Open Public Comment Period for Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, Version 5
FEMA is requesting public comments on its latest Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide version 5, which focuses on plain language and increased eligibility for assistance. The 60-day public comment period opens June 18, 2024 and closes August 19, 2024.
Date: June 18, 2024 - August 19, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Event Details
The public comment period has ended.
As part of the publication process for Version 5 of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG), the agency is accepting comments on the Federal Register and on FEMA.gov on the draft policy through August 19, 2024. The updated guide, which is based on feedback from states, tribes, territories and nonprofits, simplifies eligibility, streamlines processes, increases accessibility and supports resilience.
What's New
- The PAPPG version 5 will highlight how Public Assistance applicants will be able to maximize the program’s authorities by submitting cost summaries for their projects rather than detailed, itemized cost information.
- Applicants will experience reduced documentation with the ability to group projects with similar damage together rather than undergo individual inspections to help keep recovery moving forward.
- To ensure equitable outcomes, applicants can help FEMA prioritize projects that benefit vulnerable populations by submitting information to determine whether disaster impacts affect any underserved communities.
- As a way to promote resiliency when building back, version 5 includes a section on nature-based solutions, which incorporate natural features or processes into the project design and construction phase.
A full list of major changes and updates will be available in the final published guide. Any remarks received during the 60-day comment period will be reviewed and adjudicated for the final version of the PAPPG, as required by the Office of Management and Budget and pursuant to Executive Order 12866.
Webinars
FEMA will be hosting webinars on the PAPPG updates on the following days:
- July 9, 2024- 3-4pm EST (Tribal partners)
- July 10, 2024- 3-4pm EST (State and Local partners)
- July 11, 2024- 3-4pm EST (Private non-profit partners)
- July 12, 2024- 1-2pm EST (Spanish language session).