Category: Press Releases
Elk City Landslide 2016
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, April 6, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969 eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
Businesses Impacted by Elk City Landslide may be Eligible for Assistance
BOISE – The State of Idaho is seeking information from small non-farm businesses in and around the Elk City community whose operations and ability to conduct business were disrupted by a massive rockslide Feb 18th. This information will determine whether impacted businesses would be eligible for disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The rockslide on State Highway 14 cut off the only public access to Elk City, Dixie and other communities in Idaho County, and led to a State Disaster Declaration. In signing the declaration, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter acknowledged the profound disruption to the livelihoods of area residents.
The State of Idaho will need at least five (5) or more small businesses located in Idaho County affected by the Feb 18th landslide to complete a Small Business Administration (SBA) worksheet before the SBA will offer assistance. Businesses impacted by the landslide who do not wish to receive the low interest loans are still encouraged to submit worksheets so that businesses who do need the assistance will be able to get it. The worksheet (attached to this news release) may be found on the Commerce website at https://commerce.idaho.gov on the “Communities” page. Forms can be downloaded and sent by fax to 208.334.2631, by email to jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov or mailed directly to:
Jerry Miller
Idaho Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0093
If approved, the assistance will be in the form of low interest, direct loans from (SBA). Farms and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program, but may seek assistance from their county U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency representative.
Businesses located in contiguous counties may also be considered for SBA assistance as a result of the landslide. Clearwater, Lewis, Lemhi, Nez Perce, Adams, and Valley County businesses that provide goods and services to Idaho County may have experienced significant economic impact and are encouraged to submit worksheets as soon as possible.
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The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The men and women of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
As the lead economic development agency for the State of Idaho, the mission of Idaho Commerce is to create jobs, strengthen communities and market the state by:
- Building the economy by assisting the growth of existing Idaho businesses and attracting new businesses to the state
- Assisting Idaho businesses in the exportation of goods and services to nations throughout the world
- Cultivating the development of new businesses and job opportunities across all industry sectors
- Expanding Idaho’s tourism and recreation industries
- Creating partnerships between the private sector and universities though innovation programs
2016 Flooding Awareness Week
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, March 25, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
Turn Around Don’t Drown
March 27-April 2nd Flooding Awareness Week in Idaho
BOISE – Flood related deaths account for more fatalities in the United States than any other natural disaster. In Idaho, flooding is one of our most frequent and costly hazards. While spring flooding exacts the most damage, flooding can happen any time of the year. Because of the need for an awareness of flooding dangers in Idaho, Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed March 27 – April 2 Flooding Awareness Week.
Did you know: More than half of flood related deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways. This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it is moving. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry off an adult. Twelve inches of water can float a small car. If that water is moving, it can carry your car away. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway, or path, follow this simple rule: Turn Around Don’t Drown.
Know the Difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning:
Watch – get ready! A watch is issued when a specific weather hazard is possible. This gives you and your family time to get prepared. If you live in a low lying area, you can prepare for the possibility of flood waters impacting your home. You can also plan alternate routes for getting to home, work or school if you know certain roads you usually take could be covered by water. The watch also gives you a chance to test your communications plan and alert family and friends to the threat of dangerous weather.
Warning – take action! A warning is issued when a specific weather hazard is currently happening or will be occurring very soon. If a flood or flash flood warning is issued and you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. Follow evacuation orders if they are issued. If you encounter a roadway that is covered in water, do not enter the water! Turn Around Don’t drown! It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters.
Stay informed: Being informed is a crucial part of being prepared for any significant event, including flooding. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to receive weather and other emergency alerts and notifications by visiting www.isaws.org.
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Landslide Idaho County
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, February 25, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
Landslide leads to State Disaster Declaration for Idaho County
BOISE – Due to extensive damage caused by a massive landslide on Idaho State Highway 14 that began 18 February, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has issued a State Disaster Emergency Declaration in support of Idaho County. The declaration, approved by the Governor Wednesday, ensures that all available resources will be brought to bear in the landslide response. Primary focus areas continue to be the safety of the residents in the Elk City area with restricted access into and out of their communities.
Engineers estimate it may take approximately two to three weeks to fully re-open State Highway 14 and remove an estimated 100 thousand cubic yards of slide debris. The debris is 40 to 60 feet deep and covers about 500 feet of roadway. “We are grateful beyond measure that no one was killed or seriously injured by the landslide,” said Governor Otter. “This event has profoundly disrupted the lives and livelihoods of residents in Idaho County. State and local agencies are working together to help restore access to Elk City and Dixie and other communities on this vital roadway. I also want to encourage civic-minded volunteer organizations to reach out to this community in their time of need.”
The Governor’s declaration is a prerequisite to access Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief (FHWA) funding. The Idaho Emergency Operations Center is providing all available support to ITD and Idaho County in order that this critical route be reopened as soon as possible. A Forest Service Road is being used as an emergency alternate route until the Idaho Transportation Department clears and repairs Highway 14.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
HMGP deadline
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, February 3, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
FEMA News Desk: 425-487-4610
February 8 Deadline Approaching in First Step for Grants to Strengthen Communities
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is seeking applicants wanting grants to help build stronger, safer communities.
As a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration for Idaho, cost-share grants will be available under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for approved projects aimed at saving lives and property and promoting community resilience in future disasters.
“The best way to protect ourselves against some of nature’s disastrous consequences is to take action to reduce vulnerabilities in areas we know are prone to damage,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “With FEMA’s help, Idaho is supporting smart investments in projects to keep people and communities out of harm’s way. IBHS will prioritize projects designed to reduce the impact of known hazards in Idaho, including improving infrastructure resiliency, and mitigating wildfire and flood risks.”
Projects in the disaster-designated counties of Boundary, Bonner, Benewah and Kootenai, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, will be considered first, but HMGP grant opportunities may be extended to entities statewide if all available funds are not committed, Richy said.
To be considered for assistance under the HMGP, state agencies, local and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Monday, February 8. Anyone with questions about the program, eligibility or the application process may contact IBHS Mitigation Section Chief Susan Cleverley at 208-258-6545.
IBHS, as the program administrator, will evaluate applications and then work with FEMA to award grants on a cost-sharing basis. FEMA provides 75 percent of the total costs, while the remaining 25 percent is the nonfederal share. FEMA obligates its share of the funds directly to the state, which awards the money to successful applicants.
“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program underscores FEMA’s dedication to preparedness,” said Dolph Diemont, federal coordinating officer for the Idaho recovery. “By helping to fund mitigation projects, we not only save lives and safeguard property, we prevent the costly cycle of damage, repairs and then repeat damage.”
More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available from FEMA here and from the IBHS here.
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The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The men and women of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Snow Disaster Declaration
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, February 1, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
FEMA News Desk: 425-487-4610
Idaho Receives Second Major Disaster Declaration in Six Weeks
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Local crews worked around the clock to restore power and clear roads after severe winter storms in December brought heavy snow and frigid temperatures to northern Idaho. As a result of President Obama’s February 1 disaster declaration, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be working to reimburse eligible applicants for costs incurred in keeping citizens safe and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.
State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit utilities in Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai counties may be eligible for funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program as a result of the declaration for the Dec. 16-27, 2015, storms.
This is the second federal disaster declaration for northern Idaho in about six weeks. On Dec. 23, 2015, the president issued a major disaster declaration making federal Public Assistance available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. That declaration was the result of the severe storm and straight-line winds in the area on Nov. 17, 2015. “Our first responders and utilities worked day and night, and at great expense, to keep folks safe during those back-to-back storms late last year,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “We are working closely with FEMA to help reimburse applicants for their costs for the November storm, and we will do the same for the December events.”
Under the Public Assistance program FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.
“IBHS has been an outstanding partner in support of applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “With the personnel and processes already in place, we will be able build on those relationships and provide prompt assistance to all eligible applicants.”
In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds. This program provides supplemental financial assistance to public entities and certain private nonprofits to reduce the risk to life and property in future disasters.
Additional information is available online at FEMA Public Assistance, PA in Idaho, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program-FEMA and HMGP in Idaho.
Additional information for the December storms, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4252. For the latest on the severe storms that occurred Nov.17, 2015 go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.
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The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The men and women of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Deadline to Submit Requests for Public Assistance
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, January 21, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
FEMA News Desk: 425-487-4610
Deadline is Friday to Submit Requests for Public Assistance following November Storm
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – State agencies – along with local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit agencies – affected by the Nov. 17, 2015, severe storm in northern Idaho have until Friday to submit the paperwork needed to request reimbursement grants.
Submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS) is the first step in applying for funds under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.
President Obama’s Dec. 23, 2015, disaster declaration provides aid under the Public Assistance (PA) program for eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. They have 30 days from the declaration date to submit RPAs.
The program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the storm as well as in cleaning up and repairing afterward.
“Those entities that sustained damages or had emergency expenses because of the November storm are encouraged to submit their requests for assistance by the Friday deadline,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “FEMA is working closely with us to help you recover much of your eligible expenses.”
Any applicant or potential applicant seeking information on the RPA procedure or the PA program may call IBHS Recovery Coordinator Jarod Dick at 208-258-6515.
The November 17 storm and straight-line winds left thousands without power, blocked roads with downed trees and other debris and caused significant damage to public infrastructure.
FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.
In addition to Public Assistance grants, additional funds will be available in Idaho under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The state has elected to target the four designated counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for HMGP assistance, although grant opportunities may be extended to other entities statewide if any available funds remain.
“Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA is providing additional funds to Idaho to help communities implement critical mitigation measures aimed at reducing the risk of loss of life and property in future disasters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA.
The HMGP, administered by the state, is also a cost-share program, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds. This program provides supplemental financial assistance to public entities and certain private nonprofits to reduce the risk to life and property in future disasters.
Potential HMGP applicants must file a Letter of Intent with IBHS by Feb. 8, 2016.
More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-localstate-tribal-and-non-profit and https://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/PublicAssistance.aspx.
More information about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program and https://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/HMGP.aspx.
Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated to the state, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.
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The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The men and women of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Northern Idaho Public Assistance Briefings
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, January 8, 2016
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
IBHS and FEMA Conduct Briefing of Funding Opportunities following Presidential Disaster Declaration
BOISE, Idaho – Emergency management specialists from the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (IBHS), with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), completed a briefing Thursday in Coeur d’Alene as a first step in getting assistance dollars to local and tribal governments as well as nonprofit utilities affected by the November 17 severe wind storm in four northern Idaho counties.
IBHS and FEMA are working in partnership as a result of the Dec. 23, 2015, presidential disaster declaration stemming from the Nov. 17, 2015, windstorm that left thousands without power for extended periods of time. The declaration makes FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation (HMGP) grants available to eligible applicants in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.
Potential applicants have until Jan. 22, 2016, to file a Request for Public Assistance with IBHS to initiate a claim under the disaster declaration.
“Thursday’s applicant briefing was an excellent start to the process of getting Public Assistance grants to entities that worked hard to protect local citizens, get power restored, and clear roads during and after the storm,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “We welcome FEMA’s partnership as we move into the next phase of working directly with each of the applicants.”
The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and nonprofit utility cooperatives for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of and during the storm, and in cleaning up and repairing afterward.
“We are committed to working closely with our Idaho state partner to expedite grants to eligible applicants in northern Idaho,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA. “Our goal is to support the communities and utilities that took steps to ensure people’s safety during the storm and to make repairs afterward.”
Meetings will be held between applicants and project managers from IBHS and FEMA to discuss which types of expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. Discussions include the process of rebuilding infrastructure to resist damage in the future. These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars to the applicants.
Under the PA and HMGP program, FEMA reimburses applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the non-federal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the
state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.
More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and https://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Operations/DisasterAssistance/PublicAssistance.aspx.
Additional information for the specific disaster, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4246.
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The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The men and women of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Signed Presidential Disaster Declaration for Northern Idaho Windstorm
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, December 23, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
President Declares Major Disaster for Idaho Following Destructive Northern Idaho Windstorm
(Boise) President Barack H. Obama today approved Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s request for a major disaster declaration for Idaho. The Presidential Disaster Declaration clears the way for federal disaster assistance for four northern Idaho counties following an historic windstorm that caused widespread destruction and left tens of thousands of people without power for days.
“These were hurricane force winds that caused wide scale and extended blackouts,” said Governor Otter. “The level of destruction that happened in such a short time was widespread and significant and caused untold suffering and economic disruption.”
Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties bore the brunt of the unprecedented November 17th windstorm that caused havoc throughout the Pacific and Interior Northwest. The weather service reported wind gusts measuring as high as 101 mph in Bonner County. Electric cooperatives serving individuals and businesses in the four county area including Kootenai Electric Coop, Northern Lights, Inc., Inland Power Coop and Clearwater Power Coop, sustained significant damage to infrastructure. Complete power restoration took more than a week, during which time citizens, businesses and agencies worked to find alternate resources for heating, cooking and lighting.
“The region was left in the dark for days creating austere conditions at a time of year when snowfall and below freezing temperatures are commonplace,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “This Presidential Disaster Declaration means federal funding will be made available to lessen the dire financial burden on taxpayers and power users. I commend the Governor’s office for requesting the declaration.”
A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) related to significant destruction caused by the windstorms was completed earlier this month by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and local officials. The process involved precise data collection regarding the damage. The PDA was the initial step in determining the magnitude and scope of the damage and Idaho’s subsequent eligibility for federal disaster assistance.
The windstorm was the worst natural disaster to affect Kootenai Electric Cooperative (KEC) in its history. More than 17-thousand of KEC’s 24,500 members lost power during the windstorm. 100% of the 17-hundred plus Inland Power and Light customers within the affected area were without power during the storm. 12,000 of 18,000 customers of Northern Lights, Inc. were also without power. Additionally, 100% of Clearwater Power Cooperative’s 2,480 customers lost power.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
OCT 2015 Earthquake awareness Month and ShakeOut
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, October 1, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov
Earthquake Awareness Essentials for Idahoans
Governor’s proclamation and ShakeOut events enhance citizen awareness
(Boise) Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today signed a proclamation designating October 2015 as Earthquake Awareness Month. Thirty-two years ago this month the Borah Peak earthquake killed two schoolchildren, injured a number of others and caused more than $12 million in damages. The Governor’s proclamation encourages Idahoans to be prepared and recognizes the important role emergency managers and others play in public safety in times of disaster.
“Being aware of hazards and risks we face in Idaho is critically important to staying safe and minimizing loss of life,” said Brad Richy, chief of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “While earthquakes cannot be predicted, and there is no earthquake season as with wildfires and floods, being aware that they can and do happen in Idaho and having a plan for you and your family can minimize injury and prevent the loss of life.”
The Great Idaho ShakeOut earthquake drill encourages participants to drop, cover and hold on at 10:15 a.m. (local time) October 15, 2015, to prepare themselves for an earthquake. Thousands of Idahoans already are signed up to participate. Participants include Idaho businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, volunteer and non-profit organizations, to name a few. Anyone can participate, from a single individual at home to a small, medium or large company at the workplace. For information on how to be part of this important worldwide effort to enhance earthquake preparedness, go to www.shakeout.org/idaho.
“Idahoans should understand that our state is the sixth most seismically active state in the U.S.,” said State Geologist Michael “Ed” Ratchford, Ph.D. “Two recent examples of earthquakes in Idaho are the Challis 5.0 event that occurred on January 3, 2015 and the Sandpoint 3.9 event on April 24, 2015.
“Historically, Idaho has experienced much larger and damaging earthquakes such as the Borah Peak 6.9 event that occurred on October 28, 1983.”
Earthquake Safety Tips:
- If you are inside stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside.
- Drop down to your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down and crouch under a table or near an inside wall.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
- If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.
SBA Assistance for Businesses & Individuals
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, September 11, 2015
Contact:
(Bureau of Homeland Security) Mallory Eils (208) 258-6592 or meils@bhs.idaho.gov
(Idaho Commerce) Kayla Church (208) 287-0784 or kayla.church@commerce.idaho.gov
Potential Assistance for Businesses and Individuals Impacted by 2015 Fires
While cooler temperatures and precipitation have helped to moderate fire activity across the state, the effects of Idaho’s 2015 wildfire season will linger on. As the end of fire season draws nearer, recovery efforts for those affected by the devastating wildfires will continue even after the last fire is out.
“When individuals and families begin the recovery process following a disaster it is important we collaborate with the appropriate state agencies to quickly free up available resources and assistance,” said Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. “That’s why we are working with the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration to identify all potential options for those affected by the 2015 wildfires.”
The Idaho Department of Commerce is collecting information to request a disaster declaration from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). If declared, it would make federal disaster loans available to small businesses with working capital needs caused by the fires. “We want to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to help those small businesses that have been affected by the fires this year,” said Jeffery Sayer, Director, Idaho Department of Commerce. “Receiving a declaration from the SBA would put our state’s small businesses on the path toward recovery.”
The SBA makes a physical declaration when at least 25 homes (primary residences) and/or businesses in a county have uninsured losses of 40% or more of their estimated fair replacement value. Secondary homes, condominium units, cabins, camps, and lake homes are not included in the tally. If approved, the declaration would make available low interest loans to replace or repair residences.
In order to submit a request to the SBA, the State of Idaho will need five (5) or more small businesses located in Idaho, Lewis, Clearwater, and Owyhee Counties to complete and submit the Idaho Department of Commerce SBA’s Economic Injury Worksheet. If those counties are approved the following contiguous counties would also be eligible – Lemhi, Nez Perce, Latah, Shoshone, Adams, Valley, Canyon, Elmore, Twin Falls, and Ada. The worksheet may be found on the Commerce website at https://commerce.idaho.gov on the “Communities” page. Forms can
be downloaded and sent by fax to 208.334.2631, by email to jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov or mailed directly to:
Jerry Miller
Idaho Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0093
Farms, orchards, and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program, but may seek assistance from their county U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency representative. Small businesses are asked to complete and submit their worksheets as soon as possible so assistance can be targeted to areas with the greatest needs.
The Idaho Emergency Operations Center, housed at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, remains on heightened alert and continues to monitor the fire situation to provide ongoing support as needed.
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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.