By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-995827.mp3
Springfield, MA – Six months after tornadoes tore through western Massachusetts, and communities are still looking for reimbursements for their emergency expenses from the federal government. WAMC"s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
The city of Springfield Massachusetts has spent 23 point 6 million dollars on its tornado response. That figure includes debris removal, securing and demolishing condemned buildings and overtime for public safety personnel. All expenses that are eligible for at least partial reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Springfield is still waiting for its first FEMA check to arrive.
Springfield city solicitor Ed Pikula has likened the reimbursement process to a big tort case, in which FEMA is the other side's insurance company.
Springfield has filed some 40 separate claims what are known as project work sheets..to document the expenses it wants reimbursed.
Shortly after the June 1st tornado, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno sought and received authorization from the city council to deficit spend. But, at some point, the books have to be balanced, so the mayor says he's regularly on the telephone to FEMA officials.
The mayor is expecting to have at least 75 percent of the city's emergency tornado expenses eventually covered by FEMA.
According to state estimates, FEMA reimbursable damages in all the tornado impacted communities in western and central Massachusetts comes to about 53 million dollars.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick included ten million dollars in a supplemental budget to assist cities and towns impacted by the June 1st tornadoes for costs not reimbursed by FEMA. Lt Governor Timothy Murray acknowledges the state will likely have to come up with more money to help pay for the emergency response.
FEMA also provides public assistance grants to pay to rebuild damaged public infrastructure. The city of Springfield estimates it suffered 100 million dollars in damage to public property, including two schools, a community center, and several parks. City officials are expected to apply for funds to repair the damage, after a master rebuilding plan is finalized early next year.
FEMA has paid out 4 point 4 million dollars to almost 5 thousand people who sought grants for un-insured losses. The SBA issued 278 loans totaling 16 point 5 million dollars. The window for individuals and businesses to apply for help has closed.