The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $4 billion to Region 3 states and the District of Columbia for costs related to saving lives and protecting the public from COVID-19. In addition to Washington, DC, Region 3 includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Funds were distributed among local partners, state partners, school districts, other public entities, and certain private nonprofits.
The federal funding reimbursed costs associated with emergency protective measures via FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. These emergency protective measures included patient testing, purchasing of personal protective equipment (PPE), and patient care. Further reimbursement covered costs associated with storing, handling, transporting, distributing, and administering vaccines.
“FEMA is committed to providing mission critical funding to our state, local and nonprofit partners,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The $4 billion in aid reduced the spread of the COVID-19 virus within our communities. FEMA continues to work hand in hand with our federal, state and tribal partners to lessen the impacts of COVID-19.”
The total amount of Public Assistance funds received, as of October, per state and the District of Columbia are as follows:
Delaware: $216,336,970
District of Columbia: $722,221,321
Maryland: $1,391,766,239
Pennsylvania: $830,914,127
Virginia: $784,516,159
West Virginia: $94,111,245
The response to COVID-19 has been a highly coordinated effort between states, territories, and the federal government. In addition, to the $4 billion in Public Assistance funding, FEMA actively collaborated with the National Guard on strategic Mission Assignments. To date, the total amount of Mission Assignment funds provided per state, are as follows:
Delaware: $145,979,574.00
Maryland: $405,582,023.50
Pennsylvania: $265,271,549.00
Virginia: $471,268,549.00
West Virginia: $356,125,360.24
“The funds granted to Region 3 had profoundly positive impacts on our communities’ ability to respond to the risks of COVID-19,” Tierney said. “The funding provided the ability to purchase vital equipment and supplies. Ultimately, the funds ensured protection for frontline workers and the public.”