Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 Transforms Field of Emergency Management

The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA) reforms acknowledge the shared responsibility of disaster response and recovery, aim to reduce the complexity of FEMA, and build the nation’s capacity for the next catastrophic event.  Highlights from the DRRA include:

• Greater investment in mitigation, before a disaster: Authorizing the National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, funded through the Disaster Relief Fund as a six percent set aside from disaster expenses.
• Reducing risk from future disasters after fire: Providing hazard mitigation grant funding in areas that received Fire Management Assistance Grants as a result of wildfire. Adding 14 new mitigation project types associated with wildfires and windstorms.
• Increasing state capacity to manage disaster recovery: Allowing for higher rates of reimbursement to state, local, tribal and territorial partners for their administrative costs when implementing public assistance and hazard mitigation projects. Additionally, the legislation provides flexibility for states and tribes to administer their own post-disaster housing missions, while encouraging the development of disaster housing strategies.
• Providing greater flexibility to survivors with disabilities: Increasing the amount of assistance available to individuals and households affected by disasters, including allowing accessibility repairs for people with disabilities, without counting those repairs against their maximum disaster assistance grant award.
• Retaining skilled response and recovery personnel: Authorizing FEMA to appoint certain types of temporary employees who have been with the agency for three continuous years to full time positions in the same manner as federal employees with competitive status. This allows the agency to retain and promote talented, experienced emergency managers.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Reform Act Video

FEMA developed an introductory video to the Disaster Recovery Reform Act Section 1206 to arm floodplain administrators, emergency managers, elected officials and other stakeholders in the recovery process. The video supplies stakeholders with the information needed for successful reimbursement of these new eligible activities. Through the narrator’s story following a devastating disaster in her community, viewers will learn key eligibility requirements for communities, work and costs covered under the policy and how to seek reimbursement for these new activities. 

When disaster strikes, many communities have hundreds, if not thousands, of structures to protect against future damage or restore to local codes and standards. Section 1206 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act authorizes FEMA to reimburse communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for the resources needed to effectively administer and enforce building codes and floodplain management regulations following a major disaster declaration. This creates new eligible activities through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to carry out required post-disaster activities, increasing the overall speed of recovery and enhancing NFIP compliance. 

Before, During & After: FEMA Podcast for Emergency Managers

“Before, During & After” is a podcast for emergency managers. Tune in for insights into where emergency management is headed, conversation about preparing for the threats of tomorrow, and how everyone has a role in keeping communities safe from disaster.



Join podcast host Mark Peterson as he covers FEMA’s work in implementing its strategic plan, recent disaster recovery efforts, and resources available to better prepare for future risks.

Search past episodes and listen to podcasts here.

FEMA Public Assistance Program



FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

After an event like a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or wildfire, communities need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.

FEMA also encourages protecting these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

Eligibility for Public Assistance Grant Funding

The four basic components of PA eligibility are applicant, facility, work and cost.

• An applicant must be a state, territory, tribe, local government, or certain type of private nonprofit organization.
• A facility must be a building, public works system, equipment, or improved and maintained natural feature.
• Work is categorized as either "emergency" or "permanent." It must be required as a result of the declared incident, located within the designated disaster area, and is the legal responsibility of the eligible Applicant.
• Costs are expenses tied directly to eligible work, and must be adequately documented, authorized, necessary and reasonable. Eligible costs include labor, equipment, materials, contract work, and management costs.

Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide Version 5

FEMA published the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide Version 5, which simplifies eligibility, streamlines processes and supports resilience for states, Tribal Nations, territories and certain nonprofits that are recovering from disasters. The updated policy applies to disasters that are declared on or after Jan. 6, 2025.

Download the 2025 PA Program & Policy Guide

Public Assistance Overview for Local Officials

 What is Section 406 Public Assistance (PA)?

As part of the reimbursements made to restore damaged public facilities, public assistance funds may be made available for cost-effective mitigation measures undertaken as part of the recovery. The amount of Section 406 Mitigation funds made available in any given disaster is based on a project-by-project evaluation of the feasibility and cost effectiveness of mitigation measures.

The Kentucky Emergency Management Division Recovery Branch acts as the Grantee for the PA Program by educating potential applicants, managing applicant files, distributing funds to applicants, and facilitating disputes between applicants and FEMA. Applicants are responsible for maintaining accurate supporting documentation, complying with federal and state program requirements, and completing projects according to designated scopes of work. The 406 funding provides discretionary authority to fund mitigation measures in conjunction with the repair of the disaster-damaged facilities, so is limited to declared counties and eligible damaged facilities. Section 406 is applied on the parts of the facility that were damaged by the disaster and the mitigation measure directly reduce the potential of future, similar disaster damages to the eligible facility.

FEMA PA 406 Mitigation Brochure