to be of assistance to government officials and community leaders involved in managing, organizing, or leading disaster recovery efforts. It provides a comprehensive overview of the roles, responsibilities, and assistance programs that may be available. The guide briefly presents overview information, accompanied by contacts, Web sites, and other references, so that the user may seek out more details.

Minnesota Disaster Recovery Framework 2011 (PDF)

Minnesota Recovers Task Force (MRTF)

  • Coordinates government resources for community long-term recovery needs
  • Addresses certain un-met needs
  • Assists with identifying hazard mitigation opportunities and resources

The MRTF, which is chaired by HSEM, helps get funds and assistance directly to those areas most affected by a recent disaster.  When state funds become available, the Task Force will work with other state agencies to assist the impacted communities when their needs are not met by insurance or other assistance programs.  Appropriated funds may be obligated independently by state agencies or collectively through projects identified by the Task Force.

Based on type, severity, and extent of disaster, subcommittees may be formed, and will meet on an as- needed basis. Typical subcommittees are:

  • Housing
  • Health and Human Services
  • Public Infrastructure
  • Natural Resources
  • Agriculture
  • Business and Community Recovery

The Task Force may create other subcommittees to address a community’s specific unmet needs.

For more information email:  HSEM.disaster-recovery@state.mn.us

Historic Preservation and Recovery

Historic buildings are among the tragic losses resulting from disasters. The Minnesota Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will administer any appropriated funding designated for assisting in the recovery of damaged historic properties. When allocated, this money is made available to owners of historic properties who wish to restore their buildings and have exhausted all other sources of funding.

Federal Resources

Public Assistance Grant Program

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides funding to state, tribal and local governments and certain types of Private NonProfit (PNP) organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President.

Through the PA Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for:

  • Debris removal
  • Emergency protective measures
  • Repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain PNPs.

The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process. Visit HSEM’s Hazard Mitigation section for more information.