On Oct. 22, Barton County was declared eligible for Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to severe storms and flooding that occurred throughout Kansas from July 22 through August 16. An Applicants’ Briefing for township officials, cities, county, school districts and certain non-profit organizations within Barton County has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Barton County Courthouse, Room 101, Great Bend. This meeting is for public officials and officers from these agencies and organizations, and elected officials from these entities may be in attendance.
The Applicants’ Briefing is a meeting conducted by the State to inform prospective applicants of available assistance and eligibility requirements for obtaining Federal assistance under the declared event in the state of Kansas. Applicant’s work and cost eligibility will be reviewed at this time and the public assistance process explained.
President Obama declared a Federal Disaster Declaration on Oct. 22, for the state of Kansas, and Barton County was declared eligible for public assistance at that time. Entities had already provided information during a Preliminary Damage Assessment to enable the county and the state to qualify for the declaration. In addition, all counties within the State of Kansas are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
All eligible applicants are encouraged to attend this briefing and learn how to complete a Request for Public Assistance form. All eligible entities must complete the Request for Assistance form to be eligible for funds. Even though an entity provided information during the Preliminary Damage Assessment, that will not be considered an application for Public Assistance. For more information contact Amy Miller, Emergency Management Director at 620-793-1919.