Stafford Act

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act,
as amended, and Related
Authorities
FEMA 592, June 2007

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,
Public Law 93-288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207,
and Related Authorities
UNITED STATES CODE
TITLE 42. THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 68. DISASTER RELIEF
Table of Contents
Title I -- Findings, Declarations and Definitions............................................................... 1
Sec. 101. Congressional Findings and Declarations (42 U.S.C. 5121) ................................. 1
Sec. 102. Definitions (42 U.S.C. 5122)* ............................................................................... 2
Title II -- Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Assistance ........................................... 3
Sec. 201. Federal and State Disaster Preparedness Programs (42 U.S.C. 5131) ................... 3
Sec. 202. Disaster Warnings (42 U.S.C. 5132)...................................................................... 4
Sec. 203. Predisaster Hazard Mitigation (42 U.S.C. 5133) ................................................... 5
Sec. 204. Interagency Task Force (42 U.S.C. 5134)..............................................................10
Title III -- Major Disaster and Emergency Assistance Administration..........................10
Sec. 301. Waiver of Administrative Conditions (42 U.S.C. 5141)........................................10
Sec. 302. Coordinating Officers (42 U.S.C. 5143)* ..............................................................10
Sec. 303. Emergency Support and Response Teams (42 U.S.C. 5144)*...............................11
Sec. 304. Reimbursement of Federal Agencies (42 U.S.C. 5147).........................................12
Sec. 305. Nonliability of Federal Government (42 U.S.C. 5148)..........................................12
Sec. 306. Performance of Services (42 U.S.C. 5149) ............................................................13
Sec. 307. Use of Local Firms and Individuals (42 U.S.C. 5150)*.........................................13
Sec. 308. Nondiscrimination in Disaster Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5151)* ...............................14
Sec. 309. Use and Coordination of Relief Organizations (42 U.S.C. 5152)..........................15

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Sec. 310. Priority to Certain Applications for Public Facility and Public Housing
Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5153) ......................................................................................15
Sec. 311. Insurance (42 U.S.C. 5154)....................................................................................16
Prohibited Flood Disaster Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5154a) ......................................................17
Sec. 312. Duplication of Benefits (42 U.S.C. 5155)..............................................................18
Sec. 313. Standard of Review (42 U.S.C. 5156)....................................................................19
Sec. 314. Penalties (42 U.S.C. 5157).....................................................................................19
Sec. 315. Availability of Materials (42 U.S.C. 5158)............................................................20
Sec. 316. Protection of Environment (42 U.S.C. 5159).........................................................20
Sec. 317. Recovery of Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5160)..............................................................20
Sec. 318. Audits and Investigations (42 U.S.C. 5161) ..........................................................21
Sec. 319. Advance of Non-Federal Share (42 U.S.C. 5162) .................................................21
Sec. 320. Limitation on Use of Sliding Scale (42 U.S.C. 5163)............................................22
Sec. 321. Rules and Regulations (42 U.S.C. 5164) ...............................................................22
Sec. 322. Mitigation Planning (42 U.S.C. 5165) ...................................................................22
Sec. 323. Standards for Public and Private Structures (42 U.S.C. 5165a).............................23
Sec. 324. Management Costs (42 U.S.C. 5165b)...................................................................24
Sec. 325. Public Notice, Comment, and Consultation Requirements (42 U.S.C. 5165c) .....24
Sec. 326. Designation of Small State and Rural Advocate (42 U.S.C. 5165d)* ...................25
Title IV -- Major Disaster Assistance Programs...............................................................26
Sec. 401. Procedure for Declaration (42 U.S.C. 5170)..........................................................26
Sec. 402. General Federal Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5170a)*....................................................26
Sec. 403. Essential Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5170b)*...............................................................27
Sec. 404. Hazard Mitigation (42 U.S.C. 5170c)* ..................................................................29

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Sec. 405. Federal Facilities (42 U.S.C. 5171)........................................................................31
Sec. 406. Repair, Restoration, and Replacement of Damaged Facilities
(42 U.S.C. 5172)* ......................................................................................................31
Sec. 407. Debris Removal (42 U.S.C. 5173)* .......................................................................39
Sec. 408. Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households (42 U.S.C. 5174)* .................40
Sec. 410. Unemployment Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5177) ........................................................45
Sec. 412. Food Coupons and Distribution (42 U.S.C. 5179).................................................46
Sec. 413. Food Commodities (42 U.S.C. 5180).....................................................................46
Sec. 414. Relocation Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5181)................................................................46
Sec. 415. Legal Services (42 U.S.C. 5182)............................................................................47
Sec. 416. Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training (42 U.S.C. 5183) ...............................47
Sec. 417. Community Disaster Loans (42 U.S.C. 5184)* .....................................................47
Sec. 418. Emergency Communications (42 U.S.C. 5185).....................................................48
Sec. 419. Emergency Public Transportation (42 U.S.C. 5186) .............................................48
Sec. 420. Fire Management Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5187).....................................................48
Sec. 421. Timber Sale Contracts (42 U.S.C. 5188) ...............................................................48
Sec. 422. Simplified Procedures (42 U.S.C. 5189)................................................................49
Sec. 423. Appeals of Assistance Decisions (42 U.S.C. 5189a) .............................................50
Sec. 424. Date of Eligibility; Expenses Incurred Before Date of Disaster (42 U.S.C.
5189b) ........................................................................................................................50
Sec. 425. Transportation Assistance to Individuals and Households (42 U.S.C. 5189c)* ....50
Sec. 426. Case Management Services (42 U.S.C. 5189d)* ...................................................50
Sec. 427. Essential Service Providers (42 U.S.C. 5189e)*....................................................50

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Title V -- Emergency Assistance Programs .......................................................................51
Sec. 501. Procedure for Declaration (42 U.S.C. 5191)..........................................................51
Sec. 502. Federal Emergency Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5192)* ................................................52
Sec. 503. Amount of Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5193)................................................................53
Title VI -- Emergency Preparedness ..................................................................................54
Sec. 601. Declaration of Policy (42 U.S.C. 5195) .................................................................54
Sec. 602. Definitions (42 U.S.C. 5195a)................................................................................54
Sec. 603. Administration of Title (42 U.S.C. 5195b) ............................................................56
SUBTITLE A – POWERS AND DUTIES ...............................................................................56
Sec. 611. Detailed Functions or Administration (42 U.S.C. 5196)* .....................................56
Sec. 612. Mutual Aid Pacts Between States and Neighboring Countries (42 U.S.C.
5196a) ........................................................................................................................61
Sec. 613. Contributions for Personnel and Administrative Expenses (42 U.S.C. 5196b)* ...61
Sec. 614. Requirement for State Matching Funds for Construction of Emergency
Operating Centers (42 U.S.C. 5196c) ........................................................................63
Sec. 615. Use of Funds to Prepare for and Respond to Hazards (42 U.S.C. 5196d) .............63
Sec. 616. Disaster Related Information Services (42 U.S.C. 5196f)* ...................................63
SUBTITLE B – GENERAL PROVISIONS .............................................................................64
Sec. 621. Administrative Authority (42 U.S.C. 5197)...........................................................64
Sec. 622. Security Regulations (42 U.S.C. 5197a) ................................................................65
Sec. 623. Use of Existing Facilities (42 U.S.C. 5197b).........................................................67
Sec. 624. Annual Report to Congress (42 U.S.C. 5197c)......................................................67
Sec. 625. Applicability of Subchapter (42 U.S.C. 5197d).....................................................67
Sec. 626. Authorization of Appropriation and Transfers of Funds (42 U.S.C. 5197e) .........67

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Sec. 627. Relation to Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 5197f)...................................68
Sec. 628. Federal Bureau of Investigation (42 U.S.C. 5197g)...............................................68
Title VII – Miscellaneous.....................................................................................................68
Sec. 701. Rules and Regulations (42 U.S.C. 5201) ...............................................................68
Sec. 705. Disaster Grant Closeout Procedures (42 U.S.C. 5205) ..........................................68
Sec. 706. Firearms Policies (42 U.S.C. 5207)* .....................................................................69

*

This section of the Stafford Act has been amended by either the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Pub. L. No. 109-295, 120 Stat.1355
(2006), signed on October 4, 2006, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards
Act of 2006, Pub. L. No 109-308, 120 Stat. 1725 (2006), signed on October 6, 2006, or
the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-347, 120
Stat. 1884 (2006), signed on October 13, 2006. The changes are effective for
emergencies or major disasters declared on or after October 4, 6, or 13, 2006. For
events before those dates, please consult an earlier version of the Stafford Act.

v

MISCELLANEOUS STATUTORY PROVISIONS THAT RELATE TO THE
STAFFORD ACT..........................................................................................................................71
Excess Disaster Assistance Payments as Budgetary Emergency Requirements
(42 U.S.C. 5203) ........................................................................................................71
Insular Areas Disaster Survival and Recovery; Definitions
(42 U.S.C. 5204) .......................................................................................................71
Authorization of Appropriations for Insular Areas (Disaster Recovery)
(42 U.S.C. 5204a) ......................................................................................................71
Technical Assistance for Insular Areas (Disaster Recovery)
(42 U.S.C. 5204b) ......................................................................................................72
Hazard Mitigation for Insular Areas (Limitation on Amount of Contributions,
Local Match) (42 U.S.C. 5204c)................................................................................72
Buy American (Requirements) (42 U.S.C. 5206)......................................................73
U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability
Appropriations Act, 2007, Pub. L. No. 110-28, 121 Stat. 112 (2007), Signed on May
25, 2007..................................................................................................................................74
Sec. 4501. (100% Federal Share for Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita) ..................74
Sec. 4502. (Allowing Community Disaster Loans To Be Canceled) ........................74
Sec. 4503. (Paying Utility Costs for 2005 Hurricanes Extended to 24 Months) .......75
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007, Pub. L. No. 109-295,
120 Stat. 1355 (2006), Signed on October 4, 2006 [Includes Post-Katrina Emergency
Reform Act (PKEMRA)] ........................................................................................................75
Sec. 508. (Notifying Congressional Committees before Announcement of
Grants FY 2007) ........................................................................................................75
Sec. 536. (Accounting for Needs of Individuals with Household Pets and
Service Animals)........................................................................................................75
Title VI – National Emergency Management........................................................76
Sec. 601. Short Title (6 U.S.C. 701 note) ..................................................................76
Sec. 612. (References to Director of FEMA Considered to Refer to
Administrator of FEMA) (6 U.S.C. 313 note and 6 U.S.C. 311 note).......................76

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Sec. 640a. Disclosure of Certain Information to Law Enforcement
Agencies (6 U.S.C. 727) ............................................................................................76
Sec. 653. Federal Preparedness (Prescripted Mission Assignments) (6 U.S.C.
753) ............................................................................................................................76
SUBTITLE E – STAFFORD ACT AMENDMENTS...................................................77
Sec. 682. National Disaster Recovery Strategy (6 U.S.C. 771).................................77
Sec. 683. National Disaster Housing Strategy (6 U.S.C. 772)...................................78
Sec. 689. Individuals with Disabilities (6 U.S.C. 773) ..............................................79
Sec. 689b. Reunification (Child Locator Center) (6 U.S.C. 774)..............................80
Sec. 689c. National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (6 U.S.C.
775) ............................................................................................................................81
Sec. 689i. Individuals and Households Pilot Program (6 U.S.C. 776) .....................82
Sec. 689j. Public Assistance Pilot Program (6 U.S.C. 777)......................................84
Sec. 689k. Disposal of Unused Temporary Housing Units .......................................85
SUBTITLE F – PREVENTION OF FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE ........................86
Sec. 691. Advance Contracting (6 U.S.C. 791) .........................................................86
Sec. 692. Limitations on Tiering of Subcontractors (6 U.S.C. 792)..........................87
Sec. 693. Oversight and Accountability of Federal Disaster Expenditures (6
U.S.C. 793) ................................................................................................................87
Sec. 695. Limitation on Length of Certain Noncompetitive Contracts (6 U.S.C.
794) ............................................................................................................................89
Sec. 696. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Controls (6 U.S.C. 795) ....................................89
Sec. 697. Registry of Disaster Response Contractors (6 U.S.C. 796) .......................90
Sec. 698. Fraud Prevention Training Program (6 U.S.C. 797) ..................................91

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Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on
Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-234, 120 Stat. 418 (2006),
Signed on June 15, 2006.......................................................................................................91
Sec. 2401. (Paying Utility Costs for 2005 Hurricanes) .............................................91
Sec. 2403 (Alternative Housing Pilot Programs)......................................................91

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HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002, as amended, 6 U.S.C. 311-321j ............................ 93
Title V--National Emergency Management........................................................... 93
Sec. 501. Definitions (6 U.S.C. 311) ......................................................................... 93
Sec. 502. Definition (6 U.S.C. 312)........................................................................... 94
Sec. 503. Federal Emergency Management Agency (6 U.S.C. 313)......................... 94
Sec. 504. Authorities and Responsibilities (6 U.S.C. 314) ........................................ 96
Sec. 505. Functions Transferred (U.S.C. 315)........................................................... 99
Sec. 506. Preserving the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(6 U.S.C. 316) ............................................................................................................ 99
Sec. 507. Regional Offices (6 U.S.C. 317) ................................................................100
Sec. 508. National Advisory Council (6 U.S.C. 318) ................................................103
Sec. 509. National Integration Center (6 U.S.C. 319) ...............................................104
Sec. 510. Credentialing and Typing (6 U.S.C. 320) ..................................................106
Sec. 511. The National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center
(6 U.S.C. 321) ............................................................................................................106
Sec. 512. Evacuation Plans and Exercises (6 U.S.C. 321a).......................................107
Sec. 513. Disability Coordinator (6 U.S.C. 321b) .....................................................108
Sec. 514. Department and Agency Officials (6 U.S.C. 321c) ...................................109
Sec. 515. National Operations Center (6 U.S.C. 321d) .............................................110
Sec. 516. Chief Medical Officer (6 U.S.C. 321e) ......................................................110
Sec. 517. Nuclear Incident Response (6 U.S.C. 321f)...............................................111
Sec. 518. Conduct of Certain Public Health-related Activities (6 U.S.C. 321g) .......111
Sec. 519. Use of National Private Sector Networks in Emergency Response
(6 U.S.C. 321h) ..........................................................................................................111

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Sec. 520. Use of Commercially Available Technology, Goods and Services
(6 U.S.C. 321i) ...........................................................................................................112
Sec. 521. Procurement of Security Countermeasures for Strategic National
Stockpile (6 U.S.C. 321j)...........................................................................................112

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Title I -- Findings, Declarations and Definitions
Sec. 101. Congressional Findings and Declarations (42 U.S.C. 5121)
(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that (1) because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income,
and property loss and damage; and
(2) because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of governments and
communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great
severity; special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected
States in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency
services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, are
necessary.
(b) It is the intent of the Congress, by this Act, to provide an orderly and continuing
means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in
carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result
from such disasters by (1) revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief programs;
(2) encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and
assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the States and
by local governments;
(3) achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness
and relief programs;
(4) encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to protect
themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement or replace
governmental assistance;
(5) encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters,
including development of land use and construction regulations; and
(6) providing Federal assistance programs for both public and private losses
sustained in disasters

1

Sec. 102. Definitions (42 U.S.C. 5122)*
As used in this Act (1) “Emergency” means any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the
President, Federal assistance is needed to supplement State and local efforts and
capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to
lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.
(2) “Major disaster” means any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado,
storm, high water, winddriven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic
eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any
fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which in the determination
of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant
major disaster assistance under this Act to supplement the efforts and available
resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in
alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.
(3) “United States” means the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands.
(4) “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands.
(5) “Governor” means the chief executive of any State.
(6) “Individual with a Disability”- The term “individual with a disability” means an
individual with a disability as defined in section 3(2) of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102(2)).
(7) The term “local government” means –
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school
district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments
(regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a
nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or interstate government
entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or
organization; and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity,
for which an application for assistance is made by a State or political
subdivision of a State.
(8) “Federal agency” means any department, independent establishment, Government
corporation, or other agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government,

2

including the United States Postal Service, but shall not include the American
National Red Cross.
(9) “Public facility” means the following facilities owned by a State or local
government:
(A) Any flood control, navigation, irrigation, reclamation, public power, sewage
treatment and collection, water supply and distribution, watershed
development, or airport facility.
(B) Any non-Federal-aid street, road, or highway.
(C) Any other public building, structure, or system, including those used for
educational, recreational, or cultural purposes.
(D) Any park.
(10) Private nonprofit facility (A) In General - The term “private nonprofit facility” means private nonprofit
educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitational, and
temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the
aged and disabled) and facilities on Indian reservations, as defined by the
President.
(B) Additional Facilities – In addition to the facilities described in subparagraph
(A), the term “private nonprofit facility” includes any private nonprofit
facility that provides essential services of a governmental nature to the
general public (including museums, zoos, performing arts facilities,
community arts centers, libraries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers,
rehabilitation facilities, shelter workshops, and facilities that provide health
and safety services of a governmental nature), as defined by the President.

Title II -- Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
Assistance
Sec. 201. Federal and State Disaster Preparedness Programs (42 U.S.C.
5131)
(a) Utilization of services of other agencies - The President is authorized to establish a
program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies
and includes (1) preparation of disaster preparedness plans for mitigation, warning,
emergency operations, rehabilitation, and recovery;
(2) training and exercises;
(3) postdisaster critiques and evaluations;
(4) annual review of programs;

3

(5) coordination of Federal, State, and local preparedness programs;
(6) application of science and technology;
(7) research.
(b) Technical assistance for the development of plans and programs - The President
shall provide technical assistance to the States in developing comprehensive plans
and practicable programs for preparation against disasters, including hazard
reduction, avoidance, and mitigation; for assistance to individuals, businesses, and
State and local governments following such disasters; and for recovery of damages
or destroyed public and private facilities.
(c) Grants to States for development of plans and programs - Upon application by a
State, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed in the aggregate to
such State $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for
disaster preparedness and prevention. Such grants shall be applied for within one
year from May 22, 1974. Any State desiring financial assistance under this section
shall designate or create an agency to plan and administer such a disaster
preparedness program, and shall, through such agency, submit a State plan to the
President, which shall
(1) set forth a comprehensive and detailed State program for preparation
against and assistance following, emergencies and major disasters,
including provisions for assistance to individuals, businesses, and local
governments; and
(2) include provisions for appointment and training of appropriate staffs,
formulation of necessary regulations and procedures and conduct of
required exercises.
(d) Grants for improvement, maintenance, and updating of State plans - The President
is authorized to make grants not to exceed 50 per centum of the cost of improving,
maintaining and updating State disaster assistance plans, including evaluations of
natural hazards and development of the programs and actions required to mitigate
such hazards; except that no such grant shall exceed $50,000 per annum to any
State.

Sec. 202. Disaster Warnings (42 U.S.C. 5132)
(a) Readiness of Federal agencies to issue warnings to state and local officials - The
President shall insure that all appropriate Federal agencies are prepared to issue
warnings of disasters to State and local officials.
(b) Technical assistance to State and local governments for effective warnings - The
President shall direct appropriate Federal agencies to provide technical assistance

4

to State and local governments to insure that timely and effective disaster warning
is provided.
(c) Warnings to governmental authorities and public endangered by disaster - The
President is authorized to utilize or to make available to Federal, State, and local
agencies the facilities of the civil defense communications system established and
maintained pursuant to section 5196(c) of this title or any other Federal
communications system for the purpose of providing warning to governmental
authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by disasters.
(d) Agreements with commercial communications systems for use of facilities - The
President is authorized to enter into agreements with the officers or agents of any
private or commercial communications systems who volunteer the use of their
systems on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis for the purpose of providing
warning to governmental authorities and the civilian population endangered by
disasters.

Sec. 203. Predisaster Hazard Mitigation (42 U.S.C. 5133)
(a) Definition of Small Impoverished Community - In this section, the term “small
impoverished community” means a community of 3,000 or fewer individuals that
is economically disadvantaged, as determined by the State in which the community
is located and based on criteria established by the President.
(b) Establishment of Program - The President may establish a program to provide
technical and financial assistance to States and local governments to assist in the
implementation of predisaster hazard mitigation measures that are cost-effective
and are designed to reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of
property, including damage to critical services and facilities under the jurisdiction
of the States or local governments.
(c) Approval by President - If the President determines that a State or local
government has identified natural disaster hazards in areas under its jurisdiction
and has demonstrated the ability to form effective public-private natural disaster
hazard mitigation partnerships, the President, using amounts in the National
Predisaster Mitigation Fund established under subsection (i) (referred to in this
section as the “Fund”), may provide technical and financial assistance to the State
or local government to be used in accordance with subsection (e).
(d) State Recommendations (1) In general (A) Recommendations -The Governor of each State may recommend to
the President not fewer than five local governments to receive
assistance under this section.

5

(B) Deadline for submission -The recommendations under subparagraph
(A) shall be submitted to the President not later than October 1,
2001, and each October 1st thereafter or such later date in the year
as the President may establish.
(C) Criteria - In making recommendations under subparagraph (A), a
Governor shall consider the criteria specified in subsection (g).
(2) Use (A) In general - Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in providing
assistance to local governments under this section, the President
shall select from local governments recommended by the Governors
under this subsection.
(B) Extraordinary circumstances - In providing assistance to local
governments under this section, the President may select a local
government that has not been recommended by a Governor under
this subsection if the President determines that extraordinary
circumstances justify the selection and that making the selection
will further the purpose of this section.
(3) Effect of failure to nominate - If a Governor of a State fails to submit
recommendations under this subsection in a timely manner, the President
may select, subject to the criteria specified in subsection (g), any local
governments of the State to receive assistance under this section.
(e) Uses of Technical and Financial Assistance (1) In general - Technical and financial assistance provided under this section
(A) shall be used by States and local governments principally to
implement predisaster hazard mitigation measures that are costeffective and are described in proposals approved by the President
under this section; and
(B) may be used (i) to support effective public-private natural disaster hazard
mitigation partnerships;
(ii) to improve the assessment of a community's vulnerability to
natural hazards; or
(iii)to establish hazard mitigation priorities, and an appropriate
hazard mitigation plan, for a community
(2) Dissemination - A State or local government may use not more than 10
percent of the financial assistance received by the State or local government
under this section for a fiscal year to fund activities to disseminate
information regarding cost-effective mitigation technologies.

6

(f) Allocation of Funds - The amount of financial assistance made available to a State
(including amounts made available to local governments of the State) under this
section for a fiscal year (1) shall be not less than the lesser of (A) $500,000; or
(B) the amount that is equal to 1.0 percent of the total funds
appropriated to carry out this section for the fiscal year;
(2) shall not exceed 15 percent of the total funds described in paragraph (1)(B);
and
(3) shall be subject to the criteria specified in subsection (g).
(g) Criteria for Assistance Awards - In determining whether to provide technical and
financial assistance to a State or local government under this section, the President
shall take into account (1) the extent and nature of the hazards to be mitigated;
(2) the degree of commitment by the State or local government to reduce
damages from future natural disasters;
(3) the degree of commitment by the State or local government to support
ongoing non-Federal support for the hazard mitigation measures to be
carried out using the technical and financial assistance;
(4) the extent to which the hazard mitigation measures to be carried out using
the technical and financial assistance contribute to the mitigation goals and
priorities established by the State;
(5) the extent to which the technical and financial assistance is consistent with
other assistance provided under this Act;
(6) the extent to which prioritized, cost-effective mitigation activities that
produce meaningful and definable outcomes are clearly identified;
(7) if the State or local government has submitted a mitigation plan under
section 5165 of this title, the extent to which the activities identified under
paragraph (6) are consistent with the mitigation plan;
(8) the opportunity to fund activities that maximize net benefits to society;
(9) the extent to which assistance will fund mitigation activities in small
impoverished communities; and

7

(10) such other criteria as the President establishes in consultation with State
and local governments.
(h) Federal Share (1) In general - Financial assistance provided under this section may contribute
up to 75 percent of the total cost of mitigation activities approved by the
President.
(2) Small impoverished communities - Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the
President may contribute up to 90 percent of the total cost of a mitigation
activity carried out in a small impoverished community.
(i) National Predisaster Mitigation Fund (1) Establishment - The President may establish in the Treasury of the United
States a fund to be known as the “National Predisaster Mitigation Fund”, to
be used in carrying out this section.
(2) Transfers to fund - There shall be deposited in the Fund (A) amounts appropriated to carry out this section, which shall remain
available until expended; and
(B) sums available from gifts, bequests, or donations of services or
property received by the President for the purpose of predisaster
hazard mitigation.
(3) Expenditures from fund - Upon request by the President, the Secretary of
the Treasury shall transfer from the Fund to the President such amounts as
the President determines are necessary to provide technical and financial
assistance under this section.
(4) Investment of amounts (A) In general - The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such portion
of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the Secretary of the
Treasury, required to meet current withdrawals. Investments may be
made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States.
(B) Acquisition of obligations - For the purpose of investments under
subparagraph (A), obligations may be acquired (i) on original issue at the issue price; or
(ii) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market price.
(C) Sale of obligations - Any obligation acquired by the Fund may be
sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at the market price.
(D) Credits to fund - The interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or
redemption of, any obligations held in the Fund shall be credited to
and form a part of the Fund.

8

(E) Transfers of amounts (i) In general - The amounts required to be transferred to the
Fund under this subsection shall be transferred at least
monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Fund
on the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the
Treasury.
(ii) Adjustments - Proper adjustment shall be made in amounts
subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in
excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred.
(j) Limitation on Total Amount of Financial Assistance - The President shall not
provide financial assistance under this section in an amount greater than the
amount available in the Fund.
(k) Multihazard Advisory Maps (1) Definition of multihazard advisory map - In this subsection, the term
“multihazard advisory map” means a map on which hazard data concerning
each type of natural disaster is identified simultaneously for the purpose of
showing areas of hazard overlap.
(2) Development of maps - In consultation with States, local governments, and
appropriate Federal agencies, the President shall develop multihazard
advisory maps for areas, in not fewer than five States, that are subject to
commonly recurring natural hazards (including flooding, hurricanes and
severe winds, and seismic events).
(3) Use of technology - In developing multihazard advisory maps under this
subsection, the President shall use, to the maximum extent practicable, the
most cost-effective and efficient technology available.
(4) Use of maps (A) Advisory nature - The multihazard advisory maps shall be
considered to be advisory and shall not require the development of
any new policy by, or impose any new policy on, any government or
private entity.
(B) Availability of maps - The multihazard advisory maps shall be made
available to the appropriate State and local governments for the
purposes of (i) informing the general public about the risks of natural
hazards in the areas described in paragraph (2);
(ii) supporting the activities described in subsection (e); and
(iii)other public uses.

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(l) Report on Federal and State Administration - Not later than Oct. 30, 2000, the
President, in consultation with State and local governments, shall submit to
Congress a report evaluating efforts to implement this section and recommending a
process for transferring greater authority and responsibility for administering the
assistance program established under this section to capable States.
(m) Termination of Authority - The authority provided by this section terminates
September 30, 2008.

Sec. 204. Interagency Task Force (42 U.S.C. 5134)
(a) In General - The President shall establish a Federal interagency task force for the
purpose of coordinating the implementation of predisaster hazard mitigation
programs administered by the Federal Government.
(b) Chairperson - The Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall
serve as the chairperson of the task force.
(c) Membership - The membership of the task force shall include representatives of
(1) relevant Federal agencies;
(2) State and local government organizations (including Indian tribes); and
(3) the American Red Cross.

Title III -- Major Disaster and Emergency Assistance
Administration
Sec. 301. Waiver of Administrative Conditions (42 U.S.C. 5141)
Any Federal agency charged with the administration of a Federal assistance program may,
if so requested by the applicant State or local authorities, modify or waive, for a major
disaster, such administrative conditions for assistance as would otherwise prevent the
giving of assistance under such programs if the inability to meet such conditions is a result
of the major disaster.

Sec. 302. Coordinating Officers (42 U.S.C. 5143)*
(a) Appointment of Federal coordinating officer - Immediately upon his declaration of
a major disaster or emergency, the President shall appoint a Federal coordinating
officer to operate in the affected area.

10

(b) Functions of Federal coordinating officer - In order to effectuate the purposes of
this Act, the Federal coordinating officer, within the affected area, shall
(1) make an initial appraisal of the types of relief most urgently needed;
(2) establish such field offices as he deems necessary and as are authorized by
the President;
(3) coordinate the administration of relief, including activities of the State and
local governments, the American National Red Cross, the Salvation Army,
the Mennonite Disaster Service, and other relief or disaster assistance
organizations, which agree to operate under his advice or direction, except
that nothing contained in this Act shall limit or in any way affect the
responsibilities of the American National Red Cross under the Act of
January 5, 1905, as amended (33 Stat. 599) and
(4) take such other action, consistent with authority delegated to him by the
President, and consistent with the provisions of this Act, as he may deem
necessary to assist local citizens and public officials in promptly obtaining
assistance to which they are entitled.
(c) State Coordinating officer - When the President determines assistance under this
Act is necessary, he shall request that the Governor of the affected State designate
a State coordinating officer for the purpose of coordinating State and local disaster
assistance efforts with those of the Federal Government.
(d) Where the area affected by a major disaster or emergency includes parts of more
than 1 State, the President, at the discretion of the President, may appoint a single
Federal coordinating officer for the entire affected area, and may appoint such
deputy Federal coordinating officers to assist the Federal coordinating officer as
the President determines appropriate.

Sec. 303. Emergency Support and Response Teams (42 U.S.C. 5144)*
(a) Emergency Support Teams – The President shall form emergency support teams of
Federal personnel to be deployed in an area affected by a major disaster or
emergency. Such emergency support teams shall assist the Federal coordinating
officer in carrying out his responsibilities pursuant to this Act. Upon request of the
President, the head of any Federal agency is directed to detail to temporary duty
with the emergency support teams on either a reimbursable or nonreimbursable
basis, as is determined necessary by the President, such personnel within the
administrative jurisdiction of the head of the Federal agency as the President may
need or believe to be useful for carrying out the functions of the emergency support
teams, each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee
status.

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(b) Emergency Response Teams(1) Establishment - In carrying out subsection (a), the President, acting through
the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall
establish(A) at a minimum 3 national response teams; and
(B) sufficient regional response teams, including Regional Office strike
teams under section 507 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002; and
(C) other response teams as may be necessary to meet the incident
management responsibilities of the Federal Government.
(2) Target Capability Level - The Director shall ensure that specific target
capability levels, as defined pursuant to the guidelines established under
section 646(a) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of
2006, are established for Federal emergency response teams.
(3) Personnel - The President, acting through the Director, shall ensure that the
Federal emergency response teams consist of adequate numbers of properly
planned, organized, equipped, trained, and exercised personnel to achieve
the established target capability levels. Each emergency response team
shall work in coordination with State and local officials and onsite
personnel associated with a particular incident.
(4) Readiness Reporting - The Director shall evaluate team readiness on a
regular basis and report team readiness levels in the report required under
section 652(a) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of
2006.

Sec. 304. Reimbursement of Federal Agencies (42 U.S.C. 5147)
Federal agencies may be reimbursed for expenditures under this Act from funds
appropriated for the purposes of this Act. Any funds received by Federal agencies as
reimbursement for services or supplies furnished under the authority of this Act shall be
deposited to the credit of the appropriation or appropriations currently available for such
services or supplies.

Sec. 305. Nonliability of Federal Government (42 U.S.C. 5148)
The Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or
performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the
part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the
provisions of this Act.

12

Sec. 306. Performance of Services (42 U.S.C. 5149)
(a) Utilization of services or facilities of State and local governments - In carrying out
the purposes of this Act, any Federal agency is authorized to accept and utilize the
services or facilities of any State or local government, or of any agency, office, or
employee thereof, with the consent of such government.
(b) Appointment of temporary personnel, experts, and consultants; acquisition, rental,
or hire of equipment, services, materials and supplies - In performing any services
under this Act, any Federal agency is authorized
(1) to appoint and fix the compensation of such temporary personnel as may be
necessary, without regard to the provisions of title 5, governing
appointments in competitive service;
(2) to employ experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of
section 3109 of such title, without regard to the provisions of chapter 51
and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and
General Schedule pay rates; and
(3) to incur obligations on behalf of the United States by contract or otherwise
for the acquisition, rental, or hire of equipment, services, materials, and
supplies for shipping, drayage, travel, and communications, and for the
supervision and administration of such activities. Such obligations,
including obligations arising out of the temporary employment of additional
personnel, may be incurred by an agency in such amount as may be made
available to it by the President.

Sec. 307. Use of Local Firms and Individuals (42 U.S.C. 5150)*
(a) Contracts or Agreements With Private Entities(1) In General - In the expenditure of Federal funds for debris clearance,
distribution of supplies, reconstruction, and other major disaster or
emergency assistance activities which may be carried out by contract or
agreement with private organizations, firms, or individuals, preference shall
be given, to the extent feasible and practicable, to those organizations,
firms, and individuals residing or doing business primarily in the area
affected by such major disaster or emergency.
(2) Construction - This section shall not be considered to restrict the use of
Department of Defense resources under this Act in the provision of
assistance in a major disaster.
(3) Specific Geographic Area - In carrying out this section, a contract or
agreement may be set aside for award based on a specific geographic area.

13

(b) Implementation(1) Contracts not to entities in area - Any expenditure of Federal funds for
debris clearance, distribution of supplies, reconstruction, and other major
disaster or emergency assistance activities which may be carried out by
contract or agreement with private organizations, firms, or individuals, not
awarded to an organization, firm, or individual residing or doing business
primarily in the area affected by such major disaster shall be justified in
writing in the contract file.
(2) Transition - Following the declaration of an emergency or major disaster,
an agency performing response, relief, and reconstruction activities shall
transition work performed under contracts in effect on the date on which the
President declares the emergency or major disaster to organizations, firms,
and individuals residing or doing business primarily in any area affected by
the major disaster or emergency, unless the head of such agency determines
that it is not feasible or practicable to do so.
(3) Formation of Requirements – The head of a Federal agency, as feasible and
practicable, shall formulate appropriate requirements to facilitate
compliance with this section.
(c) Prior Contracts - Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any Federal
agency to breach or renegotiate any contract in effect before the occurrence of a
major disaster or emergency.

Sec. 308. Nondiscrimination in Disaster Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5151)*
(a) Regulations for equitable and impartial relief operations - The President shall issue,
and may alter and amend, such regulations as may be necessary for the guidance of
personnel carrying out Federal assistance functions at the site of a major disaster or
emergency. Such regulations shall include provisions for insuring that the
distribution of supplies, the processing of applications, and other relief and
assistance activities shall be accomplished in an equitable and impartial manner,
without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age,
disability, English proficiency, or economic status.
(b) Compliance with regulations as prerequisite to participation by other bodies in
relief operations - As a condition of participation in the distribution of assistance or
supplies under this Act or of receiving assistance under this Act, governmental
bodies and other organizations shall be required to comply with regulations relating
to nondiscrimination promulgated by the President, and such other regulations
applicable to activities within an area affected by a major disaster or emergency as
he deems necessary for the effective coordination of relief efforts.

14

Sec. 309. Use and Coordination of Relief Organizations (42 U.S.C. 5152)
(a) In providing relief and assistance under this Act, the President may utilize, with
their consent, the personnel and facilities of the American National Red Cross, the
Salvation Army, the Mennonite Disaster Service, and other relief or disaster
assistance organizations, in the distribution of medicine, food, supplies, or other
items, and in the restoration, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of community
services housing and essential facilities, whenever the President finds that such
utilization is necessary.
(b) The President is authorized to enter into agreements with the American National
Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Mennonite Disaster Service, and other relief or
disaster assistance organizations under which the disaster relief activities of such
organizations may be coordinated by the Federal coordinating officer whenever
such organizations are engaged in providing relief during and after a major disaster
or emergency. Any such agreement shall include provisions assuring that use of
Federal facilities, supplies, and services will be in compliance with regulations
prohibiting duplication of benefits and guaranteeing nondiscrimination
promulgated by the President under this Act, and such other regulation as the
President may require.

Sec. 310. Priority to Certain Applications for Public Facility and Public
Housing Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5153)
(a) Priority - In the processing of applications for assistance, priority and immediate
consideration shall be given by the head of the appropriate Federal agency, during
such period as the President shall prescribe, to applications from public bodies
situated in areas affected by major disasters under the following Acts:
(1) The United States Housing Act of 1937 for the provision of low-income
housing.
(2) Section 702 of the Housing Act of 1954 for assistance in public works
planning.
(3) The Community Development Block Grant Program under title I of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
(4) Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
(5) The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.
(6) The Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.
(7) The Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

15

(b) Obligation of certain discretionary funds - In the obligation of discretionary funds
or funds which are not allocated among the States or political subdivisions of a
State, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of
Commerce shall give priority to applications for projects for major disaster areas.

Sec. 311. Insurance (42 U.S.C. 5154)
(a) Applicants for replacement of damaged facilities
(1) Compliance with certain regulations - An applicant for assistance under
section 5172 of this title (relating to repair, restoration, and replacement of
damaged facilities), section 5189 of this title (relating to simplified
procedure) or section 3149(c)(2) of this title) shall comply with regulations
prescribed by the President to assure that, with respect to any property to be
replaced, restored, repaired, or constructed with such assistance, such types
and extent of insurance will be obtained and maintained as may be
reasonably available, adequate, and necessary, to protect against future loss
to such property.
(2) Determination - In making a determination with respect to availability,
adequacy, and necessity under paragraph (1), the President shall not require
greater types and extent of insurance than are certified to him as reasonable
by the appropriate State insurance commissioner responsible for regulation
of such insurance.
(b) Maintenance of insurance - No applicant for assistance under section 5172 of this
title (relating to repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities), section
5189 of this title (relating to simplified procedure), or section 3149(c)(2) of this
title) may receive such assistance for any property or part thereof for which the
applicant has previously received assistance under this Act unless all insurance
required pursuant to this section has been obtained and maintained with respect to
such property. The requirements of this subsection may not be waived under
section 5141 of this title.
(c) State acting as self-insurer - A State may elect to act as a self-insurer with respect
to any or all of the facilities owned by the State. Such an election, if declared in
writing at the time of acceptance of assistance under section 5172 or 5189 of this
title or section 3149(c)(2) of this title) or subsequently and accompanied by a plan
for self-insurance which is satisfactory to the President, shall be deemed
compliance with subsection (a). No such self-insurer may receive assistance under
section 5172 or 5189 of this title for any property or part thereof for which it has
previously received assistance under this Act, to the extent that insurance for such
property or part thereof would have been reasonably available.

16

Prohibited Flood Disaster Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5154a)
(a) General prohibition - Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal
disaster relief assistance made available in a flood disaster area may be used to
make a payment (including any loan assistance payment) to a person for repair,
replacement, or restoration for damage to any personal, residential, or commercial
property if that person at any time has received flood disaster assistance that was
conditional on the person first having obtained flood insurance under applicable
Federal law and subsequently having failed to obtain and maintain flood insurance
as required under applicable Federal law on such property.
(b) Transfer of property (1) Duty to notify -In the event of the transfer of any property described in
paragraph (3), the transferor shall, not later than the date on which such
transfer occurs, notify the transferee in writing of the requirements to (A) obtain flood insurance in accordance with applicable Federal law
with respect to such property, if the property is not so insured as of
the date on which the property is transferred; and
(B) maintain flood insurance in accordance with applicable Federal law
with respect to such property. Such written notification shall be
contained in documents evidencing the transfer of ownership of the
property.
(2) Failure to notify - If a transferor described in paragraph (1) fails to make a
notification in accordance with such paragraph and, subsequent to the
transfer of the property (A) the transferee fails to obtain or maintain flood insurance in
accordance with applicable Federal law with respect to the property,
(B) the property is damaged by a flood disaster, and
(C) Federal disaster relief assistance is provided for the repair,
replacement, or restoration of the property as a result of such
damage, the transferor shall be required to reimburse the Federal
Government in an amount equal to the amount of the Federal
disaster relief assistance provided with respect to the property.
(3) Property described - For purposes of paragraph (1), a property is described
in this paragraph if it is personal, commercial, or residential property for
which Federal disaster relief assistance made available in a flood disaster
area has been provided, prior to the date on which the property is
transferred, for repair, replacement, or restoration of the property, if such
assistance was conditioned upon obtaining flood insurance in accordance
with applicable Federal law with respect to such property.
(c) [Omitted]

17

(d) Definition - For purposes of this section, the term “flood disaster area” means an
area with respect to which (1) the Secretary of Agriculture finds, or has found, to have been substantially
affected by a natural disaster in the United States pursuant to section
1961(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1961(a)); or
(2) the President declares, or has declared, the existence of a major disaster or
emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), as a result of flood
conditions existing in or affecting that area.
(e) Effective date - This section and the amendments made by this section [adding this
section and amending 42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)] shall apply to disasters declared after
September 23, 1994.

Sec. 312. Duplication of Benefits (42 U.S.C. 5155)
(a) General prohibition - The President, in consultation with the head of each Federal
agency administering any program providing financial assistance to persons,
business concerns, or other entities suffering losses as a result of a major disaster or
emergency, shall assure that no such person, business concern, or other entity will
receive such assistance with respect to any part of such loss as to which he has
received financial assistance under any other program or from insurance or any
other source.
(b) Special rules (1) Limitation - This section shall not prohibit the provision of Federal
assistance to a person who is or may be entitled to receive benefits for the
same purposes from another source if such person has not received such
other benefits by the time of application for Federal assistance and if such
person agrees to repay all duplicative assistance to the agency providing the
Federal assistance.
(2) Procedures - The President shall establish such procedures as the President
considers necessary to ensure uniformity in preventing duplication of
benefits.
(3) Effect of partial benefits - Receipt of partial benefits for a major disaster or
emergency shall not preclude provision of additional Federal assistance for
any part of a loss or need for which benefits have not been provided.
(c) Recovery of duplicative benefits - A person receiving Federal assistance for a
major disaster or emergency shall be liable to the United States to the extent that
such assistance duplicates benefits available to the person for the same purpose

18

(d) Assistance not income - Federal major disaster and emergency assistance provided
to individuals and families under this Act, and comparable disaster assistance
provided by States, local governments, and disaster assistance organizations, shall
not be considered as income or a resource when determining eligibility for or
benefit levels under federally funded income assistance or resource-tested benefit
programs.

Sec. 313. Standard of Review (42 U.S.C. 5156)
The President shall establish comprehensive standards which shall be used to assess the
efficiency and effectiveness of Federal major disaster and emergency assistance programs
administered under this Act. The President shall conduct annual reviews of the activities of
Federal agencies and State and local governments in major disaster and emergency
preparedness and in providing major disaster and emergency assistance in order to assure
maximum coordination and effectiveness of such programs and consistency in policies for
reimbursement of States under this Act.

Sec. 314. Penalties (42 U.S.C. 5157)
(a) Misuse of funds - Any person who knowingly misapplies the proceeds of a loan or
other cash benefit obtained under this Act shall be fined an amount equal to one
and one-half times the misapplied amount of the proceeds or cash benefit.
(b) Civil enforcement - Whenever it appears that any person has violated or is about to
violate any provision of this Act, including any civil penalty imposed under this
Act, the Attorney General may bring a civil action for such relief as may be
appropriate. Such action may be brought in an appropriate United States district
court.
(c) Referral to Attorney General - The President shall expeditiously refer to the
Attorney General for appropriate action any evidence developed in the
performance of functions under this Act that may warrant consideration for
criminal prosecution.
(d) Civil penalty - Any individual who knowingly violates any order or regulation
issued under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for
each violation.

19

Sec. 315. Availability of Materials (42 U.S.C. 5158)
The President is authorized, at the request of the Governor of an affected State, to provide
for a survey of construction materials needed in the area affected by a major disaster on an
emergency basis for housing repairs, replacement housing, public facilities repairs and
replacement, farming operations, and business enterprises and to take appropriate action to
assure the availability and fair distribution of needed materials, including, where possible,
the allocation of such materials for a period of not more than one hundred and eighty days
after such major disaster. Any allocation program shall be implemented by the President to
the extent possible, by working with and through those companies which traditionally
supply construction materials in the affected area. For the purposes of this section
“construction materials” shall include building materials and materials required for
repairing housing, replacement housing, public facilities repairs and replacement, and for
normal farm and business operations.

Sec. 316. Protection of Environment (42 U.S.C. 5159)
An action which is taken or assistance which is provided pursuant to section 5170a , 5170b,
5172, 5173, or 5192 of this title, including such assistance provided pursuant to the
procedures provided for in section 5189 of this title , which has the effect of restoring a
facility substantially to its condition prior to the disaster or emergency, shall not be deemed
a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within
the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (83 Stat. 852) [42 U.S.C.
§4321 et seq.]. Nothing in this section shall alter or affect the applicability of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.] to other Federal actions taken
under this Act or under any other provisions of law.

Sec. 317. Recovery of Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5160)
(a) Party liable - Any person who intentionally causes a condition for which Federal
assistance is provided under this Act or under any other Federal law as a result of a
declaration of a major disaster or emergency under this Act shall be liable to the
United States for the reasonable costs incurred by the United States in responding
to such disaster or emergency to the extent that such costs are attributable to the
intentional act or omission of such person which caused such condition. Such
action for reasonable costs shall be brought in an appropriate United States district
court.
(b) Rendering of care - A person shall not be liable under this section for costs
incurred by the United States as a result of actions taken or omitted by such person
in the course of rendering care or assistance in response to a major disaster or
emergency.

20

Sec. 318. Audits and Investigations (42 U.S.C. 5161)
(a) In general - Subject to the provisions of chapter 75 of title 31, relating to
requirements for single audits, the President shall conduct audits and investigations
as necessary to assure compliance with this Act, and in connection therewith may
question such persons as may be necessary to carry out such audits and
investigations.
(b) Access to records - For purposes of audits and investigations under this section, the
President and Comptroller General may inspect any books, documents, papers, and
records of any person relating to any activity undertaken or funded under this Act.
(c) State and local audits - The President may require audits by State and local
governments in connection with assistance under this Act when necessary to assure
compliance with this Act or related regulations.

Sec. 319. Advance of Non-Federal Share (42 U.S.C. 5162)
(a) In general - The President may lend or advance to an eligible applicant or a State
the portion of assistance for which the State is responsible under the cost-sharing
provisions of this Act in any case in which-(1) the State is unable to assume its financial responsibility under such costsharing provisions—
(A) with respect to concurrent, multiple major disasters in a jurisdiction,
or
(B) after incurring extraordinary costs as a result of a particular disaster;
and
(2) the damages caused by such disasters or disaster are so overwhelming and
severe that it is not possible for the applicant or the State to assume
immediately their financial responsibility under this Act.
(b) Terms of loans and advances (1) In general - Any loan or advance under this section shall be repaid to the
United States.
(2) Interest - Loans and advances under this section shall bear interest at a rate
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the
current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United
States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the reimbursement
period of the loan or advance.

21

(c) Regulations - The President shall issue regulations describing the terms and
conditions under which any loan or advance authorized by this section may be
made.

Sec. 320. Limitation on Use of Sliding Scale (42 U.S.C. 5163)
No geographic area shall be precluded from receiving assistance under this Act solely by
virtue of an arithmetic formula or sliding scale based on income or population.

Sec. 321. Rules and Regulations (42 U.S.C. 5164)
The President may prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper to
carry out the provisions of this Act, and may exercise, either directly or through such
Federal agency as the President may designate, any power or authority conferred to the
President by this Act.

Sec. 322. Mitigation Planning (42 U.S.C. 5165)
(a) Requirement of Mitigation Plan - As a condition of receipt of an increased Federal
share for hazard mitigation measures under subsection (e), a State, local, or tribal
government shall develop and submit for approval to the President a mitigation
plan that outlines processes for identifying the natural hazards, risks, and
vulnerabilities of the area under the jurisdiction of the government.
(b) Local and Tribal Plans - Each mitigation plan developed by a local or tribal
government shall (1) describe actions to mitigate hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities identified
under the plan; and
(2) establish a strategy to implement those actions.
(c) State Plans - The State process of development of a mitigation plan under this
section shall (1) identify the natural hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities of areas in the State;
(2) support development of local mitigation plans;
(3) provide for technical assistance to local and tribal governments for
mitigation planning; and
(4) identify and prioritize mitigation actions that the State will support, as
resources become available.

22

(d) Funding (1) In general - Federal contributions under section 5170c of this title may be
used to fund the development and updating of mitigation plans under this
section.
(2) Maximum federal contribution - With respect to any mitigation plan, a
State, local, or tribal government may use an amount of Federal
contributions under section 5170c of this title not to exceed 7 percent of the
amount of such contributions available to the government as of a date
determined by the government.
(e) Increased Federal Share for Hazard Mitigation Measures (1) In general - If, at the time of the declaration of a major disaster, a State has
in effect an approved mitigation plan under this section, the President may
increase to 20 percent, with respect to the major disaster, the maximum
percentage specified in the last sentence of section 5170c(a) of this title.
(2) Factors for consideration -In determining whether to increase the maximum
percentage under paragraph (1), the President shall consider whether the
State has established (A) eligibility criteria for property acquisition and other types of
mitigation measures;
(B) requirements for cost effectiveness that are related to the eligibility
criteria;
(C) a system of priorities that is related to the eligibility criteria; and
(D) a process by which an assessment of the effectiveness of a
mitigation action may be carried out after the mitigation action is
complete.

Sec. 323. Standards for Public and Private Structures (42 U.S.C. 5165a)
(a) In General - As a condition of receipt of a disaster loan or grant under this Act (1) the recipient shall carry out any repair or construction to be financed with
the loan or grant in accordance with applicable standards of safety,
decency, and sanitation and in conformity with applicable codes,
specifications, and standards; and
(2) the President may require safe land use and construction practices, after
adequate consultation with appropriate State and local government officials.
(b) Evidence of Compliance - A recipient of a disaster loan or grant under this Act
shall provide such evidence of compliance with this section as the President may
require by regulation.

23

Note: Section 324 becomes effective when FEMA has promulgated a management cost
rate regulation. Until then subsection 406(f) of the Stafford Act is used to establish
management cost rates.

Sec. 324. Management Costs (42 U.S.C. 5165b)
(a) Definition of Management Cost - In this section, the term “management cost”
includes any indirect cost, any administrative expense, and any other expense not
directly chargeable to a specific project under a major disaster, emergency, or
disaster preparedness or mitigation activity or measure.
(b) Establishment of Management Cost Rates - Notwithstanding any other provision of
law (including any administrative rule or guidance), the President shall by
regulation establish management cost rates, for grantees and subgrantees, that shall
be used to determine contributions under this Act for management costs.
(c) Review - The President shall review the management cost rates established under
subsection (b) not later than 3 years after the date of establishment of the rates and
periodically thereafter.

Sec. 325. Public Notice, Comment, and Consultation Requirements (42
U.S.C. 5165c)
(a) Public Notice and Comment Concerning New or Modified Policies (1) In general - The President shall provide for public notice and opportunity
for comment before adopting any new or modified policy that (A) governs implementation of the public assistance program
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under
this Act; and
(B) could result in a significant reduction of assistance under the
program.
(2) Application - Any policy adopted under paragraph (1) shall apply only to a
major disaster or emergency declared on or after the date on which the
policy is adopted.
(b) Consultation Concerning Interim Policies (1) In general - Before adopting any interim policy under the public assistance
program to address specific conditions that relate to a major disaster or
emergency that has been declared under this Act, the President, to the
maximum extent practicable, shall solicit the views and recommendations
of grantees and subgrantees with respect to the major disaster or emergency
concerning the potential interim policy, if the interim policy is likely -

24

(A) to result in a significant reduction of assistance to applicants for the
assistance with respect to the major disaster or emergency; or
(B) to change the terms of a written agreement to which the Federal
Government is a party concerning the declaration of the major
disaster or emergency.
(2) No legal right of action - Nothing in this subsection confers a legal right of
action on any party.
(c) Public Access - The President shall promote public access to policies governing the
implementation of the public assistance program.

Sec. 326. Designation of Small State and Rural Advocate (42 U.S.C.
5165d)*
(a) In General - The President shall designate in the Federal Emergency Management
Agency a Small State and Rural Advocate.
(b) Responsibilities - The Small State and Rural Advocate shall be an advocate for the
fair treatment of small States and rural communities in the provision of assistance
under this Act.
(c) Duties - The Small State and Rural Advocate shall
(1) participate in the disaster declaration process under section 401 and the
emergency declaration process under section 501, to ensure that the needs
of rural communities are being addressed;
(2) assist small population States in the preparation of requests for major
disasters or emergency declarations; and
(3) conduct such other activities as the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency considers appropriate.

25

Title IV -- Major Disaster Assistance Programs
Sec. 401. Procedure for Declaration (42 U.S.C. 5170)
All requests for a declaration by the President that a major disaster exists shall be made by
the Governor of the affected State. Such a request shall be based on a finding that the
disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities
of the State and the affected local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. As
part of such request, and as a prerequisite to major disaster assistance under this Act, the
Governor shall take appropriate response action under State law and direct execution of the
State's emergency plan. The Governor shall furnish information on the nature and amount
of State and local resources which have been or will be committed to alleviating the results
of the disaster, and shall certify that, for the current disaster, State and local government
obligations and expenditures (of which State commitments must be a significant
proportion) will comply with all applicable cost-sharing requirements of this Act. Based on
the request of a Governor under this section, the President may declare under this Act that a
major disaster or emergency exists.

Sec. 402. General Federal Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5170a)*
In any major disaster, the President may (1) direct any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to utilize its authorities
and the resources granted to it under Federal law (including personnel, equipment,
supplies, facilities, and managerial, technical, and advisory services) in support of
State and local assistance response and recovery efforts, including precautionary
evacuations;
(2) coordinate all disaster relief assistance (including voluntary assistance) provided by
Federal agencies, private organizations, and State and local governments, including
precautionary evacuations and recovery;
(3) provide technical and advisory assistance to affected State and local governments
for (A) the performance of essential community services;
(B) issuance of warnings of risks and hazards;
(C) public health and safety information, including dissemination of such
information;
(D) provision of health and safety measures;
(E) management, control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health
and safety; and
(F) recovery activities, including disaster impact assessments and planning;

26

(4) assist State and local governments in the distribution of medicine, food, and other
consumable supplies, and emergency assistance; and
(5) provide accelerated Federal assistance and Federal support where necessary to save
lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate severe damage, which may be provided
in the absence of a specific request and in which case the President
(A) shall, to the fullest extent practicable, promptly notify and coordinate with
officials in a State in which such assistance or support is provided; and
(B) shall not, in notifying and coordinating with a State under subparagraph (A),
delay or impede the rapid deployment, use, and distribution of critical
resources to victims of a major disaster.

Sec. 403. Essential Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5170b)*
(a) In general - Federal agencies may on the direction of the President, provide
assistance essential to meeting immediate threats to life and property resulting from
a major disaster, as follows:
(1) Federal resources, generally - Utilizing, lending, or donating to State and
local governments Federal equipment, supplies, facilities, personnel, and
other resources, other than the extension of credit, for use or distribution by
such governments in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
(2) Medicine, durable medical equipment, food, and other consumables
- Distributing or rendering through State and local governments, the
American National Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Mennonite Disaster
Service, and other relief and disaster assistance organizations medicine,
durable medical equipment, food, and other consumable supplies, and other
services and assistance to disaster victims.
(3) Work and services to save lives and protect property - Performing on public
or private lands or waters any work or services essential to saving lives and
protecting and preserving property or public health and safety, including (A) debris removal;
(B) search and rescue, emergency medical care, emergency mass care,
emergency shelter, and provision of food, water, medicine, durable
medical equipment, and other essential needs, including movement
of supplies or persons;
(C) clearance of roads and construction of temporary bridges necessary
to the performance of emergency tasks and essential community
services;
(D) provision of temporary facilities for schools and other essential
community services;
(E) demolition of unsafe structures which endanger the public;
(F) warning of further risks and hazards;
27

(G) dissemination of public information and assistance regarding health
and safety measures;
(H) provision of technical advice to State and local governments on
disaster management and control;
(I) reduction of immediate threats to life, property, and public health
and safety; and
(J) provision of rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs (i) to individuals with household pets and service animals; and
(ii) to such pets and animals.
(4) Contributions - Making contributions to State or local governments or
owners or operators of private nonprofit facilities for the purpose of
carrying out the provisions of this subsection.
(b) Federal share - The Federal share of assistance under this section shall be not less
than 75 percent of the eligible cost of such assistance.
(c) Utilization of DOD resources (1) General rule - During the immediate aftermath of an incident which may
ultimately qualify for assistance under this title or title V of this Act, the
Governor of the State in which such incident occurred may request the
President to direct the Secretary of Defense to utilize the resources of the
Department of Defense for the purpose of performing on public and private
lands any emergency work which is made necessary by such incident and
which is essential for the preservation of life and property. If the President
determines that such work is essential for the preservation of life and
property, the President shall grant such request to the extent the President
determines practicable. Such emergency work may only be carried out for a
period not to exceed 10 days.
(2) Rules applicable to debris removal - Any removal of debris and wreckage
carried out under this subsection shall be subject to section 5173(b) of this
title, relating to unconditional authorization and indemnification for debris
removal.
(3) Expenditures out of disaster relief funds - The cost of any assistance
provided pursuant to this subsection shall be reimbursed out of funds made
available to carry out this Act.
(4) Federal share - The Federal share of assistance under this subsection shall
be not less than 75 percent.
(5) Guidelines - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988 [enacted
Nov. 23, 1988], the President shall issue guidelines for carrying out this
subsection. Such guidelines shall consider any likely effect assistance under

28

this subsection will have on the availability of other forms of assistance
under this Act.
(6) Definitions - For purposes of this section
(A) Department of Defense - The term “Department of Defense” has the
meaning the term “department” has under section 101 of title 10.
(B) Emergency work - The term “emergency work” includes clearance
and removal of debris and wreckage and temporary restoration of
essential public facilities and services.

Sec. 404. Hazard Mitigation (42 U.S.C. 5170c)*
(a) In General - The President may contribute up to 75 percent of the cost of hazard
mitigation measures which the President has determined are cost-effective and
which substantially reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in
any area affected by a major disaster. Such measures shall be identified following
the evaluation of natural hazards under section 5165 of this title and shall be
subject to approval by the President. Subject to section 5165 of this title , the total
of contributions under this section for a major disaster shall not exceed 15 percent
for amounts not more than $2,000,000,000, 10 percent for amounts of more than
$2,000,000,000 and not more than $10,000,000,000, and 7.5 percent on amounts of
more than $10,000,000,000 and not more than $35,333,000,000 of the estimated
aggregate amount of grants to be made (less any associated administrative costs)
under this Act with respect to the major disaster.
(b) Property acquisition and relocation assistance (1) General authority - In providing hazard mitigation assistance under this
section in connection with flooding, the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency may provide property acquisition and relocation
assistance for projects that meet the requirements of paragraph (2).
(2) Terms and conditions - An acquisition or relocation project shall be eligible
to receive assistance pursuant to paragraph (1) only if (A) the applicant for the assistance is otherwise eligible to receive
assistance under the hazard mitigation grant program established
under subsection (a); and
(B) on or after December 3, 1993, the applicant for the assistance enters
into an agreement with the Director that provides assurances that (i) any property acquired, accepted, or from which a structure
will be removed pursuant to the project will be dedicated and
maintained in perpetuity for a use that is compatible with
open space, recreational, or wetlands management practices;

29

(ii) no new structure will be erected on property acquired,
accepted or from which a structure was removed under the
acquisition or relocation program other than-(I) a public facility that is open on all sides and
functionally related to a designated open space;
(II) a rest room; or
(III) a structure that the Director approves in writing
before the commencement of the construction of the
structure; and
(iii)after receipt of the assistance, with respect to any property
acquired, accepted or from which a structure was removed
under the acquisition or relocation program-(I) no subsequent application for additional disaster
assistance for any purpose will be made by the
recipient to any Federal entity; and
(II) no assistance referred to in subclause (I) will be
provided to the applicant by any Federal source.
(3) Statutory construction - Nothing in this subsection is intended to alter or
otherwise affect an agreement for an acquisition or relocation project
carried out pursuant to this section that was in effect on the day before
December 3, 1993.
(c) Program Administration by States (1) In general - A State desiring to administer the hazard mitigation grant
program established by this section with respect to hazard mitigation
assistance in the State may submit to the President an application for the
delegation of the authority to administer the program.
(2) Criteria - The President, in consultation and coordination with States and
local governments, shall establish criteria for the approval of applications
submitted under paragraph (1). The criteria shall include, at a minimum (A) the demonstrated ability of the State to manage the grant program
under this section;
(B) there being in effect an approved mitigation plan under section 5165
of this title; and
(C) a demonstrated commitment to mitigation activities.
(3) Approval - The President shall approve an application submitted under
paragraph (1) that meets the criteria established under paragraph (2).
(4) Withdrawal of approval - If, after approving an application of a State
submitted under paragraph (1), the President determines that the State is not
administering the hazard mitigation grant program established by this

30

section in a manner satisfactory to the President, the President shall
withdraw the approval.
(5) Audits - The President shall provide for periodic audits of the hazard
mitigation grant programs administered by States under this subsection.

Sec. 405. Federal Facilities (42 U.S.C. 5171)
(a) Repair, reconstruction, restoration or replacement of United States facilities - The
President may authorize any Federal agency to repair, reconstruct, restore, or
replace any facility owned by the United States and under the jurisdiction of such
agency which is damaged or destroyed by any major disaster if he determines that
such repair, reconstruction, restoration, or replacement is of such importance and
urgency that it cannot reasonably be deferred pending the enactment of specific
authorizing legislation or the making of an appropriation for such purposes, or the
obtaining of congressional committee approval.
(b) Availability of funds appropriated to agency for repair, reconstruction, restoration,
or replacement of agency facilities - In order to carry out the provisions of this
section, such repair, reconstruction, restoration, or replacement may be begun
notwithstanding a lack or an insufficiency of funds appropriated for such purpose,
where such lack or insufficiency can be remedied by the transfer, in accordance
with law, of funds appropriated to that agency for another purpose.
(c) Steps for mitigation of hazards - In implementing this section, Federal agencies
shall evaluate the natural hazards to which these facilities are exposed and shall
take appropriate action to mitigate such hazards, including safe land-use and
construction practices, in accordance with standards prescribed by the President.

Sec. 406. Repair, Restoration, and Replacement of Damaged Facilities (42
U.S.C. 5172)*
(a) Contributions (1) In general -The President may make contributions (A) to a State or local government for the repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility damaged or
destroyed by a major disaster and for associated expenses incurred
by the government; and
(B) subject to paragraph (3), to a person that owns or operates a private
nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster for the
repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the facility and
for associated expenses incurred by the person.

31

(2) Associated expenses - For the purposes of this section, associated expenses
shall include (A) the costs of mobilizing and employing the National Guard for
performance of eligible work;
(B) the costs of using prison labor to perform eligible work, including
wages actually paid, transportation to a worksite, and extraordinary
costs of guards, food, and lodging; and
(C) base and overtime wages for the employees and extra hires of a
State, local government, or person described in paragraph (1) that
perform eligible work, plus fringe benefits on such wages to the
extent that such benefits were being paid before the major disaster.
(3) Conditions for assistance to private nonprofit facilities (A) In general - The President may make contributions to a private
nonprofit facility under paragraph (1)(B) only if (i) the facility provides critical services (as defined by the
President) in the event of a major disaster; or
(ii) the owner or operator of the facility (I) has applied for a disaster loan under section 7(b) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)); and
(II) (aa) has been determined to be ineligible for such a
loan; or
(bb) has obtained such a loan in the maximum
amount for which the Small Business Administration
determines the facility is eligible.
(B) Definition of critical services - In this paragraph, the term “critical
services” includes power, water (including water provided by an
irrigation organization or facility), sewer, wastewater treatment,
communications, education, and emergency medical care.
(4) Notification to Congress - Before making any contribution under this
section in an amount greater than $20,000,000, the President shall notify
(A) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives;
(C) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(b) Federal Share (1) Minimum federal share - Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal
share of assistance under this section shall be not less than 75 percent of the
eligible cost of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement carried
out under this section.

32

Note: Paragraph (2) takes effect after FEMA has promulgated an
implementing regulation.
(2) Reduced federal share - The President shall promulgate regulations to
reduce the Federal share of assistance under this section to not less than 25
percent in the case of the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement
of any eligible public facility or private nonprofit facility following an
event associated with a major disaster (A) that has been damaged, on more than one occasion within the
preceding 10-year period, by the same type of event; and
(B) the owner of which has failed to implement appropriate mitigation
measures to address the hazard that caused the damage to the
facility.
(c) Large In-Lieu Contributions (1) For public facilities (A) In general - In any case in which a State or local government
determines that the public welfare would not best be served by
repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing any public facility
owned or controlled by the State or local government, the State or
local government may elect to receive, in lieu of a contribution under
subsection (a)(1)(A), a contribution in an amount equal to 90 percent
of the Federal share of the Federal estimate of the cost of repairing,
restoring, reconstructing, or replacing the facility and of
management expenses.
(B) Use of funds - Funds contributed to a State or local government
under this paragraph may be used (i) to repair, restore, or expand other selected public facilities;
(ii) to construct new facilities; or
(iii)to fund hazard mitigation measures that the State or local
government determines to be necessary to meet a need for
governmental services and functions in the area affected by
the major disaster.
(C) Limitations - Funds made available to a State or local government
under this paragraph may not be used for (i) any public facility located in a regulatory floodway (as
defined in section 59.1 of title 44, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor regulation)); or
(ii) any uninsured public facility located in a special flood
hazard area identified by the Director of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).

33

(2) For private nonprofit facilities (A) In general - In any case in which a person that owns or operates a
private nonprofit facility determines that the public welfare would
not best be served by repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or
replacing the facility, the person may elect to receive, in lieu of a
contribution under subsection (a)(1)(B), a contribution in an amount
equal to 75 percent of the Federal share of the Federal estimate of the
cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing the facility
and of management expenses.
(B) Use of funds - Funds contributed to a person under this paragraph
may be used (i) to repair, restore, or expand other selected private nonprofit
facilities owned or operated by the person;
(ii) to construct new private nonprofit facilities to be owned or
operated by the person; or
(iii)to fund hazard mitigation measures that the person
determines to be necessary to meet a need for the person's
services and functions in the area affected by the major
disaster.
(C) Limitations - Funds made available to a person under this paragraph
may not be used for-(i) any private nonprofit facility located in a regulatory
floodway (as defined in section 59.1 of title 44, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)); or
(ii) any uninsured private nonprofit facility located in a special
flood hazard area identified by the Director of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).
(d) Flood insurance (1) Reduction of Federal assistance - If a public facility or private nonprofit
facility located in a special flood hazard area identified for more than 1 year
by the Director pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is damaged or destroyed, after the 180th day following
November 23, 1988, by flooding in a major disaster and such facility is not
covered on the date of such flooding by flood insurance, the Federal
assistance which would otherwise be available under this section with
respect to repair, restoration, reconstruction, and replacement of such
facility and associated expenses shall be reduced in accordance with
paragraph (2).

34

(2) Amount of reduction - The amount of a reduction in Federal assistance
under this section with respect to a facility shall be the lesser of (A) the value of such facility on the date of the flood damage or
destruction, or
(B) the maximum amount of insurance proceeds which would have been
payable with respect to such facility if such facility had been covered
by flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968
on such date.
(3) Exception - Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to a private nonprofit
facility which is not covered by flood insurance solely because of the local
government's failure to participate in the flood insurance program
established by the National Flood Insurance Act.
(4) Dissemination of information - The President shall disseminate information
regarding the reduction in Federal assistance provided for by this subsection
to State and local governments and the owners and operators of private
nonprofit facilities who may be affected by such a reduction.
Note: The following version of subsection (e) remains in effect until the cost estimation
procedures established under paragraph (3) of the revised version of subsection 406(e) –
see next subsection – take effect.
(e) Net Eligible Cost –
(1) General Rule – For purposes of this section, the cost of repairing, restoring,
reconstructing, or replacing a public facility or private nonprofit facility on
the basis of the design of such facility as it existed immediately prior to the
major disaster and in conformity with current applicable codes,
specifications, and standards (including floodplain management and hazard
mitigation criteria required by the President or by the Coastal Barrier
Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)) shall, at a minimum, be treated as
the net eligible cost of such repair, restoration, reconstruction, or
replacement.
(2) Special Rule – In any case in which the facility being repaired, restored,
reconstructed, or replaced, under this section was under construction on the
dated of the major disaster, the cost of repairing, restoring, reconstruction,
or replacing such facility shall include, for purposes of this section, only
those costs which, under the contract for such construction, are the owner’s
responsibility and not the contractor’s responsibility.

35

Note: The following version of subsection 406(e)(1) and (2) becomes effective when the
procedures established by paragraph (3) of this subsection take effect. Subsection
406(e)(4) is currently in effect.
( e ) Eligible Cost (1) Determination (A) In general - For the purposes of this section, the President shall
estimate the eligible cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or
replacing a public facility or private nonprofit facility-(i) on the basis of the design of the facility as the facility existed
immediately before the major disaster; and
(ii) in conformity with codes, specifications, and standards
(including floodplain management and hazard mitigation
criteria required by the President or under the Coastal
Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)) applicable at
the time at which the disaster occurred.
(B) Cost estimation procedures (i) In general - Subject to paragraph (2), the President shall use
the cost estimation procedures established under paragraph
(3) to determine the eligible cost under this subsection.
(ii) Applicability - The procedures specified in this paragraph
and paragraph (2) shall apply only to projects the eligible
cost of which is equal to or greater than the amount specified
in section 5189 of this title.
(2) Modification of eligible cost (A) Actual cost greater than ceiling percentage of estimated cost - In any
case in which the actual cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing,
or replacing a facility under this section is greater than the ceiling
percentage established under paragraph (3) of the cost estimated
under paragraph (1), the President may determine that the eligible
cost includes a portion of the actual cost of the repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement that exceeds the cost estimated under
paragraph (1).
(B) Actual cost less than estimated cost (i) Greater than or equal to floor percentage of estimated cost In any case in which the actual cost of repairing, restoring,
reconstructing, or replacing a facility under this section is
less than 100 percent of the cost estimated under paragraph
(1), but is greater than or equal to the floor percentage
established under paragraph (3) of the cost estimated under
paragraph (1), the State or local government or person
receiving funds under this section shall use the excess funds

36

to carry out cost-effective activities that reduce the risk of
future damage, hardship, or suffering from a major disaster.
(ii) Less than floor percentage of estimated cost - In any case in
which the actual cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing,
or replacing a facility under this section is less than the floor
percentage established under paragraph (3) of the cost
estimated under paragraph (1), the State or local government
or person receiving assistance under this section shall
reimburse the President in the amount of the difference.
(C) No effect on appeals process - Nothing in this paragraph affects any
right of appeal under section 5189a of this title.
(3) Expert panel (A) Establishment - Not later than 18 months after October 30, 2000, the
President, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, shall establish an expert panel, which shall
include representatives from the construction industry and State and
local government.
(B) Duties - The expert panel shall develop recommendations
concerning
(i) procedures for estimating the cost of repairing, restoring,
reconstructing, or replacing a facility consistent with
industry practices; and
(ii) the ceiling and floor percentages referred to in paragraph (2).
(C) Regulations - Taking into account the recommendations of the expert
panel under subparagraph (B), the President shall promulgate
regulations that establish
(i) cost estimation procedures described in subparagraph (B)(i);
and
(ii) the ceiling and floor percentages referred to in paragraph (2).
(D) Review by President - Not later than 2 years after the date of
promulgation of regulations under subparagraph (C) and periodically
thereafter, the President shall review the cost estimation procedures
and the ceiling and floor percentages established under this
paragraph.
(E) Report to Congress - Not later than 1 year after the date of
promulgation of regulations under subparagraph (C), 3 years after
that date, and at the end of each 2-year period thereafter, the expert
panel shall submit to Congress a report on the appropriateness of the
cost estimation procedures.
(4) Special rule - In any case in which the facility being repaired, restored,
reconstructed, or replaced under this section was under construction on the
date of the major disaster, the cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or
replacing the facility shall include, for the purposes of this section, only

37

Note: The following Subsection 406(f) will be repealed when the regulation to implement
section 324 has been promulgated.
(f) Associated Expenses – For purposes of this section, associated expenses include
the following –
(1) Necessary costs – Necessary costs of requesting, obtaining, and
administering Federal assistance based on a percentage of assistance
provided as follows:
(A) For an applicant whose net eligible costs equal $100,000, 3 percent
of such net eligible costs.
(B) For an applicant whose net eligible cost equal $100,000 or more but
less than $1,000,000, $3,000 plus 2 percent of such net eligible costs
in excess of $100,000.
(C) For an applicant whose net eligible costs equal $1,000,000 or more
but less than $5,000,000, $21,000 plus 1 percent of such net eligible
costs in excess or $1,000,000.
(D) For an applicant whose net eligible costs equal $5,000,000 or more,
$61,000 plus 1/2 percent of such eligible costs in excess of
$5,000,000.
(2) Extraordinary Costs – Extraordinary costs incurred by a State for
preparation of damage survey reports, final inspection reports, project
applications, final audits, and related field inspections by State employees,
including overtime pay and per diem and travel expense of such employees,
but not including pay for regular time of such employees, based on the total
amount of assistance provided under section 403, 404, 406, 407, 502, and
503 in such State in connection with the major disaster as follows.
(A) If such total amount is less than $100,000, 3 percent of such total
amount.
(B) If such total amount is $100,000 or more but less than $1,000,000,
$3,000 plus 2 percent of such total amount in excess of $100,000.
(C) If such total amount is $1,000,000 or more but less than $5,000,000,
$21,000 plus 1 percent of such total amount in excess of $1,000,000.
(D) If such total amount is $5,000,000 or more, $61,000 plus 1/2 per cent
of such total amount in excess of $5,000,000.
(3) Costs of National Guard – The costs of mobilizing and employing the
National Guard for performance of eligible work.

38

(4) Costs of Prison Labor – The costs of using prison labor to perform eligible
work, including wages actually paid, transportation to a worksite, and
extraordinary costs of guards, food, and lodging.
(5) Other Labor Costs – Base and overtime wages for an applicant’s employees
and extra hires performing eligible work plus fringe benefits on such wages
to the extent that such benefits were being paid before the disaster.

Sec. 407. Debris Removal (42 U.S.C. 5173)*
(a) Presidential Authority - The President, whenever he determines it to be in the
public interest, is authorized (1) through the use of Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, to
clear debris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster from publicly and
privately owned lands and waters; and
(2) to make grants to any State or local government or owner or operator of a
private non-profit facility for the purpose of removing debris or wreckage
resulting from a major disaster from publicly or privately owned lands and
waters.
(b) Authorization by State or local government; indemnification agreement - No
authority under this section shall be exercised unless the affected State or local
government shall first arrange an unconditional authorization for removal of such
debris or wreckage from public and private property, and, in the case of removal of
debris or wreckage from private property, shall first agree to indemnify the Federal
Government against any claim arising from such removal.
(c) Rules relating to large lots - The President shall issue rules which provide for
recognition of differences existing among urban, suburban, and rural lands in
implementation of this section so as to facilitate adequate removal of debris and
wreckage from large lots.
(d) Federal share - The Federal share of assistance under this section shall be not less
than 75 percent of the eligible cost of debris and wreckage removal carried out
under this section.
(e) Expedited Payments (1) Grant Assistance – In making a grant under subsection (a)(2), the President
shall provide not less than 50 percent of the President’s initial estimate of
the Federal share of assistance as an initial payment in accordance with
paragraph (2).
(2) Date of Payment – Not later than 60 days after the date of the estimate
described in paragraph (1) and not later than 90 days after the date on which

39

the State or local government or owner or operator of a private nonprofit
facility applies for assistance under this section, an initial payment
described in paragraph (1) shall be paid.

Sec. 408. Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households (42 U.S.C.
5174)*
(a) In General (1) Provision of assistance - In accordance with this section, the President, in
consultation with the Governor of a State, may provide financial assistance,
and, if necessary, direct services, to individuals and households in the State
who, as a direct result of a major disaster, have necessary expenses and
serious needs in cases in which the individuals and households are unable to
meet such expenses or needs through other means.
(2) Relationship to other assistance - Under paragraph (1), an individual or
household shall not be denied assistance under paragraph (1), (3), or (4) of
subsection (c) solely on the basis that the individual or household has not
applied for or received any loan or other financial assistance from the Small
Business Administration or any other Federal agency.
(b) Housing Assistance (1) Eligibility - The President may provide financial or other assistance under
this section to individuals and households to respond to the disaster-related
housing needs of individuals and households who are displaced from their
predisaster primary residences or whose predisaster primary residences are
rendered uninhabitable, or with respect to individuals with disabilities,
rendered inaccessible or uninhabitable, as a result of damage caused by a
major disaster.
(2) Determination of appropriate types of assistance (A) In general - The President shall determine appropriate types of
housing assistance to be provided under this section to individuals
and households described in subsection (a)(1) based on
considerations of cost effectiveness, convenience to the individuals
and households, and such other factors as the President may
consider appropriate.
(B) Multiple types of assistance - One or more types of housing
assistance may be made available under this section, based on the
suitability and availability of the types of assistance, to meet the
needs of individuals and households in the particular disaster
situation.

40

(c) Types of Housing Assistance (1) Temporary housing (A) Financial assistance (i) In general - The President may provide financial assistance
to individuals or households to rent alternate housing
accommodations, existing rental units, manufactured
housing, recreational vehicles, or other readily fabricated
dwellings. Such assistance may include the payment of the
cost of utilities, excluding telephone service.
(ii) Amount - The amount of assistance under clause (i) shall be
based on the fair market rent for the accommodation
provided plus the cost of any transportation, utility hookups,
security deposits, or unit installation not provided directly by
the President.
(B) Direct assistance (i) In general - The President may provide temporary housing
units, acquired by purchase or lease, directly to individuals
or households who, because of a lack of available housing
resources, would be unable to make use of the assistance
provided under subparagraph (A).
(ii) Period of assistance - The President may not provide direct
assistance under clause (i) with respect to a major disaster
after the end of the 18-month period beginning on the date of
the declaration of the major disaster by the President, except
that the President may extend that period if the President
determines that due to extraordinary circumstances an
extension would be in the public interest.
(iii)Collection of rental charges - After the end of the 18-month
period referred to in clause (ii), the President may charge fair
market rent for each temporary housing unit provided.
(2) Repairs (A) In general - The President may provide financial assistance for (i) the repair of owner-occupied private residences, utilities, and
residential infrastructure (such as a private access route)
damaged by a major disaster to a safe and sanitary living or
functioning condition; and
(ii) eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the
likelihood of future damage to such residences, utilities, or
infrastructure.
(B) Relationship to other assistance - A recipient of assistance provided
under this paragraph shall not be required to show that the
assistance can be met through other means, except insurance
proceeds.

41

(3) Replacement (A) In general - The President may provide financial assistance for the
replacement of owner-occupied private residences damaged by a
major disaster.
(B) Applicability of flood insurance requirement - With respect to
assistance provided under this paragraph, the President may not
waive any provision of Federal law requiring the purchase of flood
insurance as a condition of the receipt of Federal disaster assistance.
(4) Permanent or semi-permanent housing construction - The President may
provide financial assistance or direct assistance to individuals or households
to construct permanent or semi-permanent housing in insular areas outside
the continental United States and in other locations in cases in which
(A) no alternative housing resources are available; and
(B) the types of temporary housing assistance described in paragraph (1)
are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective.
(d) Terms and Conditions Relating to Housing Assistance (1) Sites (A) In general -Any readily fabricated dwelling provided under this
section shall, whenever practicable, be located on a site that (i) is complete with utilities;
(ii) meets the physical accessibility requirements for individuals
with disabilities; and
(iii) is provided by the State or local government, by the owner
of the site, or by the occupant who was displaced by the
major disaster.
(B) Sites provided by the President - A readily fabricated dwelling may
be located on a site provided by the President if the President
determines that such a site would be more economical or accessible.
(2) Disposal of units (A) Sale to occupants (i) In general - Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
temporary housing unit purchased under this section by the
President for the purpose of housing disaster victims may be
sold directly to the individual or household who is
occupying the unit if the individual or household lacks
permanent housing.
(ii) Sale price - A sale of a temporary housing unit under clause
(i) shall be at a price that is fair and equitable.

42

(iii)Deposit of proceeds - Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, the proceeds of a sale under clause (i) shall be
deposited in the appropriate Disaster Relief Fund account.
(iv) Hazard and flood insurance - A sale of a temporary housing
unit under clause (i) shall be made on the condition that the
individual or household purchasing the housing unit agrees
to obtain and maintain hazard and flood insurance on the
housing unit.
(v) Use of GSA services - The President may use the services of
the General Services Administration to accomplish a sale
under clause (i).
(B) Other methods of disposal -If not disposed of under subparagraph
(A), a temporary housing unit purchased under this section by the
President for the purpose of housing disaster victims (i) may be sold to any person; or
(ii) may be sold, transferred, donated, or otherwise made
available directly to a State or other governmental entity or
to a voluntary organization for the sole purpose of providing
temporary housing to disaster victims in major disasters and
emergencies if, as a condition of the sale, transfer, or
donation, the State, other governmental agency, or voluntary
organization agrees (a) to comply with the nondiscrimination provisions
of section 5151 of this title; and
(b) to obtain and maintain hazard and flood insurance
on the housing unit.
(e) Financial Assistance To Address Other Needs (1) Medical, dental, and funeral expenses - The President, in consultation with
the Governor of a State, may provide financial assistance under this section
to an individual or household in the State who is adversely affected by a
major disaster to meet disaster-related medical, dental, and funeral
expenses.
(2) Personal property, transportation, and other expenses - The President, in
consultation with the Governor of a State, may provide financial assistance
under this section to an individual or household described in paragraph (1)
to address personal property, transportation, and other necessary expenses
or serious needs resulting from the major disaster.

43

(f) State Role (1) Financial assistance to address other needs (A) Grant to state - Subject to subsection (g), a Governor may request a
grant from the President to provide financial assistance to
individuals and households in the State under subsection (e).
(B) Administrative costs - A State that receives a grant under
subparagraph (A) may expend not more than 5 percent of the
amount of the grant for the administrative costs of providing
financial assistance to individuals and households in the State under
subsection (e).
(2) Access to records - In providing assistance to individuals and households
under this section, the President shall provide for the substantial and
ongoing involvement of the States in which the individuals and households
are located, including by providing to the States access to the electronic
records of individuals and households receiving assistance under this
section in order for the States to make available any additional State and
local assistance to the individuals and households.
(g) Cost Sharing (1) Federal share - Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of the
costs eligible to be paid using assistance provided under this section shall
be 100 percent.
(2) Financial assistance to address other needs - In the case of financial
assistance provided under subsection (e) (A) the Federal share shall be 75 percent; and
(B) the non-Federal share shall be paid from funds made available by
the State.
(h) Maximum Amount of Assistance (1) In general - No individual or household shall receive financial assistance
greater than $25,000 under this section with respect to a single major
disaster.
(2) Adjustment of limit - The limit established under paragraph (1) shall be
adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All
Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.
(i) Verification Measures - In carrying out this section, the President shall develop a
system, including an electronic database, that shall allow the President, or the
designee of the President, to

44

(1) verify the identity and address of recipients of assistance under this section
to provide reasonable assurance that payments are made only to an
individual or household that is eligible for such assistance;
(2) minimize the risk of making duplicative payments or payments for
fraudulent claims under this section;
(3) collect any duplicative payment on a claim under this section, or reduce the
amount of subsequent payments to offset the amount of any such duplicate
payment;
(4) provide instructions to recipients of assistance under this section regarding
the proper use of any such assistance, regardless of how such assistance is
distributed; and
(5) conduct an expedited and simplified review and appeal process for an
individual or household whose application for assistance under this section
is denied.
(j) Rules and Regulations - The President shall prescribe rules and regulations to carry
out this section, including criteria, standards, and procedures for determining
eligibility for assistance.

Sec. 410. Unemployment Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5177)
(a) Benefit assistance - The President is authorized to provide to any individual
unemployed as a result of a major disaster such benefit assistance as he deems
appropriate while such individual is unemployed for the weeks of such
unemployment with respect to which the individual is not entitled to any other
unemployment compensation (as that term is defined in section 85(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) or a waiting period credit. Such assistance as the
President shall provide shall be available to an individual as long as the individual's
unemployment caused by the major disaster continues or until the individual is
reemployed in a suitable position, but no longer than 26 weeks after the major
disaster is declared. Such assistance for a week of unemployment shall not exceed
the maximum weekly amount authorized under the unemployment compensation
law of the State in which the disaster occurred. The President is directed to provide
such assistance through agreements with States which, in his judgment, have an
adequate system for administering such assistance through existing State agencies.
(b) Reemployment assistance
(1) State assistance - A State shall provide, without reimbursement from any
funds provided under this Act, reemployment assistance services under any
other law administered by the State to individuals receiving benefits under
this section.

45

(2) Federal assistance - The President may provide reemployment assistance
services under other laws to individuals who are unemployed as a result of
a major disaster and who reside in a State which does not provide such
services.

Sec. 412. Food Coupons and Distribution (42 U.S.C. 5179)
(a) Persons eligible; terms and conditions - Whenever the President determines that, as
a result of a major disaster, low-income households are unable to purchase
adequate amounts of nutritious food, he is authorized, under such terms and
conditions as he may prescribe, to distribute through the Secretary of Agriculture
or other appropriate agencies coupon allotments to such households pursuant to the
provisions of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 (P.L. 91-671; 84 Stat. 2048), 7 U.S.C.
2011 et seq., and to make surplus commodities available pursuant to the provisions
of this Act.
(b) Duration of assistance; factors considered - The President, through the Secretary of
Agriculture or other appropriate agencies, is authorized to continue to make such
coupon allotments and surplus commodities available to such households for so
long as he determines necessary, taking into consideration such factors as he deems
appropriate, including the consequences of the major disaster on the earning power
of the households, to which assistance is made available under this section.
(c) Food Stamp Act provisions unaffected - Nothing in this section shall be construed
as amending or otherwise changing the provisions of the Food Stamp Act of 1964,
7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq., except as they relate to the availability of food stamps in an
area affected by a major disaster.

Sec. 413. Food Commodities (42 U.S.C. 5180)
(a) Emergency mass feeding - The President is authorized and directed to assure that
adequate stocks of food will be ready and conveniently available for emergency
mass feeding or distribution in any area of the United States which suffers a major
disaster or emergency.
(b) Funds for purchase of food commodities - The Secretary of Agriculture shall utilize
funds appropriated under section 612c of title 7, to purchase food commodities
necessary to provide adequate supplies for use in any area of the United States in
the event of a major disaster or emergency in such area.

Sec. 414. Relocation Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5181)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person otherwise eligible for any kind of
replacement housing payment under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, P.L. 91-646, 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq., shall be denied such

46

eligibility as a result of his being unable, because of a major disaster as determined by the
President, to meet the occupancy requirements set by such Act.

Sec. 415. Legal Services (42 U.S.C. 5182)
Whenever the President determines that low-income individuals are unable to secure legal
services adequate to meet their needs as a consequence of a major disaster, consistent with
the goals of the programs authorized by this Act, the President shall assure that such
programs are conducted with the advice and assistance of appropriate Federal agencies and
State and local bar associations.

Sec. 416. Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training (42 U.S.C. 5183)
The President is authorized to provide professional counseling services, including financial
assistance to State or local agencies or private mental health organizations to provide such
services or training of disaster workers, to victims of major disasters in order to relieve
mental health problems caused or aggravated by such major disaster or its aftermath.

Sec. 417. Community Disaster Loans (42 U.S.C. 5184)*
(a) In General - The President is authorized to make loans to any local government
which may suffer a substantial loss of tax and other revenues as a result of a major
disaster, and has demonstrated a need for financial assistance in order to perform
its governmental functions.
(b) Amount - The amount of any such loan shall be based on need, shall not exceed
(1) 25 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government for the
fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs, and shall not exceed
$5,000,000; or
(2) if the loss of tax and other revenues of the local government as a result of
the major disaster is at least 75 percent of the annual operating budget of
that local government for the fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs,
50 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government for the
fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs, and shall not exceed
$5,000,000.
(c) Repayment (1) Cancellation - Repayment of all or any part of such loan to the extent that
revenues of the local government during the three full fiscal year period
following the major disaster are insufficient to meet the operating budget of
the local government, including additional disaster-related expenses of a
municipal operation character shall be cancelled.

47

(2) Condition on continuing eligibility - A local government shall not be
eligible for further assistance under this section during any period in which
the local government is in arrears with respect to a required repayment of a
loan under this section.
(d) Effect on Other Assistance - Any loans made under this section shall not reduce or
otherwise affect any grants or other assistance under this Act.

Sec. 418. Emergency Communications (42 U.S.C. 5185)
The President is authorized during, or in anticipation of an emergency or major disaster to
establish temporary communications systems and to make such communications available
to State and local government officials and other persons as he deems appropriate.

Sec. 419. Emergency Public Transportation (42 U.S.C. 5186)
The President is authorized to provide temporary public transportation service in an area
affected by a major disaster to meet emergency needs and to provide transportation to
governmental offices, supply centers, stores, post offices, schools, major employment
centers, and such other places as may be necessary in order to enable the community to
resume its normal pattern of life as soon as possible.

Sec. 420. Fire Management Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5187)
(a) In General - The President is authorized to provide assistance, including grants,
equipment, supplies, and personnel, to any State or local government for the
mitigation, management, and control of any fire on public or private forest land or
grassland that threatens such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
(b) Coordination with State and Tribal Departments of Forestry - In providing
assistance under this section, the President shall coordinate with State and tribal
departments of forestry.
(c) Essential Assistance - In providing assistance under this section, the President may
use the authority provided under section 5170b of this title.
(d) Rules and Regulations - The President shall prescribe such rules and regulations as
are necessary to carry out this section.

Sec. 421. Timber Sale Contracts (42 U.S.C. 5188)
(a) Cost-sharing arrangement - Where an existing timber sale contract between the
Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and a timber purchaser
does not provide relief from major physical change not due to negligence of the
purchaser prior to approval of construction of any section of specified road or of
any other specified development facility and, as a result of a major disaster, a major

48

physical change results in additional construction work in connection with such
road or facility by such purchaser with an estimated cost, as determined by the
appropriate Secretary, (1) of more than $ 1,000 for sales under one million board
feet, (2) of more than $1 per thousand board feet for sales of one to three million
board feet, or (3) of more than $3,000 for sales over three million board feet, such
increased construction cost shall be borne by the United States.
(b) Cancellation of authority - If the appropriate Secretary determines that damages are
so great that restoration, reconstruction, or construction is not practical under the
cost-sharing arrangement authorized by subsection (a) of this section, he may allow
cancellation of a contract entered into by his Department notwithstanding contrary
provisions therein.
(c) Public notice of sale - The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to reduce to seven
days the minimum period of advance public notice required by section 476 of title
16, in connection with the sale of timber from national forests, whenever the
Secretary determines that (1) the sale of such timber will assist in the construction
of any area of a State damaged by a major disaster, (2) the sale of such timber will
assist in sustaining the economy of such area, or (3) the sale of such timber is
necessary to salvage the value of timber damaged in such major disaster or to
protect undamaged timber.
(d) State grants for removal of damaged timber; reimbursement of expenses limited to
salvage value of removed timber - The President, when he determines it to be in the
public interest, is authorized to make grants to any State or local government for
the purpose of removing from privately owned lands timber damaged as a result of
a major disaster, and such State or local government is authorized upon application,
to make payments out of such grants to any person for reimbursement of expenses
actually incurred by such person in the removal of damaged timber, not to exceed
the amount that such expenses exceed the salvage value of such timber.

Sec. 422. Simplified Procedures (42 U.S.C. 5189)
If the Federal estimate of the cost of (1) repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing under section 5172 of this title any
damaged or destroyed public facility or private nonprofit facility,
(2) emergency assistance under section 5170b or 5192 of this title, or
(3) debris removed under section 5173 of this title, is less than $35,000, the President
(on application of the State or local government or the owner or operator of the
private nonprofit facility) may make the contribution to such State or local
government or owner or operator under section 5170b, 5172, 5173, or 5192 of this
title, as the case may be, on the basis of such Federal estimate. Such $35,000
amount shall be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor.

49

Sec. 423. Appeals of Assistance Decisions (42 U.S.C. 5189a)
(a) Right of appeal - Any decision regarding eligibility for, from, or amount of
assistance under this title may be appealed within 60 days after the date on which
the applicant for such assistance is notified of the award or denial of award of such
assistance.
(b) Period for decision - A decision regarding an appeal under subsection (a) shall be
rendered within 90 days after the date on which the Federal official designated to
administer such appeals receives notice of such appeal.
(c) Rules - The President shall issue rules which provide for the fair and impartial
consideration of appeals under this section.

Sec. 424. Date of Eligibility; Expenses Incurred Before Date of Disaster (42
U.S.C. 5189b)
Eligibility for Federal assistance under this title shall begin on the date of the occurrence of
the event which results in a declaration by the President that a major disaster exists; except
that reasonable expenses which are incurred in anticipation of and immediately preceding
such event may be eligible for Federal assistance under this Act.

Sec. 425. Transportation Assistance to Individuals and Households (42
U.S.C. 5189c)*
The President may provide transportation assistance to relocate individuals displaced from
their predisaster primary residences as a result of an incident declared under this Act or
otherwise transported from their predisaster primary residences under section 403(a)(3) or
502, to and from alternative locations for short or long-term accommodation or to return an
individual or household to their predisaster primary residence or alternative location, as
determined necessary by the President.

Sec. 426. Case Management Services (42 U.S.C. 5189d)*
The President may provide case management services, including financial assistance, to
State or local government agencies or qualified private organizations to provide such
services, to victims of major disasters to identify and address unmet needs.

Sec. 427. Essential Service Providers (42 U.S.C. 5189e)*
(a) Definition - In this section, the term ‘essential service provider’ means an entity
that
(1) provides (A) telecommunications service;
50

(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

electrical power;
natural gas;
water and sewer services; or
any other essential service, as determined by the President;

(2) is (A) a municipal entity;
(B) a nonprofit entity; or
(C) a private, for profit entity; and
(3) is contributing to efforts to respond to an emergency or major disaster.
(b) Authorization for accessibility - Unless exceptional circumstances apply, in an
emergency or major disaster, the head of a Federal agency, to the greatest extent
practicable, shall not (1) deny or impede access to the disaster site to an essential service provider
whose access is necessary to restore and repair an essential service; or
(2) impede the restoration or repair of the services described in subsection
(a)(1).
(c) Implementation - In implementing this section, the head of a Federal agency
shall follow all applicable Federal laws, regulation, and policies.

Title V -- Emergency Assistance Programs
Sec. 501. Procedure for Declaration (42 U.S.C. 5191)
(a) Request and declaration - All requests for a declaration by the President that an
emergency exists shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Such a
request shall be based on a finding that the situation is of such severity and
magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the
affected local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary. As a part of
such request, and as a prerequisite to emergency assistance under this Act, the
Governor shall take appropriate action under State law and direct execution of the
State's emergency plan. The Governor shall furnish information describing the
State and local efforts and resources which have been or will be used to alleviate
the emergency, and will define the type and extent of Federal aid required. Based
upon such Governor's request, the President may declare that an emergency exists.
(b) Certain emergencies involving Federal primary responsibility - The President may
exercise any authority vested in him by section 502 or section 503 with respect to
an emergency when he determines that an emergency exists for which the primary
responsibility for response rests with the United States because the emergency

51

involves a subject area for which, under the Constitution or laws of the United
States, the United States exercises exclusive or preeminent responsibility and
authority. In determining whether or not such an emergency exists, the President
shall consult the Governor of any affected State, if practicable. The President's
determination may be made without regard to subsection (a).

Sec. 502. Federal emergency assistance (42 U.S.C. 5192)*
(a) Specified - In any emergency, the President may (1) direct any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to utilize its
authorities and the resources granted to it under Federal law (including
personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, and managerial, technical and
advisory services) in support of State and local emergency assistance efforts
to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, and lessen or
avert the threat of a catastrophe, including precautionary evacuations;
(2) coordinate all disaster relief assistance (including voluntary assistance)
provided by Federal agencies, private organizations, and State and local
governments;
(3) provide technical and advisory assistance to affected State and local
governments for (A) the performance of essential community services;
(B) issuance of warnings of risks or hazards;
(C) public health and safety information, including dissemination of
such information;
(D) provision of health and safety measures; and
(E) management, control, and reduction of immediate threats to public
health and safety;
(4) provide emergency assistance through Federal agencies;
(5) remove debris in accordance with the terms and conditions of section 407;
(6) provide assistance in accordance with section 408;
(7) assist State and local governments in the distribution of medicine, food, and
other consumable supplies, and emergency assistance; and
(8) provide accelerated Federal assistance and Federal support where necessary
to save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate severe damage, which
may be provided in the absence of a specific request and in which case the
President -

52

(A) shall, to the fullest extent practicable, promptly notify and
coordinate with a State in which such assistance or support is
provided; and
(B) shall not, in notifying and coordinating with a State under
subparagraph (A), delay or impede the rapid deployment, use, and
distribution of critical resources to victims of an emergency.
(b) General - Whenever the Federal assistance provided under subsection (a) with
respect to an emergency is inadequate, the President may also provide assistance
with respect to efforts to save lives, protect property and public health and safety,
and lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe, including precautionary evacuations.
(c) Guidelines - The President shall promulgate and maintain guidelines to assist
Governors in requesting the declaration of an emergency in advance of a natural or
man-made disaster (including for the purpose of seeking assistance with special
needs and other evacuation efforts) under this section by defining the types of
assistance available to affected States and the circumstances under which such
requests are likely to be approved.

Sec. 503. Amount of Assistance (42 U.S.C. 5193)
(a) Federal share - The Federal share for assistance provided under this title shall be
equal to not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs.
(b) Limit on amount of assistance–
(1) In general - Except as provided in paragraph (2), total assistance provided
under this title for a single emergency shall not exceed $5,000,000.
(2) Additional assistance - The limitation described in paragraph (1) may be
exceeded when the President determines that (A) continued emergency assistance is immediately required;
(B) there is a continuing and immediate risk to lives, property, public
health or safety; and
(C) necessary assistance will not otherwise be provided on a timely
basis.
(3) Report - Whenever the limitation described in paragraph (1) is exceeded,
the President shall report to the Congress on the nature and extent of
emergency assistance requirements and shall propose additional legislation
if necessary.

53

Title VI -- Emergency Preparedness
Sec. 601. Declaration of policy (42 U.S.C. 5195)
The purpose of this title is to provide a system of emergency preparedness for the
protection of life and property in the United States from hazards and to vest responsibility
for emergency preparedness jointly in the Federal Government and the States and their
political subdivisions. The Congress recognizes that the organizational structure established
jointly by the Federal Government and the States and their political subdivisions for
emergency preparedness purposes can be effectively utilized to provide relief and
assistance to people in areas of the United States struck by a hazard. The Federal
Government shall provide necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and shall
provide necessary assistance, as authorized in this title so that a comprehensive emergency
preparedness system exists for all hazards.

Sec. 602. Definitions (42 U.S.C. 5195a)
(a) Definitions - For purposes of this title only:
(1) Hazard - The term “hazard” means an emergency or disaster resulting
from–
(A) a natural disaster; or
(B) an accidental or man-caused event.
(2) Natural disaster - The term “natural disaster” means any hurricane, tornado,
storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami,
earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought,
fire, or other catastrophe in any part of the United States which causes, or
which may cause, substantial damage or injury to civilian property or
persons.
(3) Emergency preparedness - The term “emergency preparedness” means all
those activities and measures designed or undertaken to prepare for or
minimize the effects of a hazard upon the civilian population, to deal with
the immediate emergency conditions which would be created by the hazard,
and to effectuate emergency repairs to, or the emergency restoration of,
vital utilities and facilities destroyed or damaged by the hazard. Such term
includes the following:
(A) Measures to be undertaken in preparation for anticipated hazards
(including the establishment of appropriate organizations,
operational plans, and supporting agreements, the recruitment and
training of personnel, the conduct of research, the procurement and
stockpiling of necessary materials and supplies, the provision of
suitable warning systems, the construction or preparation of shelters,

54

shelter areas, and control centers, and, when appropriate, the nonmilitary evacuation of the civilian population).
(B) Measures to be undertaken during a hazard (including the
enforcement of passive defense regulations prescribed by duly
established military or civil authorities, the evacuation of personnel
to shelter areas, the control of traffic and panic, and the control and
use of lighting and civil communications).
(C) Measures to be undertaken following a hazard (including activities
for fire fighting, rescue, emergency medical, health and sanitation
services, monitoring for specific dangers of special weapons,
unexploded bomb reconnaissance, essential debris clearance,
emergency welfare measures, and immediately essential emergency
repair or restoration of damaged vital facilities).
(4) Organizational equipment - The term “organizational equipment” means
equipment determined by the Director to be necessary to an emergency
preparedness organization, as distinguished from personal equipment, and
of such a type or nature as to require it to be financed in whole or in part by
the Federal Government. Such term does not include those items which the
local community normally uses in combating local disasters, except when
required in unusual quantities dictated by the requirements of the
emergency preparedness plans.
(5) Materials - The term “materials” includes raw materials, supplies,
medicines, equipment, component parts and technical information and
processes necessary for emergency preparedness.
(6) Facilities - The term “facilities”, except as otherwise provided in this title,
includes buildings, shelters, utilities, and land.
(7) Director - The term “Director” means the Director of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
(8) Neighboring countries - The term “neighboring countries” includes Canada
and Mexico.
(9) United States and States - The terms “United States “ and “States” includes
the several States, the District of Columbia , and territories and possessions
of the United States .
(10) State - The term “State” includes interstate emergency preparedness
authorities established under section 5196(h) of this title.
(b) Cross Reference - The terms “national defense” and “defense,” as used in the
Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.), includes [include]
emergency preparedness activities conducted pursuant to this title.

55

Sec. 603. Administration of Title (42 U.S.C. 5195b)
This title shall be carried out by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
SUBTITLE A – POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 611. Detailed Functions or Administration (42 U.S.C. 5196)*
(a) In General - In order to carry out the policy described in section 5195 of this title,
the Director shall have the authorities provided in this section.
(b) Federal Emergency Response Plans and Programs - The Director may prepare
Federal response plans and programs for the emergency preparedness of the United
States and sponsor and direct such plans and programs. To prepare such plans and
programs and coordinate such plans and programs with State efforts, the Director
may request such reports on State plans and operations for emergency preparedness
as may be necessary to keep the President, Congress, and the States advised of the
status of emergency preparedness in the United States.
(c) Delegation of emergency preparedness responsibilities - With the approval of the
President, the Director may delegate to other departments and agencies of the
Federal Government appropriate emergency preparedness responsibilities and
review and coordinate the emergency preparedness activities of the departments
and agencies with each other and with the activities of the States and neighboring
countries.
(d) Communications and warnings - The Director may make appropriate provision for
necessary emergency preparedness communications and for dissemination of
warnings to the civilian population of a hazard.
(e) Emergency preparedness measures - The Director may study and develop
emergency preparedness measures designed to afford adequate protection of life
and property, including (1) research and studies as to the best methods of treating the effects of
hazards;
(2) developing shelter designs and materials for protective covering or
construction;
(3) developing equipment or facilities and effecting the standardization thereof
to meet emergency preparedness requirements; and
(4) plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service
animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.

56

(f) Training programs (1) The Director may (A) conduct or arrange, by contract or otherwise, for training programs
for the instruction of emergency preparedness officials and other
persons in the organization, operation, and techniques of emergency
preparedness;
(B) conduct or operate schools or including the payment of travel
expenses, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
and the Standardized Government Travel Regulations, and per diem
allowances, in lieu of subsistence for trainees in attendance or the
furnishing of subsistence and quarters for trainees and instructors on
terms prescribed by the Director; and
(C) provide instructors and training aids as necessary.
(2) The terms prescribed by the Director for the payment of travel expenses and
per diem allowances authorized by this subsection shall include a provision
that such payment shall not exceed one-half of the total cost of such
expenses.
(3) The Director may lease real property required for the purpose of carrying
out this subsection, but may not acquire fee title to property unless
specifically authorized by law.
(g) Public dissemination of emergency preparedness information - The Director may
publicly disseminate appropriate emergency preparedness information by all
appropriate means.
(h) Emergency preparedness compacts (1) The Director shall establish a program supporting the development of
emergency preparedness compacts for acts of terrorism, disasters, and
emergencies throughout the Nation, by (A) identifying and cataloging existing emergency preparedness
compacts for acts of terrorism, disasters, and emergencies at the
State and local levels of government;
(B) disseminating to State and local governments examples of best
practices in the development of emergency preparedness compacts
and models of existing emergency preparedness compacts, including
agreements involving interstate jurisdictions; and
(C) completing an inventory of Federal response capabilities for acts of
terrorism, disasters, and emergencies, making such inventory
available to appropriate Federal, State, and local government
officials, and ensuring that such inventory is as current and accurate
as practicable.

57

(2) The Director may (A) assist and encourage the States to negotiate and enter into interstate
emergency preparedness compacts;
(B) review the terms and conditions of such proposed compacts in order
to assist, to the extent feasible, in obtaining uniformity between such
compacts and consistency with Federal emergency response plans
and programs;
(C) assist and coordinate the activities under such compacts; and
(D) aid and assist in encouraging reciprocal emergency preparedness
legislation by the States which will permit the furnishing of mutual
aid for emergency preparedness purposes in the event of a hazard
which cannot be adequately met or controlled by a State or political
subdivision thereof threatened with or experiencing a hazard.
(3) A copy of each interstate emergency preparedness compact shall be
transmitted promptly to the Senate and the House of Representatives. The
consent of Congress is deemed to be granted to each such compact upon the
expiration of the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the compact
is transmitted to Congress.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing Congress from
disapproving, or withdrawing at any time its consent to, any interstate
emergency preparedness compact.
(i) Materials and facilities (1) The Director may procure by condemnation or otherwise, construct, lease,
transport, store, maintain, renovate or distribute materials and facilities for
emergency preparedness, with the right to take immediate possession
thereof.
(2) Facilities acquired by purchase, donation, or other means of transfer may be
occupied, used, and improved for the purposes of this title before the
approval of title by the Attorney General as required by section 255 of title
40 .
(3) The Director may lease real property required for the purpose of carrying
out the provisions of this subsection, but shall not acquire fee title to
property unless specifically authorized by law.
(4) The Director may procure and maintain under this subsection radiological,
chemical, bacteriological, and biological agent monitoring and
decontamination devices and distribute such devices by loan or grant to the
States for emergency preparedness purposes, under such terms and
conditions as the Director shall prescribe.

58

(j) Financial contributions (1) The Director may make financial contributions, on the basis of programs or
projects approved by the Director, to the States for emergency preparedness
purposes, including the procurement, construction, leasing, or renovating of
materials and facilities. Such contributions shall be made on such terms or
conditions as the Director shall prescribe, including the method of purchase,
the quantity, quality, or specifications of the materials or facilities, and such
other factors or care or treatment to assure the uniformity, availability, and
good condition of such materials or facilities.
(2) The Director may make financial contributions, on the basis of programs or
projects approved by the Director, to the States and local authorities for
animal emergency preparedness purposes, including the procurement,
construction, leasing, or renovating of emergency shelter facilities and
materials that will accommodate people with pets and service animals.
(3) No contribution may be made under this subsection for the procurement of
land or for the purchase of personal equipment for State or local emergency
preparedness workers.
(4) The amounts authorized to be contributed by the Director to each State for
organizational equipment shall be equally matched by such State from any
source it determines is consistent with its laws.
(5) Financial contributions to the States for shelters and other protective
facilities shall be determined by taking the amount of funds appropriated or
available to the Director for such facilities in each fiscal year and
apportioning such funds among the States in the ratio which the urban
population of the critical target areas (as determined by the Director) in
each State, at the time of the determination, bears to the total urban
population of the critical target areas of all of the States.
(6) The amounts authorized to be contributed by the Director to each State for
such shelters and protective facilities shall be equally matched by such
State from any source it determines is consistent with its laws and, if not
matched within a reasonable time, the Director may reallocate such
amounts to other States under the formula described in paragraph (4). The
value of any land contributed by any State or political subdivision thereof
shall be excluded from the computation of the State share under this
subsection.
(7) The amounts paid to any State under this subsection shall be expended
solely in carrying out the purposes set forth herein and in accordance with
State emergency preparedness programs or projects approved by the
Director. The Director shall make no contribution toward the cost of any
program or project for the procurement, construction, or leasing of any

59

facility which (A) is intended for use, in whole or in part, for any purpose
other than emergency preparedness, and (B) is of such kind that upon
completion it will, in the judgment of the Director, be capable of producing
sufficient revenue to provide reasonable assurance of the retirement or
repayment of such cost; except that (subject to the preceding provisions of
this subsection) the Director may make a contribution to any State toward
that portion of the cost of the construction, reconstruction, or enlargement
of any facility which the Director determines to be directly attributable to
the incorporation in such facility of any feature of construction or design
not necessary for the principal intended purpose thereof but which is, in the
judgment of the Director necessary for the use of such facility for
emergency preparedness purposes.
(8) The Director shall submit to Congress a report, at least annually, regarding
all contributions made pursuant to this subsection.
(9) All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in
the performance of construction work financed with the assistance of any
contribution of Federal funds made by the Director under this subsection
shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar
construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in
accordance with the Act of March 3, 1931 (commonly known as the DavisBacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 276a - 276a-5), and every such employee shall
receive compensation at a rate not less than one and 1/2 times the basic rate
of pay of the employee for all hours worked in any workweek in excess of
eight hours in any workday or 40 hours in the workweek, as the case may
be. The Director shall make no contribution of Federal funds without first
obtaining adequate assurance that these labor standards will be maintained
upon the construction work. The Secretary of Labor shall have, with respect
to the labor standards specified in this subsection, the authority and
functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (5 U.S.C.
App.) and section 276c of title 40.
(k) Sale or disposal of certain materials and facilities - The Director may arrange for
the sale or disposal of materials and facilities found by the Director to be
unnecessary or unsuitable for emergency preparedness purposes in the same
manner as provided for excess property under the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 ( 40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.). Any funds received
as proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such materials and facilities shall
be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

60

Sec. 612. Mutual Aid Pacts Between States and Neighboring Countries (42
U.S.C. 5196a)
The Director shall give all practicable assistance to States in arranging, through the
Department of State, mutual emergency preparedness aid between the States and
neighboring countries.

Sec. 613. Contributions for Personnel and Administrative Expenses (42
U.S.C. 5196b)*
(a) General authority - To further assist in carrying out the purposes of this title, the
Director may make financial contributions to the States (including interstate
emergency preparedness authorities established pursuant to section 5196(h) of this
title) for necessary and essential State and local emergency preparedness personnel
and administrative expenses, on the basis of approved plans (which shall be
consistent with the Federal emergency response plans for emergency preparedness)
for the emergency preparedness of the States. The financial contributions to the
States under this section may not exceed one-half of the total cost of such
necessary and essential State and local emergency preparedness personnel and
administrative expenses.
(b) Plan requirements - A plan submitted under this section shall (1) provide, pursuant to State law, that the plan shall be in effect in all political
subdivisions of the State and be mandatory on them and be administered or
supervised by a single State agency;
(2) provide that the State shall share the financial assistance with that provided
by the Federal Government under this section from any source determined
by it to be consistent with State law;
(3) provide for the development of State and local emergency preparedness
operational plans, including a catastrophic incident annex, pursuant to
standards approved by the Director;
(4) provide for the employment of a full-time emergency preparedness director,
or deputy director, by the State;
(5) provide that the State shall make such reports in such form and content as
the Director may require;
(6) make available to duly authorized representatives of the Director and the
Comptroller General, books, records, and papers necessary to conduct
audits for the purposes of this section; and
(7) include a plan for providing information to the public in a coordinated
manner.

61

(c) Catastrophic Incident Annex (1) Consistency - A catastrophic incident annex submitted under subsection
(b)(3) shall be (A) modeled after the catastrophic incident annex of the National
Response Plan; and
(B) consistent with the national preparedness goal established under
section 643 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform
Act of 2006, the National Incident Management System, the
National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies.
(2) Consultation - In developing a catastrophic incident annex submitted under
subsection (b)(3), a State shall consult with and seek appropriate comments
from local governments, emergency response providers, locally governed
multijurisdictional councils of government, and regional planning
commissions.
(d) Terms and conditions - The Director shall establish such other terms and conditions
as the Director considers necessary and proper to carry out this section.
(e) Application of other provisions - In carrying out this section, the provisions of
sections 5196(h) and 5197(h) of this title shall apply.
(f) Allocation of funds - For each fiscal year concerned, the Director shall allocate to
each State, in accordance with regulations and the total sum appropriated under this
title, amounts to be made available to the States for the purposes of this section.
Regulations governing allocations to the States under this subsection shall give due
regard to (1) the criticality of the areas which may be affected by hazards with
respect to the development of the total emergency preparedness readiness of the
United States, (2) the relative state of development of emergency preparedness
readiness of the State, (3) population, and (4) such other factors as the Director
shall prescribe. The Director may reallocate the excess of any allocation not used
by a State in a plan submitted under this section. Amounts paid to any State or
political subdivision under this section shall be expended solely for the purposes
set forth in this section.
(g) Standards for State and Local Emergency Preparedness Operational Plans - In
approving standards for State and local emergency preparedness operational plans
pursuant to subsection (b)(3), the Director shall ensure that such plans take into
account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals prior to,
during, and following a major disaster or emergency.
(h) Submission of plan - If a State fails to submit a plan for approval as required by
this section within 60 days after the Director notifies the States of the allocations
under this section, the Director may reallocate such funds, or portions thereof,
among the other States in such amounts as, in the judgment of the Director, will

62

best assure the adequate development of the emergency preparedness capability of
the United States.
(i) Annual reports - The Director shall report annually to the Congress all
contributions made pursuant to this section.

Sec. 614. Requirement for State Matching Funds for Construction of
Emergency Operating Centers (42 U.S.C. 5196c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, funds appropriated to carry out this title
may not be used for the purpose of constructing emergency operating centers (or similar
facilities) in any State unless such State matches in an equal amount the amount made
available to such State under this title for such purpose.

Sec. 615. Use of Funds to Prepare for and Respond to Hazards (42 U.S.C.
5196d)
Funds made available to the States under this title may be used by the States for the
purposes of preparing for hazards and providing emergency assistance in response to
hazards. Regulations prescribed to carry out this section shall authorize the use of
emergency preparedness personnel, materials, and facilities supported in whole or in part
through contributions under this title for emergency preparedness activities and measures
related to hazards.

Sec. 616. Disaster Related Information Services (42 U.S.C. 5196f)*
(a) In General - Consistent with section 308(a), the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall (1) identify, in coordination with State and local governments, population
groups with limited English proficiency and take into account such groups
in
planning
for
an
emergency
or
major
disaster;
(2) ensure that information made available to individuals affected by a major
disaster or emergency is made available in formats that can be understood
by (A) population groups identified under paragraph (1); and
(B) individuals with disabilities or other special needs;

and

(3) develop and maintain an informational clearinghouse of model language
assistance programs and best practices for State and local governments in
providing services related to a major disaster or emergency.
(b) Group Size - For purposes of subsection (a), the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall define the size of a population group.
63

SUBTITLE B – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 621. Administrative Authority (42 U.S.C. 5197)
(a) In General - For the purpose of carrying out the powers and duties assigned to the
Director under this title, the Director may exercise the administrative authorities
provided under this section.
(b) Advisory personnel - The Director may employ not more than 100 part-time or
temporary advisory personnel (including not to exceed 25 subjects of the United
Kingdom or citizens of Canada) as the Director considers to be necessary in
carrying out the provisions of this title.
(1) Persons holding other offices or positions under the United States for which
they receive compensation, while serving as advisory personnel, shall
receive no additional compensation for such service. Other part-time or
temporary advisory personnel so employed may serve without
compensation or may receive compensation at a rate not to exceed $180 for
each day of service, plus authorized subsistence and travel, as determined
by the Director.
(c) Services of other agency personnel and volunteers - The Director may (1) use the services of Federal agencies and, with the consent of any State or
local government, accept and use the services of State and local agencies;
(2) establish and use such regional and other offices as may be necessary; and
(3) use such voluntary and uncompensated services by individuals or
organizations as may from time to time be needed.
(d) Gifts - Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Director may accept gifts of
supplies, equipment, and facilities and may use or distribute such gifts for
emergency preparedness purposes in accordance with the provisions of this title.
(e) Reimbursement - The Director may reimburse any Federal agency for any of its
expenditures or for compensation of its personnel and use or consumption of its
materials and facilities under this title to the extent funds are available.
(f) Printing - The Director may purchase such printing, binding, and blank-book work
from public, commercial, or private printing establishments or binderies as the
Director considers necessary upon orders placed by the Public Printer or upon
waivers issued in accordance with section 504 of title 44.
(g) Rules and regulations - The Director may prescribe such rules and regulations as
may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the provisions of this title and
perform any of the powers and duties provided by this title. The Director may
perform any of the powers and duties provided by this title through or with the aid
64

of such officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the Director
may designate.
(h) Failure to expend contributions correctly - When, after reasonable notice and
opportunity for hearing to the State or other person involved, the Director finds that
there is a failure to expend funds in accordance with the regulations, terms, and
conditions established under this subchapter for approved emergency preparedness
plans, programs, or projects, the Director may notify such State or person that
further payments will not be made to the State or person from appropriations under
this subchapter (or from funds otherwise available for the purposes of this
subchapter for any approved plan, program, or project with respect to which there
is such failure to comply) until the Director is satisfied that there will no longer be
any such failure.
(1) When, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to the State or
other person involved, the Director finds that there is a failure to expend
funds in accordance with the regulations, terms, and conditions established
under this title for approved emergency preparedness plans, programs, or
projects, the Director may notify such State or person that further payments
will not be made to the State or person from appropriations under this title
(or from funds otherwise available for the purposes of this title for any
approved plan, program, or project with respect to which there is such
failure to comply) until the Director is satisfied that there will no longer be
any such failure.
(2) Until so satisfied, the Director shall either withhold the payment of any
financial contribution to such State or person or limit payments to those
programs or projects with respect to which there is substantial compliance
with the regulations, terms, and conditions governing plans, programs, or
projects hereunder.
(3) As used in this subsection, the term “person” means the political
subdivision of any State or combination or group thereof or any person,
corporation, association, or other entity of any nature whatsoever, including
instrumentalities of States and political subdivisions.

Sec. 622. Security Regulations (42 U.S.C. 5197a)
(a) Establishment - The Director shall establish such security requirements and
safeguards, including restrictions with respect to access to information and
property as the Director considers necessary.
(b) Limitation on Employee access to information - No employee of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency shall be permitted to have access to information
or property with respect to which access restrictions have been established under
this section, until it shall have been determined that no information is contained in
the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or any other investigative agency of

65

the Government indicating that such employee is of questionable loyalty or
reliability for security purposes, or if any such information is so disclosed, until the
Federal Bureau of Investigation shall have conducted a full field investigation
concerning such person and a report thereon shall have been evaluated in writing
by the Director.
(c) National Security Positions - No employee of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall occupy any position determined by the Director to be of critical
importance from the standpoint of national security until a full field investigation
concerning such employee shall have been conducted by the Director of the Office
of Personnel Management and a report thereon shall have been evaluated in writing
by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In the event such
full field investigation by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management
develops any data reflecting that such applicant for a position of critical importance
is of questionable loyalty or reliability for security purposes, or if the Director of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency for any other reason considers it to be
advisable, such investigation shall be discontinued and a report thereon shall be
referred to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for
evaluation in writing. Thereafter, the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency may refer the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
for the conduct of a full field investigation by such Bureau. The result of such latter
investigation by such Bureau shall be furnished to the Director of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency for action.
(d) Employee Oaths - Each Federal employee of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency acting under the authority of this title, except the subjects of the United
Kingdom and citizens of Canada specified in section 5197(b) of this title, shall
execute the loyalty oath or appointment affidavits prescribed by the Director of the
Office of Personnel Management. Each person other than a Federal employee who
is appointed to serve in a State or local organization for emergency preparedness
shall before entering upon duties, take an oath in writing before a person authorized
to administer oaths, which oath shall be substantially as follows:
(e) “I______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I
will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely,
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and
faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.
“And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I a member or an
affiliate of any organization, group, or combination of persons that advocates the
overthrow of the Government of the United States by force or violence; and that
during such time as I am a member of ________ (name of emergency preparedness
organization), I will not advocate nor become a member or an affiliate of any
organization, group, or combination of persons that advocates the overthrow of the
Government
of
the
United
States
by
force
or
violence.”

66

Sec. 623. Use of Existing Facilities (42 U.S.C. 5197b)
In performing duties under this title, the Director (1) shall cooperate with the various departments and agencies of the Federal
Government;
(2) shall use, to the maximum extent, the existing facilities and resources of the Federal
Government and, with their consent, the facilities and resources of the States and
political subdivisions thereof, and of other organizations and agencies; and
(3) shall refrain from engaging in any form of activity which would duplicate or
parallel activity of any other Federal department or agency unless the Director, with
the written approval of the President, shall determine that such duplication is
necessary to accomplish the purposes of this title.

Sec. 624. Annual Report to Congress (42 U.S.C. 5197c)
The Director shall annually submit a written report to the President and Congress covering
expenditures, contributions, work, and accomplishments of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency pursuant to this title, accompanied by such recommendations as the
Director considers appropriate.

Sec. 625. Applicability of Subchapter (42 U.S.C. 5197d)
The provisions of this title shall be applicable to the United States, its States, Territories
and possessions, and the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions.

Sec. 626. Authorization of Appropriation and Transfers of Funds (42 U.S.C.
5197e)
(a) Authorization of appropriations - There are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.
(b) Transfer Authority - Funds made available for the purposes of this title may be
allocated or transferred for any of the purposes of this title, with the approval of the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to any agency or government
corporation designated to assist in carrying out this title. Each such allocation or

67

Sec. 627. Relation to Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 5197f)
Nothing in this title shall be construed to alter or modify the provisions of the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

Sec. 628. Federal Bureau of Investigation (42 U.S.C. 5197g)
Nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize investigations of espionage, sabotage, or
subversive acts by any persons other than personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Title VII -- Miscellaneous
Sec. 701. Rules and Regulations (42 U.S.C. 5201)
(a) Rules and regulations
(1) The President may prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary
and proper to carry out any of the provisions of this Act, and he may
exercise any power or authority conferred on him by any section of this Act
either directly or through such Federal agency or agencies as he may
designate.
(2) Deadline for payment of assistance - Rules and regulations authorized by
paragraph (1) shall provide that payment of any assistance under this Act to
a State shall be completed within 60 days after the date of approval of such
assistance.
(b) In furtherance of the purposes of this Act, the President or his delegate may accept
and use bequests, gifts, or donations of service, money, or property, real, personal,
or mixed, tangible, or intangible. All sums received under this subsection shall be
deposited in a separate fund on the books of the Treasury and shall be available for
expenditure upon the certification of the President or his delegate. At the request of
the President or his delegate, the Secretary of the Treasury may invest and reinvest
excess monies in the fund. Such investments shall be in public debt securities with
maturities suitable for the needs of the fund and shall bear interest at rates
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration current
market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of
comparable maturities. The interest on such investments shall be credited to, and
form a part of, the fund.

Sec. 705. Disaster Grant Closeout Procedures (42 U.S.C. 5205)
(a) Statute of Limitations 68

(1) In general - Except as provided in paragraph (2), no administrative action to
recover any payment made to a State or local government for disaster or
emergency assistance under this Act shall be initiated in any forum after the
date that is 3 years after the date of transmission of the final expenditure
report for the disaster or emergency.
(2) Fraud exception - The limitation under paragraph (1) shall apply unless
there is evidence of civil or criminal fraud.
(b) Rebuttal of Presumption of Record Maintenance (1) In general - In any dispute arising under this section after the date that is 3
years after the date of transmission of the final expenditure report for the
disaster or emergency, there shall be a presumption that accounting records
were maintained that adequately identify the source and application of
funds provided for financially assisted activities.
(2) Affirmative evidence - The presumption described in paragraph (1) may be
rebutted only on production of affirmative evidence that the State or local
government did not maintain documentation described in that paragraph.
(3) Inability to produce documentation - The inability of the Federal, State, or
local government to produce source documentation supporting expenditure
reports later than 3 years after the date of transmission of the final
expenditure report shall not constitute evidence to rebut the presumption
described in paragraph (1).
(4) Right of access - The period during which the Federal, State, or local
government has the right to access source documentation shall not be
limited to the required 3-year retention period referred to in paragraph (3),
but shall last as long as the records are maintained.
(c) Binding Nature of Grant Requirements - A State or local government shall not be
liable for reimbursement or any other penalty for any payment made under this Act
if (1) the payment was authorized by an approved agreement specifying the costs;
(2) the costs were reasonable; and
(3) the purpose of the grant was accomplished.

Sec. 706. Firearms Policies (42 U.S.C. 5207)*
(a) Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms - No officer or employee of the United
States (including any member of the uniformed services), or person operating
pursuant to or under color of Federal law, or receiving Federal funds, or under
control of any Federal official, or providing services to such an officer,
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(1) temporarily or permanently seize, or authorize seizure of, any firearm the
possession of which is not prohibited under Federal, State, or local law,
other than for forfeiture in compliance with Federal law or as evidence in a
criminal investigation;
(2) require registration of any firearm for which registration is not required by
Federal, State, or local law;
(3) prohibit possession of any firearm, or promulgate any rule, regulation, or
order prohibiting possession of any firearm, in any place or by any person
where such possession is not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State, or
local law; or
(4) prohibit the carrying of firearms under Federal, State, or local law, solely
because such person is operating under the direction, control, or supervision
of a Federal agency in support of relief from the major disaster or
emergency.
(b) Limitation - Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any person in
subsection (a) from requiring the temporary surrender of a firearm as a
condition for entry into any mode of transportation used for rescue or
evacuation during a major disaster or emergency, provided that such
temporarily surrendered firearm is returned at the completion of such rescue or
evacuation.
(c) Private Rights of Action (1) In General - Any individual aggrieved by a violation of this section may
seek relief in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for
redress against any person who subjects such individual, or causes such
individual to be subjected, to the deprivation of any of the rights, privileges,
or immunities secured by this section.
(2) Remedies - In addition to any existing remedy in law or equity, under any
law, an individual aggrieved by the seizure or confiscation of a firearm in
violation of this section may bring an action for return of such firearm in
the United States district court in the district in which that individual resides
or in which such firearm may be found.
(3) Attorney Fees - In any action or proceeding to enforce this section, the
court shall award the prevailing party, other than the United States, a
reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs.

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MISCELLANEOUS STATUTORY PROVISIONS
THAT RELATE TO THE
STAFFORD ACT
Excess Disaster Assistance Payments as Budgetary Emergency
Requirements (42 U.S.C. 5203)
Hereafter, beginning in fiscal year 1993, and in each year thereafter,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, all amounts appropriated for disaster
assistance payments under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that are in excess of either the historical
annual average obligation of $320,000,000, or the amount submitted in the
President's initial budget request, whichever is lower, shall be considered as
“emergency requirements” pursuant to section 901(b)(2)(D) of title 2, and such
amounts shall hereafter be so designated.

Insular Areas Disaster Survival and Recovery; Definitions
(42 U.S.C. 5204)
As used in sections 5204 to 5204c of this title (1) the term “insular area” means any of the following: American Samoa, the
Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the Virgin Islands;
(2) the term “disaster” means a declaration of a major disaster by the President after
September 1, 1989, pursuant to section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170); and
(3) the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.
Note: See the note preceding 48 U.S.C. § 1681 terminating the Trust Territory of
the Pacific Islands which effectively removes the Federated States of Micronesia
and the Marshall Islands from the definition of “insular area”.

Authorization of Appropriations for Insular Areas
(Disaster Recovery) (42 U.S.C. 5204a)
There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may
be necessary to (1) reconstruct essential public facilities damaged by disasters in the insular areas
that occurred prior to February 24, 1992; and

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(2) enhance the survivability of essential public facilities in the event of disasters in
the insular areas, except that with respect to the disaster declared by the President in
the case of Hurricane Hugo, September 1989, amounts for any fiscal year shall not
exceed 25 percent of the estimated aggregate amount of grants to be made under
sections 5170b and 5172 of this title for such disaster. Such sums shall remain
available until expended.

Technical Assistance for Insular Areas (Disaster Recovery) (42
U.S.C. 5204b)
(a) Upon the declaration by the President of a disaster in an insular area, the
President, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, shall assess, in cooperation with the Secretary and chief executive of such
insular area, the capability of the insular government to respond to the disaster,
including the capability to assess damage; coordinate activities with Federal
agencies, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency; develop
recovery plans, including recommendations for enhancing the survivability of
essential infrastructure; negotiate and manage reconstruction contracts; and prevent
the misuse of funds. If the President finds that the insular government lacks any of
these or other capabilities essential to the recovery effort, then the President shall
provide technical assistance to the insular area which the President deems necessary
for the recovery effort.
(b) One year following the declaration by the President of a disaster in an insular
area, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, shall submit to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources a report on the status of
the recovery effort, including an audit of Federal funds expended in the recovery
effort and recommendations on how to improve public health and safety,
survivability of infrastructure, recovery efforts, and effective use of funds in the
event of future disasters.
Note: The following provision is superseded by Section 404 of the Stafford Act.

Hazard Mitigation for Insular Areas (Limitation on Amount of
Contributions, Local Match) (42 U.S.C. 5204c)
The total of contributions under the last sentence of section 5170c of this title for
the insular areas shall not exceed 10 percent of the estimated aggregate amounts of
grants to be made under sections 5170c, 5172, 5173, 5174 and 5178 of this title for
any disaster: Provided, That the President shall require a 50 percent local match for
assistance in excess of 10 percent of the estimated aggregate amount of grants to be
made under section 5172 of this title for any disaster.

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Buy American (Requirements) (42 U.S.C. 5206)
(a) Compliance With Buy American Act - No funds authorized to be appropriated
under this Act [Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, Pub. L. No.106-390] or any
amendment made by this Act [Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, Pub. L. No.106390] may be expended by an entity unless the entity, in expending the funds,
complies with the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a et seq.).
(b) Debarment of Persons Convicted of Fraudulent Use of “Made in America”
Labels (1) In general - If the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
determines that a person has been convicted of intentionally affixing a label
bearing a “Made in America” inscription to any product sold in or shipped to
the United States that is not made in America, the Director shall determine, not
later than 90 days after determining that the person has been so convicted,
whether the person should be debarred from contracting under the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et
seq.).
(2) Definition of debar - In this subsection, the term “debar” has the meaning
given the term in section 2393(c) of title 10, United States Code.

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U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq
Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, Pub. L. No. 110-28, 121
Stat. 112 (2007), Signed on May 25, 2007.
Sec. 4501.
(a) IN GENERAL – Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any
agreement, the Federal share of assistance, including any direct Federal assistance,
provided for the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Texas in
connection with Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita under sections 403,
406, 407, and 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b, 5172, 5173, and 5174) shall be 100 percent of the
eligible costs under such sections.
(b) APPLICABILITY –
(1) IN GENERAL – The Federal share provided by subsection (a) shall apply to
disaster assistance applied for before the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) LIMITATION – In the case of disaster assistance provided under sections
403, 406, and 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, the Federal share provided by subsection (a) shall be limited
to assistance provided for projects for which a “request for public assistance
form” has been submitted.
Sec. 4502.
(a) COMMUNITY DISASTER LOAN ACT –
(1) IN GENERAL – Section 2(a) of the Community Disaster Loan Act of 2005
(Public Law 109-88) is amended by striking “Provided further, That
notwithstanding section 417(c)(1) of the Stafford Act, such loans may not be
canceled:”.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE – The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall be
effective on the date of enactment of the Community Disaster Loan Act of
2005 (Public Law 109-88).
(b) EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT –
(1) IN GENERAL – Chapter 4 of title II of the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane
Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109-234) is amended under Federal Emergency
Management Agency, “Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program Account” by
striking “Provided further, That notwithstanding section 417(c)(1) of such
Act, such loans may not be canceled:”.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE – The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall be
effective on the date of enactment of the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Defense, Global War on Terror, and Hurricane
Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109-234).

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Sec. 4503.
(a) IN GENERAL – Section 2401 of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public
Law 109-234) is amended by striking “12 months” and inserting “24 months”.
Note: Section 2401 is set forth below.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE – The amendment made by this section shall be effective on
the date of enactment of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for
Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109234).

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007, Pub. L.
No. 109-295, 120 Stat. 1355 (2006), Signed on October 4, 2006.
[Includes Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA)]
Sec. 508.
None of the funds in this Act may be used to make a grant allocation, discretionary
grant award, discretionary contract award, or to issue a letter of intent totaling in
excess of $1,000,000, or to announce publicly the intention to make such an award,
unless the Secretary of Homeland Security notifies the Committees on Appropriations
of the Senate and the House of Representatives at least three full business days in
advance: Provided, That no notification shall involve funds that are not available for
obligation: Provided further, That the Office of Grants and Training shall brief the
Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives five
full business days in advance of announcing publicly the intention of making an
award of formula-based grants; law enforcement terrorism prevention grants; or highthreat, high-density urban areas grants.
Sec. 536.
The Department of Homeland Security shall, in approving standards for State and
local emergency preparedness operational plans under section 613(b)(3) of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196b(b)(3)), account
for the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals before, during,
and following a major disaster or emergency: Provided, That Federal agencies may
provide assistance as described in section 403(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b(a)) to carry out plans described in
the previous proviso.

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TITLE VI – NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Sec. 601. Short Title (6 U.S.C. 701 note)
This title may be cited as the ‘Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of
2006’.
Sec. 612. (6 U.S.C. 313 note and 6 U.S.C. 311 note)
(c) References- Any reference to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official
paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
(f) Interim Actions(1) IN GENERAL- During the period beginning on the date of enactment of
this Act and ending on March 31, 2007, the Secretary, the Under Secretary
for Preparedness, and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall take such actions as are necessary to provide for the orderly
implementation of any amendment under this subtitle that takes effect on
March 31, 2007.
(2) REFERENCES- Any reference to the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in this title or an amendment by this title
shall be considered to refer and apply to the Director of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency until March 31, 2007.
Sec. 640a. Disclosure of Certain Information to Law Enforcement Agencies (6
U.S.C. 727)
In the event of circumstances requiring an evacuation, sheltering, or mass relocation,
the Administrator may disclose information in any individual assistance database of
the Agency in accordance with section 552a(b) of title 5, United States Code
(commonly referred to as the “Privacy Act”), to any law enforcement agency of the
Federal Government or a State, local, or tribal government in order to identify illegal
conduct or address public safety or security issues, including compliance with sex
offender notification laws.
Sec. 653. Federal Preparedness (6 U.S.C. 753)
(c) Mission Assignments – To expedite the provision of assistance under the National
Response Plan, the President shall ensure that the Administrator, in coordination with
Federal agencies with responsibilities under the National Response Plan, develops
prescripted mission assignments, including logistics, communications, mass care,
health services, and public safety.

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Subtitle E – Stafford Act Amendments
Sec. 682. National Disaster Recovery Strategy (6 U.S.C. 771)
(a) In General – The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Housing
and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Small Business
Administration, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs of the Department of the
Interior, and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, State, local, and tribal
government officials (including through the National Advisory Council), and
representatives of appropriate nongovernmental organizations shall develop,
coordinate, and maintain a National Disaster Recovery Strategy to serve as a guide to
recovery efforts after major disasters and emergencies.
(b) Contents – The National Disaster Recovery Strategy shall –
(1) outline the most efficient and cost-effective Federal programs that will
meet the recovery needs of States, local and tribal governments, and
individuals and households affected by a major disaster;
(2) clearly define the role, programs, authorities, and responsibilities of each
Federal agency that may be of assistance in providing assistance in the
recovery from a major disaster;
(3) promote the use of the most appropriate and cost-effective building
materials (based on the hazards present in an area) in any area affected by
a major disaster, with the goal of encouraging the construction of disasterresistant buildings; and
(4) describe in detail the programs that may be offered by the agencies
described in paragraph (2), including –
(A) discussing funding issues;
(B) detailing how responsibilities under the National Disaster Recovery
Strategy will be shared; and
(C) addressing other matters concerning the cooperative effort to provide
recovery assistance.
(c) Report –
(1) IN GENERAL – Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report describing in detail the National Disaster Recovery
Strategy and any additional authorities necessary to implement any portion
of the National Disaster Recovery Strategy.
(2) UPDATE – The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report updating the report submitted under paragraph (1) –
(A) on the same date that any change is made to the National Disaster
Recovery Strategy; and

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(B) on a periodic basis after the submission of the report under
paragraph (1), but not less than once every 5 years after the date of
the submission of the report under paragraph (1).
Sec. 683. National Disaster Housing Strategy (6 U.S.C. 772)
(a) In General – The Administrator, in coordination with representatives of the
Federal agencies, governments, and organizations listed in subsection (b)(2) of this
section, the National Advisory Council, the National Council on Disability, and other
entities at the Administrator’s discretion, shall develop, coordinate, and maintain a
National Disaster Housing Strategy.
(b) Contents – The National Disaster Housing Strategy shall –
(1) outline the most efficient and cost effective Federal programs that will best
meet the short-term and long-term housing needs of individuals and
households affected by a major disaster;
(2) clearly define the role, programs, authorities, and responsibilities of each
entity in providing housing assistance in the event of a major disaster,
including –
(A) the Agency;
(B) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(C) the Department of Agriculture;
(D) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(E) the Department of Health and Human Services;
(F) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
(G) any other Federal agency that may provide housing assistance in the
event of a major disaster;
(H) the American Red Cross; and
(I) State, local, and tribal governments;
(3) describe in detail the programs that may be offered by the entities
described in paragraph (2), including –
(A) outlining any funding issues;
(B) detailing how responsibilities under the National Disaster Housing
Strategy will be shared; and
(C) addressing other matters concerning the cooperative effort to
provide housing assistance during a major disaster;
(4) consider methods through which housing assistance can be provided to
individuals and households where employment and other resources for
living are available;
(5) describe programs directed to meet the needs of special needs and lowincome populations and ensure that a sufficient number of housing units are
provided for individuals with disabilities;
(6) describe plans for operation of clusters of housing provided to individuals
and households, including access to public services, site management,
security, and site density;

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(7) describe plans for promoting the repair or rehabilitation of existing rental
housing, including through lease agreements or other means, in order to
improve the provision of housing to individuals and households under
section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and
(8) describe any additional authorities necessary to carry out any portion of the
strategy.
(c) Guidance – The Administrator should develop and make publicly available
guidance on –
(1) types of housing assistance available under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to
individuals and households affected by an emergency or major disaster;
(2) eligibility for such assistance (including, where appropriate, the continuation
of such assistance); and
(3) application procedures for such assistance.
(d) Report –
(1) IN GENERAL – Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report describing in detail the National Disaster Housing
Strategy, including programs directed to meeting the needs of special needs
populations.
(2) UPDATED REPORT – The Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report updating the report submitted under
paragraph (1) –
(A) on the same date that any change is made to the National Disaster
Housing Strategy; and
(B) on a periodic basis after the submission of the report under
paragraph (1), but not less than once every 5 years after the date of
the submission of the report under paragraph (1).
Sec. 689. Individuals with Disabilities (6 U.S.C. 773)
(a) Guidelines – Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and in
coordination with the National Advisory Council, the National Council on Disability,
the Interagency Coordinating Council on Preparedness and Individuals With
Disabilities established under Executive Order No. 13347 (6 U.S.C. 312 note), and
the Disability Coordinator (established under section 513 of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002, as added by this Act), the Administrator shall develop guidelines to
accommodate individuals with disabilities, which shall include guidelines for –
(1) the accessibility of, and communications and programs in, shelters, recovery
centers, and other facilities; and
(2) devices used in connection with disaster operations, including first aid
stations, mass feeding areas, portable payphone stations, portable toilets, and
temporary housing.

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Sec. 689b. Reunification (6 U.S.C. 774)
(a) Definitions – In this section:
(1) Child Locator Center – The term “Child Locator Center” means the
National Emergency Child Locator Center established under subsection
(b).
(2) Declared Event – The term “declared event” means a major disaster or
emergency.
(3) Displaced Adult – The term “displaced adult” means an individual 21
years of age or older who is displaced from the habitual residence of that
individual as a result of a declared event.
(4) Displaced Child – The term “displaced child” means an individual under
21 years of age who is displaced from the habitual residence of that
individual as a result of a declared event.
(b) National Emergency Child Locator Center –
(1) In general – Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator, in coordination with the Attorney General of the United
States, shall establish within the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children the National Emergency Child Locator Center. In
establishing the National Emergency Child Locator Center, the
Administrator shall establish procedures to make all relevant information
available to the National Emergency Child Locator Center in a timely
manner to facilitate the expeditious identification and reunification of
children with their families.
(2) Purposes – The purposes of the Child Locator Center are to
(A) enable individuals to provide to the Child Locator Center the name
of and other identifying information about a displaced child or a
displaced adult who may have information about the location of a
displaced child;
(B) enable individuals to receive information about other sources of
information about displaced children and displaced adults; and
(C) assist law enforcement in locating displaced children.
(3) Responsibilities and Duties – The responsibilities and duties of the Child
Locator Center are to –
(A) establish a toll-free telephone number to receive reports of displaced
children and information about displaced adults that may assist in
locating displaced children;
(B) create a website to provide information about displaced children;
(C) deploy its staff to the location of a declared event to gather
information about displaced children;
(D) assist in the reunification of displaced children with their families;
(E) provide information to the public about additional resources for
disaster assistance;

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(F) work in partnership with Federal, State, and local law enforcement
agencies;
(G) provide technical assistance in locating displaced children;
(H) share information on displaced children and displaced adults with
governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations
providing disaster assistance;
(I) use its resources to gather information about displaced children;
(J) refer reports of displaced adults to
(i)an entity designated by the Attorney General to provide
technical assistance in locating displaced adults; and
(ii)the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator
System as defined under section 689c(a);
(K) enter into cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies
and other organizations such as the American Red Cross as
necessary to implement the mission of the Child Locator Center; and
(L) develop an emergency response plan to prepare for the activation of
the Child Locator Center.
(c) Conforming Amendments – Section 403(1) of the Missing Children’s Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5772(1)) is amended –
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking “or” at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by adding “or” after the semicolon; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
“(C) the individual is an individual under 21 years of age who is displaced
from the habitual residence of that individual as a result of an emergency or
major disaster (as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)).”.
(d) Report – Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on the Judiciary
of the House of Representatives a report describing in detail the status of the Child
Locator Center, including funding issues and any difficulties or issues in establishing
the Center or completing the cooperative agreements described in subsection
(b)(3)(K).
Sec. 689c. National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (6 U.S.C.
775)
(a) Definitions – In this section –
(1) the term “displaced individual” means an individual displaced by an
emergency or major disaster; and
(2) the term “National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System” means
the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System established
under subsection (b).

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(b) Establishment – Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall establish a National Emergency Family Registry and Locator
System to help reunify families separated after an emergency or major disaster.
(c) Operation of System – The National Emergency Family Registry and Locator
System shall –
(1) allow a displaced adult (including medical patients) to voluntarily register
(and allow an adult that is the parent or guardian of a displaced child to
register such child), by submitting personal information to be entered into a
database (such as the name, current location of residence, and any other
relevant information that could be used by others seeking to locate that
individual);
(2) ensure that information submitted under paragraph (1) is accessible to those
individuals named by a displaced individual and to those law enforcement
officials;
(3) be accessible through the Internet and through a toll-free number, to receive
reports of displaced individuals; and
(4) include a means of referring displaced children to the National Emergency
Child Locator Center established under section 689b.
(d) Publication of Information – Not later than 210 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall establish a mechanism to inform the public about the
National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System and its potential usefulness
for assisting to reunite displaced individuals with their families.
(e) Coordination – Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall enter a memorandum of understanding with the Department of
Justice, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of
Health and Human Services, and the American Red Cross and other relevant private
organizations that will enhance the sharing of information to facilitate reuniting
displaced individuals (including medical patients) with families.
(f) Report – Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
describing in detail the status of the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator
System, including any difficulties or issues in establishing the System, including
funding issues.
Sec. 689i. Individuals and Households Pilot Program (6 U.S.C. 776)
(a) Pilot Program –
(1) In general – The President, acting through the Administrator, in coordination
with State, local, and tribal governments, shall establish and conduct a pilot
program. The pilot program shall be designed to make better use of existing
rental housing, located in areas covered by a major disaster declaration, in

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order to provide timely and cost-effective temporary housing assistance to
individuals and households eligible for assistance under section 408 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5174) where alternative housing options are less available or cost-effective.
(2) Administration –
(A) In General – For the purposes of the pilot program under this section, the
Administrator may –
(i) enter into lease agreements with owners of multi-family rental
property located in areas covered by a major disaster declaration to
house individuals and households eligible for assistance under section
408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174);
(ii) make improvements to properties under such lease agreements;
(iii) use the pilot program where the program is cost effective in that
the cost to the Government for the lease agreements is in proportion to
the savings to the Government by not providing alternative housing;
and
(iv) limit repairs to those required to ensure that the housing units shall
meet Federal housing quality standards.
(B) Improvements to leased properties – Under the terms of any lease
agreement for a property described under subparagraph (A)(ii), the value
of the contribution of the Agency to such improvements –
(i) shall be deducted from the value of the lease agreement; and
(ii) may not exceed the value of the lease agreement.
(3) Consultation – In administering the pilot program under this section, the
Administrator may consult with State, local, and tribal governments.
(4) Report –
(A) In General – Not later than March 31, 2009, the Administrator shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding the
effectiveness of the pilot program.
(B) Contents – The Administrator shall include in the report –
(i)an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program under this
section, including an assessment of cost-savings to the Federal
Government and any benefits to individuals and households eligible
for assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) under the pilot
program;
(ii)findings and conclusions of the Administrator with respect to the
pilot program;
(iii) an assessment of additional authorities needed to aid the Agency
in its mission of providing disaster housing assistance to individuals
and households eligible for assistance under section 408 of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5174), either under the pilot program under this section or other
potential housing programs; and

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(iv)any recommendations of the Administrator for additional authority
to continue or make permanent the pilot program.
(b) Pilot Program Project Approval – The Administrator shall not approve a project
under the pilot program after December 31, 2008.
Sec. 689j. Public Assistance Pilot Program (6 U.S.C. 777)
(a) Pilot Program –
(1) In General – The President, acting through the Administrator, and in
coordination with State and local governments, shall establish and conduct a
pilot program to –
(A) reduce the costs of the Federal Government of providing assistance to
States and local governments under sections 403(a)(3)(A), 406, and 407
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 1570b(a)(3), 5172, 5172);
(B) increase flexibility in the administration of sections 403(a)(3)(A), 406,
and 407 of that Act; and
(C) expedite the provision of assistance to States and local governments
provided under sections 403(a)(3)(A), 406, and 407 of that Act.
(2) Participation – Only States and local governments that elect to participate in
the pilot program may participate in the pilot program for a particular project.
(3) Innovative Administration –
(A) In General – For purposes of the pilot program, the Administrator shall
establish new procedures to administer assistance provided under the
sections referred to in paragraph (1).
(B) New Procedures – The new procedures established under subparagraph
(A) may include 1 or more of the following:
(i)Notwithstanding section 406(c)(1)(A) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
1571(c)(1)(A)), providing an option for a State or local government to
elect to receive an in-lieu contribution in an amount equal to 90
percent of the Federal share of the Federal estimate of the cost of
repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility
owned or controlled by the State or local government and of
management expenses.
(ii)Making grants on the basis of estimates agreed to by the local
government (or where no local government is involved, by the State
government) and the Administrator to provide financial incentives and
disincentives for the local government (or where no local government
is involved, for the State government) for the timely or cost effective
completion of projects under section 403(a)(3)(A), 406, and 407 of
that Act.
(iii)Increasing the Federal share for removal of debris and wreckage
for States and local governments that have a debris management plan
approved by the Administrator and have pre-qualified 1 or more debris

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and wreckage removal contractors before the date of declaration of the
major disaster.
(iv)Using a sliding scale for the Federal share for removal of debris
and wreckage based on the time it takes to complete debris and
wreckage removal.
(v) Using a financial incentive to recycle debris.
(vi) Reimbursing base wages for employees and extra hires of a State
or local government involved in or administering debris and wreckage
removal.
(4) Waiver – The Administrator may waive such regulations or rules applicable to
the provisions of assistance under the sections referred to in paragraph (1) as
the Administrator determines are necessary to carry out the pilot program
under this section.
(b) Report –
(1) In General – Not later than March 31, 2009, the Administrator shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding the effectiveness of
the pilot program under this section.
(2) Contents – The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include –
(A) An assessment by the Administrator of any administrative or financial
benefits of the pilot program;
(B) An assessment by the Administrator of the effect, including any savings
in time and cost, of the pilot program;
(C) Any identified legal or other obstacles to increasing the amount of
debris recycled after a major disaster;
(D) Any other findings and conclusions of the Administrator with respect to
the pilot program; and
(E) Any recommendations of the Administrator for additional authority to
continue or make permanent the pilot program.
(c) Deadline for Initiation of Implementation – The Administrator shall initiate
implementation of the pilot program under this section not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of the Act.
(d) Pilot Program Project Duration – The Administrator may not approve a project
under the pilot program under this section after December 31, 2008.
Sec. 689k. Disposal of Unused Temporary Housing Units
(a) In General – Notwithstanding section 408(d)(2)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(d)(2)(B)), if the
Administrator authorizes the disposal of an unused temporary housing unit that is
owned by the Agency on the date of enactment of this Act and is not used to house
individuals or households under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) after that date, such unit shall be

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disposed of under subchapter III of chapter 5 of subtitle I of title 40, United States
Code.
(b) Tribal Governments – Housing units described in subsection (a) shall be disposed
of in coordination with the Department of the Interior or other appropriate agencies in
order to transfer such units to tribal governments if appropriate.
Subtitle F – Prevention of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Sec. 691. Advance Contracting (6 U.S.C. 791)
(a) Initial Report –
(1) IN GENERAL – Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator shall submit a report under paragraph (2)
identifying –
(A) recurring disaster response requirements, including specific goods
and services, for which the Agency is capable of contracting for in
advance of a natural disaster or act of terrorism or other man-made
disaster in a cost effective manner;
(B) recurring disaster response requirements, including specific goods
and services, for which the Agency can not contract in advance of a
natural disaster or act of terrorism or other man-made disaster in a
cost effective manner; and
(C) a contracting strategy that maximizes the use of advance contracts to
the extent practical and cost-effective.
(2) SUBMISSION –The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the
appropriate committees of Congress.
(b) Entering Into Contracts –
(1) IN GENERAL – Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator shall enter into 1 or more contracts for each type of
goods or services identified under subsection (a)(1)(A), and in accordance
with the contracting strategy identified in subsection (a)(1)(C). Any
contract for goods or services identified in subsection (a)(1)(A) previously
awarded may be maintained in fulfilling this requirement.
(2) CONSIDERED FACTORS – Before entering into any contract under this
subsection, the Administrator shall consider section 307 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5150),
as amended by this Act.
(3) PRENEGOTIATED FEDERAL CONTRACTS FOR GOODS AND
SERVICES – The Administrator, in coordination with State and local
governments and other Federal agencies, shall establish a process to
ensure that Federal prenegotiated contracts for goods and services are
coordinated with State and local governments, as appropriate.
(4) PRENEGOTIATED STATE AND LOCAL CONTRACTS FOR GOODS
AND SERVICES – The Administrator shall encourage State and local

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governments to establish prenegotiated contracts with vendors for goods
and services in advance of natural disasters and acts of terrorism or other
man-made disasters.
(c) Maintenance of Contracts – After the date described under subsection (b), the
Administrator shall have the responsibility to maintain contracts for appropriate levels
of goods and services in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C).
(d) Report on Contracts Not Using Competitive Procedures – At the end of each fiscal
quarter, beginning with the first fiscal quarter occurring at least 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report on each disaster
assistance contract entered into by the Agency by other than competitive procedures
to the appropriate committees of Congress.
Sec. 692. Limitations on Tiering of Subcontractors (6 U.S.C. 792)
(a) Regulations – The Secretary shall promulgate regulations applicable to contracts
described in subsection (c) to minimize the excessive use by contractors of
subcontractors or tiers of subcontractors to perform the principal work of the contract.
(b) Specific Requirement – At a minimum, the regulations promulgated under
subsection (a) shall preclude a contractor from using subcontracts for more than 65
percent of the cost of the contract or the cost of any individual task or delivery order
(not including overhead and profit), unless the Secretary determines that such
requirement is not feasible or practicable.
(c) Covered Contracts – This section applies to any cost-reimbursement type contract
or task or delivery order in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition
threshold (as defined by section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act
(41 U.S.C. 403)) entered into by the Department to facilitate response to or recovery
from a natural disaster or act of terrorism or other man-made disaster.
Sec. 693. Oversight and Accountability of Federal Disaster Expenditures (6
U.S.C. 793)
(a) Authority of Administrator to Designate Funds for Oversight Activities – The
Administrator may designate up to 1 percent of the total amount provided to a
Federal agency for a mission assignment as oversight funds to be used by the
recipient agency for performing oversight of activities carried out under the Agency
reimbursable mission assignment process. Such funds shall remain available until
expended.
(b) Use of Funds –
(1) TYPES OF OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES – Oversight funds may be used
for the following types of oversight activities related to Agency mission
assignments:

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(A) Monitoring, tracking, and auditing expenditures of funds.
(B) Ensuring that sufficient management and internal control
mechanisms are available so that Agency funds are spent
appropriately and in accordance with all applicable laws and
regulations.
(C) Reviewing selected contracts and other activities.
(D) Investigating allegations of fraud involving Agency funds.
(E) Conducting and participating in fraud prevention activities with
other Federal, State, and local government personnel and contractors.
(2) PLANS AND REPORTS – Oversight funds may be used to issue the plans
required under subsection (e) and the reports required under subsection (f).
(c) Restriction on Use of Funds – Oversight funds may not be used to finance existing
agency oversight responsibilities related to direct agency appropriations used for
disaster response, relief, and recovery activities.
(d) Methods of Oversight Activities –
(1) IN GENERAL – Oversight activities may be carried out by an agency
under this section either directly or by contract. Such activities may
include evaluations and financial and performance audits.
(2) COORDINATION OF OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES – To the extent
practicable, evaluations and audits under this section shall be performed
by the inspector general of the agency.
(e) Development of Oversight Plans –
(1) IN GENERAL – If an agency receives oversight funds for a fiscal year,
the head of the agency shall prepare a plan describing the oversight
activities for disaster response, relief, and recovery anticipated to be
undertaken during the subsequent fiscal year.
(2) SELECTION OF OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES – In preparing the plan, the
head of the agency shall select oversight activities based upon a risk
assessment of those areas that present the greatest risk of fraud, waste, and
abuse.
(3) SCHEDULE – The plan shall include a schedule for conducting oversight
activities, including anticipated dates of completion.
(f) Federal Disaster Assistance Accountability Reports – A Federal agency receiving
oversight funds under this section shall submit annually to the Administrator and the
appropriate committees of Congress a consolidated report regarding the use of such
funds, including information summarizing oversight activities and the results
achieved.
(g) Definition – In this section, the term ‘oversight funds’ means funds referred to in
subsection (a) that are designated for use in performing oversight activities.

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Sec. 695. Limitation on Length of Certain Noncompetitive Contracts (6 U.S.C.
794)
(a) Regulations – The Secretary shall promulgate regulations applicable to contracts
described in subsection (c) to restrict the contract period of any such contract entered
into using procedures other than competitive procedures pursuant to the exception
provided in paragraph (2) of section 303(c) of the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253(c)) to the minimum contract
period necessary –
(1) to meet the urgent and compelling requirements of the work to be
performed under the contract; and
(2) to enter into another contract for the required goods or services through the
use of competitive procedures.
(b) Specific Contract Period – The regulations promulgated under subsection (a) shall
require the contract period to not to exceed 150 days, unless the Secretary determines
that exceptional circumstances apply.
(c) Covered Contracts – This section applies to any contract in an amount greater than
the simplified acquisition threshold (as defined by section 4 of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)) entered into by the Department to facilitate
response to or recovery from a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made
disaster.
Sec. 696. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Controls (6 U.S.C. 795)
(a) In General – The Administrator shall ensure that –
(1) all programs within the Agency administering Federal disaster relief
assistance develop and maintain proper internal management controls to
prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse;
(2) application databases used by the Agency to collect information on
eligible recipients must record disbursements;
(3) such tracking is designed to highlight and identify ineligible applications;
and
(4) the databases used to collect information from applications for such
assistance must be integrated with disbursement and payment records.
(b) Audits and Reviews Required – The Administrator shall ensure that any database
or similar application processing system for Federal disaster relief assistance
programs administered by the Agency undergoes a review by the Inspector General of
the Agency to determine the existence and implementation of such internal controls
required under this section and the amendments made by this section.

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Sec. 697. Registry of Disaster Response Contractors (6 U.S.C. 796)
(a) Definitions – In this section –
(1) the term ‘registry’ means the registry created under subsection (b); and
(2) the terms ‘small business concern’, ‘small business concern owned and
controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals’, ‘small
business concern owned and controlled by women’, and ‘small business
concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans’ have the
meanings given those terms under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631
et seq.).
(b) Registry –
(1) IN GENERAL – The Administrator shall establish and maintain a registry
of contractors who are willing to perform debris removal, distribution of
supplies, reconstruction, and other disaster or emergency relief activities.
(2) CONTENTS – The registry shall include, for each business concern –
(A) the name of the business concern;
(B) the location of the business concern;
(C) the area served by the business concern;
(D) the type of good or service provided by the business concern;
(E) the bonding level of the business concern ;
(F) whether the business concern is –
(i) a small business concern;
(ii) a small business concern owned and controlled by socially and
economically disadvantaged individuals;
(iii) a small business concern owned and controlled by women; or
(iv) a small business concern owned and controlled by servicedisabled veterans.
(3) SOURCE OF INFORMATION –
(A) SUBMISSION – Information maintained in the registry shall be
submitted on a voluntary basis and be kept current by the submitting
business concerns.
(B) ATTESTATION – Each business concern submitting information to
the registry shall submit –
(i) an attestation that the information is true; and
(ii) documentation supporting such attestation.
(C) VERIFICATION – The Administrator shall verify that the
documentation submitted by each business concern supports the
information submitted by that business concern.
(4) AVAILABILITY OF REGISTRY – The registry shall be made generally
available on the Internet site of the Agency.
(5) CONSULTATION OF REGISTRY – As part of the acquisition planning
for contracting for debris removal, distribution of supplies in a disaster,
reconstruction, and other disaster or emergency relief activities, a Federal
agency shall consult the registry.

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Sec. 698 Fraud Prevention Training Program (6 U.S.C. 797)
The Administrator shall develop and implement a program to provide training on the
prevention of waste, fraud, and abuse of Federal disaster relief assistance relating to
the response to or recovery from natural disasters and acts of terrorism or other manmade disasters and ways to identify such potential waste, fraud, and abuse.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global
War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-234,
120 Stat. 418 (2006), Signed on June 15, 2006.
Sec. 2401.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide funds to a State or local
government or, as necessary, assume an existing agreement from such unit of
government, to pay for utility costs resulting from the provision of temporary housing
units to evacuees from Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season if
the State or local government has previously arranged to pay for such utilities on
behalf of the evacuees for the term of any leases, not to exceed 12 months, contracted
by or prior to February 7, 2006: Provided, That the Federal share of the costs eligible
to be paid shall be 100 percent.
Note: Section 2401 has been extended from a period of 12 months to a period of 24
months by section 4503 of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina
Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 (signed on May 25,
2007), set forth above.
Sec. 2403.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
consider eligible under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual
Assistance Program the costs sufficient for alternative housing pilot programs in the
areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

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92

THE HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002
6 U.S.C. 311-321j
(As amended by the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007,
Pub. L. No. 109-295)

TITLE V
(National Emergency Management)
Sec. 501. Definitions (6 U.S.C. 311)
In this title—
(1) the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Agency;
(2) the term 'Agency' means the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(3) the term 'catastrophic incident' means any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or
other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage
or disruption severely affecting the population (including mass evacuations),
infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, or government functions in
an area;
(4) the term 'Federal coordinating officer' means a Federal coordinating officer as
described in section 302 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5143);
(5) the term 'interoperable' has the meaning given the term `interoperable
communications' under section 7303(g)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 194(g)(1));
(6) the term 'National Incident Management System' means a system to enable
effective, efficient, and collaborative incident management;
(7) the term 'National Response Plan' means the National Response Plan or any
successor plan prepared under section 502(a)(6);
(8) the term 'Regional Administrator' means a Regional Administrator appointed
under section 507;
(9) the term 'Regional Office' means a Regional Office established under section
507;

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(10) the term 'surge capacity' means the ability to rapidly and substantially increase
the provision of search and rescue capabilities, food, water, medicine, shelter and
housing, medical care, evacuation capacity, staffing (including disaster assistance
employees), and other resources necessary to save lives and protect property during
a catastrophic incident; and
(11) the term 'tribal government' means the government of any entity described in
section 2(10)(B).

Sec. 502. Definition (6 U.S.C. 312)
In this subchapter, the term “Nuclear Incident Response Team” means a resource that
includes—
(1) those entities of the Department of Energy that perform nuclear or radiological
emergency support functions (including accident response, search response,
advisory, and technical operations functions), radiation exposure functions at the
medical assistance facility known as the Radiation Emergency Assistance
Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), radiological assistance functions, and related
functions; and
(2) those entities of the Environmental Protection Agency that perform such support
functions (including radiological emergency response functions) and related
functions.

Sec. 503. Federal Emergency Management Agency (6 U.S.C. 313)
(a) In General— There is in the Department the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
headed by an Administrator.
(b) Mission—
(1) PRIMARY MISSION— The primary mission of the Agency is to reduce the
loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards, including natural
disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and
supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management
system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.
(2) SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES— In support of the primary mission of the Agency, the
Administrator shall—
(A) lead the Nation's efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover
from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other
man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents;
(B) partner with State, local, and tribal governments and emergency response
providers, with other Federal agencies, with the private sector, and with
nongovernmental organizations to build a national system of emergency

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management that can effectively and efficiently utilize the full measure of the
Nation's resources to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other
man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents;
(C) develop a Federal response capability that, when necessary and appropriate,
can act effectively and rapidly to deliver assistance essential to saving lives or
protecting or preserving property or public health and safety in a natural disaster,
act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(D) integrate the Agency's emergency preparedness, protection, response,
recovery, and mitigation responsibilities to confront effectively the challenges of
a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(E) develop and maintain robust Regional Offices that will work with State, local,
and tribal governments, emergency response providers, and other appropriate
entities to identify and address regional priorities;
(F) under the leadership of the Secretary, coordinate with the Commandant of the
Coast Guard, the Director of Customs and Border Protection, the Director of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the National Operations Center, and
other agencies and offices in the Department to take full advantage of the
substantial range of resources in the Department;
(G) provide funding, training, exercises, technical assistance, planning, and other
assistance to build tribal, local, State, regional, and national capabilities
(including communications capabilities), necessary to respond to a natural
disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster; and
(H) develop and coordinate the implementation of a risk-based, all-hazards
strategy for preparedness that builds those common capabilities necessary to
respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters while
also building the unique capabilities necessary to respond to specific types of
incidents that pose the greatest risk to our Nation.
(c) Administrator—
(1) IN GENERAL— The Administrator shall be appointed by the President, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) QUALIFICATIONS— The Administrator shall be appointed from among
individuals who have—
(A) a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and
homeland security; and
(B) not less than 5 years of executive leadership and management experience in
the public or private sector.
(3) REPORTING— The Administrator shall report to the Secretary, without being
required to report through any other official of the Department.

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(4) PRINCIPAL ADVISOR ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT—
(A) IN GENERAL— The Administrator is the principal advisor to the President,
the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary for all matters relating to
emergency management in the United States.
(B) ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS—
(i) IN GENERAL— In presenting advice with respect to any matter to the
President, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary, the
Administrator shall, as the Administrator considers appropriate, inform the
President, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary, as the case
may be, of the range of emergency preparedness, protection, response,
recovery, and mitigation options with respect to that matter.
(ii) ADVICE ON REQUEST— The Administrator, as the principal
advisor on emergency management, shall provide advice to the President,
the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary on a particular matter
when the President, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary
requests such advice.
(iii) RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS— After informing the
Secretary, the Administrator may make such recommendations to
Congress relating to emergency management as the Administrator
considers appropriate.
(5) CABINET STATUS—
(A) IN GENERAL— The President may designate the Administrator to serve as a
member of the Cabinet in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other
man-made disasters.
(B) RETENTION OF AUTHORITY— Nothing in this paragraph shall be
construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary under this Act.

Sec. 504. Authority and Responsibilities (6 U.S.C. 314)
(a) In General — The Administrator shall provide Federal leadership necessary to prepare
for, protect against, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against a natural disaster, act of
terrorism, or other man-made disaster, including—
(1) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers to terrorist
attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies;
(2) with respect to the Nuclear Incident Response Team (regardless of whether it is
operating as an organizational unit of the Department pursuant to this subchapter)—
(A) establishing standards and certifying when those standards have been met;
(B) conducting joint and other exercises and training and evaluating performance;
and
(C) providing funds to the Department of Energy and the Environmental
Protection Agency, as appropriate, for homeland security planning, exercises and
training, and equipment;

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(3) providing the Federal Government’s response to terrorist attacks and major
disasters, including—
(A) managing such response;
(B) directing the Domestic Emergency Support Team, the National Disaster
Medical System, and (when operating as an organizational unit of the Department
pursuant to this subchapter) the Nuclear Incident Response Team;
(C) overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response System; and
(D) coordinating other Federal response resources, including requiring
deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile, in the event of a terrorist attack or
major disaster;
(4) aiding the recovery from terrorist attacks and major disasters;
(5) building a comprehensive national incident management system with Federal,
State, and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, to respond to such
attacks and disasters;
(6) consolidating existing Federal Government emergency response plans into a
single, coordinated national response plan;
(7) helping ensure the acquisition of operable and interoperable communications
capabilities by Federal, State, local, and tribal governments and emergency
response providers;
(8) assisting the President in carrying out the functions under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and
carrying out all functions and authorities given to the Administrator under that Act;
(9) carrying out the mission of the Agency to reduce the loss of life and property
and protect the Nation from all hazards by leading and supporting the Nation in a
risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of—
(A) mitigation, by taking sustained actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks
to people and property from hazards and their effects;
(B) preparedness, by planning, training, and building the emergency management
profession to prepare effectively for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover
from any hazard;
(C) response, by conducting emergency operations to save lives and property
through positioning emergency equipment, personnel, and supplies, through
evacuating potential victims, through providing food, water, shelter, and medical
care to those in need, and through restoring critical public services; and
(D) recovery, by rebuilding communities so individuals, businesses, and
governments can function on their own, return to normal life, and protect against
future hazards;

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(10) increasing efficiencies, by coordinating efforts relating to preparedness,
protection, response, recovery, and mitigation;
(11) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers in
responding to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(12) supervising grant programs administered by the Agency;
(13) administering and ensuring the implementation of the National Response Plan,
including coordinating and ensuring the readiness of each emergency support
function under the National Response Plan;
(14) coordinating with the National Advisory Council established under section
508;
(15) preparing and implementing the plans and programs of the Federal
Government for—
(A) continuity of operations;
(B) continuity of government; and
(C) continuity of plans;
(16) minimizing, to the extent practicable, overlapping planning and reporting
requirements applicable to State, local, and tribal governments and the private
sector;
(17) maintaining and operating within the Agency the National Response
Coordination Center or its successor;
(18) developing a national emergency management system that is capable of
preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating
against catastrophic incidents;
(19) assisting the President in carrying out the functions under the national
preparedness goal and the national preparedness system and carrying out all
functions and authorities of the Administrator under the national preparedness
System;
(20) carrying out all authorities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and
the Directorate of Preparedness of the Department as transferred under section 505;
and
(21) otherwise carrying out the mission of the Agency as described in section
503(b).
(b) All-Hazards Approach— In carrying out the responsibilities under this section, the
Administrator shall coordinate the implementation of a risk-based, all-hazards strategy that

98

builds those common capabilities necessary to prepare for, protect against, respond to,
recover from, or mitigate against natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made
disasters, while also building the unique capabilities necessary to prepare for, protect
against, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against the risks of specific types of incidents
that pose the greatest risk to the Nation.

Sec. 505. Functions Transferred (6 U.S.C. 315)
(a)
In General— Except as provided in subsection (b), there are transferred to the
Agency the following:
(1) All functions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including
existing responsibilities for emergency alert systems and continuity of operations
and continuity of government plans and programs as constituted on June 1, 2006,
including all of its personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and
liabilities, and including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal
Emergency Management relating thereto.
(2) The Directorate of Preparedness, as constituted on June 1, 2006, including all of
its functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and
liabilities, and including the functions of the Under Secretary for Preparedness
relating thereto.
(b)
Exceptions— The following within the Preparedness Directorate shall not be
transferred:
(1) The Office of Infrastructure Protection.
(2) The National Communications System.
(3) The National Cybersecurity Division.
(4) The Office of the Chief Medical Officer.
(5) The functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, and liabilities of each
component described under paragraphs (1) through (4).

Sec. 506. Preserving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (6
U.S.C. 316)
(a) Distinct Entity— The Agency shall be maintained as a distinct entity within the
Department.
(b) Reorganization— Section 872 shall not apply to the Agency, including any function or
organizational unit of the Agency.
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(c)

Prohibition on Changes to Missions—
(1) IN GENERAL— The Secretary may not substantially or significantly reduce
the authorities, responsibilities, or functions of the Agency or the capability of the
Agency to perform those missions, authorities, responsibilities, except as otherwise
specifically provided in an Act enacted after the date of enactment of the PostKatrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006.
(2) CERTAIN TRANSFERS PROHIBITED— No asset, function, or mission of the
Agency may be diverted to the principal and continuing use of any other
organization, unit, or entity of the Department, except for details or assignments
that do not reduce the capability of the Agency to perform its missions.

(d) Reprogramming and Transfer of Funds— In reprogramming or transferring funds, the
Secretary shall comply with any applicable provisions of any Act making appropriations
for the Department for fiscal year 2007, or any succeeding fiscal year, relating to the
reprogramming or transfer of funds.

Sec. 507. Regional Offices (6 U.S.C. 317)
(a) In General— There are in the Agency 10 regional offices, as identified by the
Administrator.
(b) Management of Regional Offices—
(1) REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR— Each Regional Office shall be headed by a
Regional Administrator who shall be appointed by the Administrator, after
consulting with State, local, and tribal government officials in the region. Each
Regional Administrator shall report directly to the Administrator and be in the
Senior Executive Service.
(2) QUALIFICATIONS—
(A) IN GENERAL— Each Regional Administrator shall be appointed from
among individuals who have a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of
emergency management and homeland security.
(B) CONSIDERATIONS— In selecting a Regional Administrator for a Regional
Office, the Administrator shall consider the familiarity of an individual with the
geographical area and demographic characteristics of the population served by
such Regional Office.
(c) Responsibilities—
(1) IN GENERAL— The Regional Administrator shall work in partnership with
State, local, and tribal governments, emergency managers, emergency response
providers, medical providers, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations,

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multijurisdictional councils of governments, and regional planning commissions
and organizations in the geographical area served by the Regional Office to carry
out the responsibilities of a Regional Administrator under this section.
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES— The responsibilities of a Regional Administrator
include—
(A) ensuring effective, coordinated, and integrated regional preparedness,
protection, response, recovery, and mitigation activities and programs for natural
disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters (including planning,
training, exercises, and professional development);
(B) assisting in the development of regional capabilities needed for a national
catastrophic response system;
(C) coordinating the establishment of effective regional operable and
interoperable emergency communications capabilities;
(D) staffing and overseeing 1 or more strike teams within the region under
subsection (f), to serve as the focal point of the Federal Government's initial
response efforts for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made
disasters within that region, and otherwise building Federal response capabilities
to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters
within that region;
(E) designating an individual responsible for the development of strategic and
operational regional plans in support of the National Response Plan;
(F) fostering the development of mutual aid and other cooperative agreements;
(G) identifying critical gaps in regional capabilities to respond to populations with
special needs;
(H) maintaining and operating a Regional Response Coordination Center or its
successor; and
(I) performing such other duties relating to such responsibilities as the
Administrator may require.
(3) TRAINING AND EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS—
(A) TRAINING— The Administrator shall require each Regional Administrator
to undergo specific training periodically to complement the qualifications of the
Regional Administrator. Such training, as appropriate, shall include training with
respect to the National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan,
and such other subjects as determined by the Administrator.
(B) EXERCISES— The Administrator shall require each Regional Administrator
to participate as appropriate in regional and national exercises.
(d) Area Offices—
(1) IN GENERAL— There is an Area Office for the Pacific and an Area Office for
the Caribbean, as components in the appropriate Regional Offices.
(2) ALASKA— The Administrator shall establish an Area Office in Alaska, as a
component in the appropriate Regional Office.

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(e) Regional Advisory Council—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT— Each Regional Administrator shall establish a Regional
Advisory Council.
(2) NOMINATIONS— A State, local, or tribal government located within the
geographic area served by the Regional Office may nominate officials, including
Adjutants General and emergency managers, to serve as members of the Regional
Advisory Council for that region.
(3) RESPONSIBILITIES— Each Regional Advisory Council shall—
(A) advise the Regional Administrator on emergency management issues specific
to that region;
(B) identify any geographic, demographic, or other characteristics peculiar to any
State, local, or tribal government within the region that might make preparedness,
protection, response, recovery, or mitigation more complicated or difficult; and
(C) advise the Regional Administrator of any weaknesses or deficiencies in
preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for any State, local,
and tribal government within the region of which the Regional Advisory Council
is aware.
(f) Regional Office Strike Teams—
(1) IN GENERAL— In coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, each
Regional Administrator shall oversee multi-agency strike teams authorized under
section 303 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5144) that shall consist of
(A) a designated Federal coordinating officer;
(B) personnel trained in incident management;
(C) public affairs, response and recovery, and communications support personnel;
(D) a defense coordinating officer;
(E) liaisons to other Federal agencies;
(F) such other personnel as the Administrator or Regional Administrator
determines appropriate; and
(G) individuals from the agencies with primary responsibility for each of the
emergency support functions in the National Response Plan.
(2) OTHER DUTIES— The duties of an individual assigned to a Regional Office
strike team from another relevant agency when such individual is not functioning as
a member of the strike team shall be consistent with the emergency preparedness
activities of the agency that employs such individual.
(3) LOCATION OF MEMBERS— The members of each Regional Office strike
team, including representatives from agencies other than the Department, shall be
based primarily within the region that corresponds to that strike team.

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(4) COORDINATION— Each Regional Office strike team shall coordinate the
training and exercises of that strike team with the State, local, and tribal
governments and private sector and nongovernmental entities which the strike team
shall support when a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster
occurs.
(5) PREPAREDNESS— Each Regional Office strike team shall be trained as a unit
on a regular basis and equipped and staffed to be well prepared to respond to natural
disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic
incidents.
(6) AUTHORITIES— If the Administrator determines that statutory authority is
inadequate for the preparedness and deployment of individuals in strike teams under
this subsection, the Administrator shall report to Congress regarding the additional
statutory authorities that the Administrator determines are necessary.

Sec. 508. National Advisory Council (6 U.S.C. 318)
(a) Establishment— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, the Secretary shall establish an advisory
body under section 871(a) to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of Federal
preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of
terrorism, and other man-made disasters, to be known as the National Advisory Council.
(b) Responsibilities— The National Advisory Council shall advise the Administrator on all
aspects of emergency management. The National Advisory Council shall incorporate State,
local, and tribal government and private sector input in the development and revision of the
national preparedness goal, the national preparedness system, the National Incident
Management System, the National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies.
(c) Membership—
(1) IN GENERAL— The members of the National Advisory Council shall be
appointed by the Administrator, and shall, to the extent practicable, represent a
geographic (including urban and rural) and substantive cross section of officials,
emergency managers, and emergency response providers from State, local, and
tribal governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations,
including as appropriate
(A) members selected from the emergency management field and emergency
response providers, including fire service, law enforcement, hazardous materials
response, emergency medical services, and emergency management personnel, or
organizations representing such individuals;
(B) health scientists, emergency and inpatient medical providers, and public
health professionals;

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(C) experts from Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, and the private
sector, representing standards-setting and accrediting organizations, including
representatives from the voluntary consensus codes and standards development
community, particularly those with expertise in the emergency preparedness and
response field;
(D) State, local, and tribal government officials with expertise in preparedness,
protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, including Adjutants General;
(E) elected State, local, and tribal government executives;
(F) experts in public and private sector infrastructure protection, cybersecurity,
and communications;
(G) representatives of individuals with disabilities and other populations with
special needs; and
(H) such other individuals as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.
(2) COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES AND TRANSPORTATION— In the selection of members
of the National Advisory Council who are health or emergency medical services
professionals, the Administrator shall work with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services and the Secretary of Transportation.
(3) EX OFFICIO MEMBERS— The Administrator shall designate 1 or more
officers of the Federal Government to serve as ex officio members of the National
Advisory Council.
(4) TERMS OF OFFICE—
(A) IN GENERAL— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term of office
of each member of the National Advisory Council shall be 3 years.
(B) INITIAL APPOINTMENTS— Of the members initially appointed to the
National Advisory Council
(i) one-third shall be appointed for a term of 1 year; and
(ii) one-third shall be appointed for a term of 2 years.
(d) Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act—
(1) IN GENERAL— Notwithstanding section 871(a) and subject to paragraph (2),
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), including subsections (a),
(b), and (d) of section 10 of such Act, and section 552b(c) of title 5, United States
Code, shall apply to the National Advisory Council.
(2) TERMINATION— Section 14(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the National Advisory Council.

Sec. 509. National Integration Center (6 U.S.C. 319)
(a) In General— There is established in the Agency a National Integration Center.

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(b) Responsibilities—
(1) IN GENERAL— The Administrator, through the National Integration Center,
and in consultation with other Federal departments and agencies and the National
Advisory Council, shall ensure ongoing management and maintenance of the
National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan, and any
successor to such system or plan.
(2) SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES— The National Integration Center shall
periodically review, and revise as appropriate, the National Incident Management
System and the National Response Plan, including—
(A) establishing, in consultation with the Director of the Corporation for National
and Community Service, a process to better use volunteers and donations;
(B) improving the use of Federal, State, local, and tribal resources and ensuring
the effective use of emergency response providers at emergency scenes; and
(C) revising the Catastrophic Incident Annex, finalizing and releasing the
Catastrophic Incident Supplement to the National Response Plan, and ensuring
that both effectively address response requirements in the event of a catastrophic
incident.
(c) Incident Management—
(1) IN GENERAL—
(A) NATIONAL RESPONSE PLAN— The Secretary, acting through the
Administrator, shall ensure that the National Response Plan provides for a clear
chain of command to lead and coordinate the Federal response to any natural
disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster.
(B) ADMINISTRATOR— The chain of the command specified in the National
Response Plan shall
(i) provide for a role for the Administrator consistent with the role of the
Administrator as the principal emergency management advisor to the
President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary under section
503(c)(4) and the responsibility of the Administrator under the PostKatrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, and the
amendments made by that Act, relating to natural disasters, acts of
terrorism, and other man-made disasters; and
(ii) provide for a role for the Federal Coordinating Officer consistent with
the responsibilities under section 302(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5143(b)).
(2) PRINCIPAL FEDERAL OFFICIAL— The Principal Federal Official (or the
successor thereto) shall not—
(A) direct or replace the incident command structure established at the incident; or
(B) have directive authority over the Senior Federal Law Enforcement Official,
Federal Coordinating Officer, or other Federal and State officials.

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Sec. 510. Credentialing and Typing (6 U.S.C. 320)
The Administrator shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the administrators
of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, State, local, and tribal governments,
and organizations that represent emergency response providers, to collaborate on
developing standards for deployment capabilities, including credentialing of personnel and
typing of resources likely needed to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and
other man-made disasters.

Sec. 511. The National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center (6
U.S.C. 321)
(a) Definition— In this section, the term 'National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis
Center' means the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center established under
section 1016(d) of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 5195c(d)).
(b) Authority—
(1) IN GENERAL— There is in the Department the National Infrastructure
Simulation and Analysis Center which shall serve as a source of national expertise
to address critical infrastructure protection and continuity through support for
activities related to
(A) counterterrorism, threat assessment, and risk mitigation; and
(B) a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster.
(2) INFRASTRUCTURE MODELING—
(A) PARTICULAR SUPPORT— The support provided under paragraph (1) shall
include modeling, simulation, and analysis of the systems and assets comprising
critical infrastructure, in order to enhance preparedness, protection, response,
recovery, and mitigation activities.
(B) RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGENCIES— Each Federal agency and
department with critical infrastructure responsibilities under Homeland Security
Presidential Directive 7, or any successor to such directive, shall establish a
formal relationship, including an agreement regarding information sharing,
between the elements of such agency or department and the National
Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center, through the Department.
(C) PURPOSE—
(i) IN GENERAL— The purpose of the relationship under subparagraph
(B) shall be to permit each Federal agency and department described in
subparagraph (B) to take full advantage of the capabilities of the National
Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center (particularly vulnerability
and consequence analysis), consistent with its work load capacity and
priorities, for real-time response to reported and projected natural
disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
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(ii) RECIPIENT OF CERTAIN SUPPORT— Modeling, simulation, and
analysis provided under this subsection shall be provided to relevant
Federal agencies and departments, including Federal agencies and
departments with critical infrastructure responsibilities under Homeland
Security Presidential Directive 7, or any successor to such directive.

Sec. 512. Evacuation Plans and Exercises (6 U.S.C. 321a)
(a) In General— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to subsection (d),
grants made to States or local or tribal governments by the Department through the State
Homeland Security Grant Program or the Urban Area Security Initiative may be used to—
(1) establish programs for the development and maintenance of mass evacuation
plans under subsection (b) in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or
other man-made disaster;
(2) prepare for the execution of such plans, including the development of
evacuation routes and the purchase and stockpiling of necessary supplies and
shelters; and
(3) conduct exercises of such plans.
(b) Plan Development— In developing the mass evacuation plans authorized under
subsection (a), each State, local, or tribal government shall, to the maximum extent
practicable—
(1) establish incident command and decision making processes;
(2) ensure that State, local, and tribal government plans, including evacuation
routes, are coordinated and integrated;
(3) identify primary and alternative evacuation routes and methods to increase
evacuation capabilities along such routes such as conversion of two-way traffic to
one-way evacuation routes;
(4) identify evacuation transportation modes and capabilities, including the use of
mass and public transit capabilities, and coordinating and integrating evacuation
plans for all populations including for those individuals located in hospitals, nursing
homes, and other institutional living facilities;
(5) develop procedures for informing the public of evacuation plans before and
during an evacuation, including individuals-(A) with disabilities or other special needs;
(B) with limited English proficiency; or
(C) who might otherwise have difficulty in obtaining such information; and

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(6) identify shelter locations and capabilities.
(c) Assistance—
(1) IN GENERAL— The Administrator may establish any guidelines, standards, or
requirements determined appropriate to administer this section and to ensure
effective mass evacuation planning for State, local, and tribal areas.
(2) REQUESTED ASSISTANCE— The Administrator shall make assistance
available upon request of a State, local, or tribal government to assist hospitals,
nursing homes, and other institutions that house individuals with special needs to
establish, maintain, and exercise mass evacuation plans that are coordinated and
integrated into the plans developed by that State, local, or tribal government under
this section.
(d) Multipurpose Funds— Nothing in this section may be construed to preclude a State,
local, or tribal government from using grant funds in a manner that enhances preparedness
for a natural or man-made disaster unrelated to an act of terrorism, if such use assists such
government in building capabilities for terrorism preparedness.

Sec. 513. Disability Coordinator (6 U.S.C. 321b)
(a) In General— After consultation with organizations representing individuals with
disabilities, the National Council on Disabilities, and the Interagency Coordinating Council
on Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities, established under Executive Order No.
13347 (6 U.S.C. 312 note), the Administrator shall appoint a Disability Coordinator. The
Disability Coordinator shall report directly to the Administrator, in order to ensure that the
needs of individuals with disabilities are being properly addressed in emergency
preparedness and disaster relief.
(b) Responsibilities The Disability Coordinator shall be responsible for—
(1) providing guidance and coordination on matters related to individuals with
disabilities in emergency planning requirements and relief efforts in the event of a
natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(2) interacting with the staff of the Agency, the National Council on Disabilities, the
Interagency Coordinating Council on Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities
established under Executive Order No. 13347 (6 U.S.C. 312 note), other agencies of
the Federal Government, and State, local, and tribal government authorities
regarding the needs of individuals with disabilities in emergency planning
requirements and relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or
other man-made disaster;
(3) consulting with organizations that represent the interests and rights of
individuals with disabilities about the needs of individuals with disabilities in

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emergency planning requirements and relief efforts in the event of a natural
disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;
(4) ensuring the coordination and dissemination of best practices and model
evacuation plans for individuals with disabilities;
(5) ensuring the development of training materials and a curriculum for training of
emergency response providers, State, local, and tribal government officials, and
others on the needs of individuals with disabilities;
(6) promoting the accessibility of telephone hotlines and websites regarding
emergency preparedness, evacuations, and disaster relief;
(7) working to ensure that video programming distributors, including broadcasters,
cable operators, and satellite television services, make emergency information
accessible to individuals with hearing and vision disabilities;
(8) ensuring the availability of accessible transportation options for individuals with
disabilities in the event of an evacuation;
(9) providing guidance and implementing policies to ensure that the rights and
wishes of individuals with disabilities regarding post-evacuation residency and
relocation are respected;
(10) ensuring that meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities are included in
the components of the national preparedness system established under section 644
of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006; and
(11) any other duties as assigned by the Administrator.

Sec. 514. Department and Agency Officials (6 U.S.C. 321c)
(a) Deputy Administrators— The President may appoint, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, not more than 4 Deputy Administrators to assist the Administrator in
carrying out this title.
(b) Cybersecurity and Communications— There is in the Department an Assistant
Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications.
(c) United States Fire Administration— The Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration shall have a rank equivalent to an assistant secretary of the Department.

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Sec. 515. National Operations Center (6 U.S.C. 321d)
(a) Definition— In this section, the term `situational awareness' means information
gathered from a variety of sources that, when communicated to emergency managers and
decision makers, can form the basis for incident management decision making.
(b) Establishment— The National Operations Center is the principal operations center for
the Department and shall—
(1) provide situational awareness and a common operating picture for the entire
Federal Government, and for State, local, and tribal governments as appropriate, in
the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster; and
(2) ensure that critical terrorism and disaster-related information reaches
government decision-makers.

Sec. 516. Chief Medical Officer (6 U.S.C. 321e)
(a) In General— There is in the Department a Chief Medical Officer, who shall be
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b) Qualifications— The individual appointed as Chief Medical Officer shall possess a
demonstrated ability in and knowledge of medicine and public health.
(c) Responsibilities— The Chief Medical Officer shall have the primary responsibility
within the Department for medical issues related to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and
other man-made disasters, including—
(1) serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary and the Administrator on
medical and public health issues;
(2) coordinating the biodefense activities of the Department;
(3) ensuring internal and external coordination of all medical preparedness and
response activities of the Department, including training, exercises, and equipment
support;
(4) serving as the Department's primary point of contact with the Department of
Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human
Services, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Veterans Affairs,
and other Federal departments or agencies, on medical and public health issues;
(5) serving as the Department's primary point of contact for State, local, and tribal
governments, the medical community, and others within and outside the
Department, with respect to medical and public health matters;

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(6) discharging, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Science and
Technology, the responsibilities of the Department related to Project Bioshield; and
(7) performing such other duties relating to such responsibilities as the Secretary
may require.

Sec. 517. Nuclear incident response (6 U.S.C. 321f)
(a) In general
At the direction of the Secretary (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack,
major disaster, or other emergency in the United States), the Nuclear Incident Response
Team shall operate as an organizational unit of the Department. While so operating, the
Nuclear Incident Response Team shall be subject to the direction, authority, and control of
the Secretary.
(b) Rule of construction
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to limit the ordinary responsibility of the
Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for
organizing, training, equipping, and utilizing their respective entities in the Nuclear
Incident Response Team, or (subject to the provisions of this subchapter) from exercising
direction, authority, and control over them when they are not operating as a unit of the
Department.

Sec. 518. Conduct of certain public health-related activities (6 U.S.C.
321g)
(a) In general
With respect to all public health-related activities to improve State, local, and hospital
preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear and other
emerging terrorist threats carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services
(including the Public Health Service), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall set
priorities and preparedness goals and further develop a coordinated strategy for such
activities in collaboration with the Secretary.
(b) Evaluation of progress
In carrying out subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall collaborate with the Secretary in developing specific benchmarks and outcome
measurements for evaluating progress toward achieving the priorities and goals described
in such subsection.

Sec. 519. Use of national private sector networks in emergency response
(6 U.S.C. 321h)
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use national private sector networks
and infrastructure for emergency response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or
explosive disasters, and other major disasters.
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Sec. 520. Use of commercially available technology, goods, and services (6
U.S.C. 321i)
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) the Secretary should, to the maximum extent possible, use off-the-shelf
commercially developed technologies to ensure that the Department’s information
technology systems allow the Department to collect, manage, share, analyze, and
disseminate information securely over multiple channels of communication; and
(2) in order to further the policy of the United States to avoid competing
commercially with the private sector, the Secretary should rely on commercial
sources to supply the goods and services needed by the Department.

Sec. 521. Procurement of security countermeasures for Strategic National
Stockpile (6 U.S.C. 321j)
(a) Authorization of appropriations
For the procurement of security countermeasures under section 247d–6b (c) of title 42
(referred to in this section as the “security countermeasures program”), there is authorized
to be appropriated up to $5,593,000,000 for the fiscal years 2004 through 2013. Of the
amounts appropriated under the preceding sentence, not to exceed $3,418,000,000 may be
obligated during the fiscal years 2004 through 2008, of which not to exceed $890,000,000
may be obligated during fiscal year 2004.
(b) Special reserve fund
For purposes of the security countermeasures program, the term “special reserve fund”
means the “Biodefense Countermeasures” appropriations account or any other
appropriation made under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Availability
Amounts appropriated under subsection (a) of this section become available for a
procurement under the security countermeasures program only upon the approval by the
President of such availability for the procurement in accordance with paragraph (6)(B) of
such program.
(d) Related authorizations of appropriations
(1) Threat assessment capabilities
For the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary for terror threat
assessment under the security countermeasures program, there are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2004
through 2006, for the hiring of professional personnel within the Directorate for
Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, who shall be analysts
responsible for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat assessment
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(including but not limited to analysis of chemical, biological, radiological, and
nuclear agents, the means by which such agents could be weaponized or used in a
terrorist attack, and the capabilities, plans, and intentions of terrorists and other nonstate actors who may have or acquire such agents). All such analysts shall meet the
applicable standards and qualifications for the performance of intelligence activities
promulgated by the Director of Central Intelligence pursuant to section 403–4 of
title 50.
(2) Intelligence sharing infrastructure
For the purpose of carrying out the acquisition and deployment of secure facilities
(including information technology and physical infrastructure, whether mobile and
temporary, or permanent) sufficient to permit the Secretary to receive, not later than
180 days after July 21, 2004, all classified information and products to which the
Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection is entitled
under part A of subchapter II of this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2004 through 2006.

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