On February 29, 2020, Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency for Washington State and directed state agencies to take all reasonable measures to assist affected local governments to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 22, 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4481-DR: COVID-19, for the State of Washington. This action makes available FEMA public assistance grant dollars available to eligible entities conducting eligible activities in support of the COVID-19 response.
In Washington, FEMA funding is coordinated with Washington State Military Department (MIL). The District registered with MIL in May 2020 as an eligible and interested organization in accessing FEMA Pubic Assistance grant dollars. FEMA and MIL encourage organizations to approve the contracting language in advance of requesting dollars as to ensure timely receipt of approved funds.
FEMA Public Assistance dollars are available for specific COVID-eligible response activities including personal protection equipment, testing events, emergency operations centers, training and communications. Public assistance grants require a 25% match. Matching dollars can include CARES and/or Medical Reserve Corps volunteer hours. This opportunity is structured as reimbursements.
At this time, no requests for FEMA dollars have been made. This requested action puts in place contracting for receipt of FEMA public assistance dollars. The grant agreement is attached as Exhibit A, and has been reviewed by legal counsel. The payment processing application package is attached as Exhibit B. Resolution 21-07 (Exhibit C) allows the District to enter into the agreement with FEMA to apply for and obtain COVID-19 public assistance grant dollars.