Local Taxing Bodies Can Seek COVID-19 Reimbursement from FEMA Public Assistance Program

The Effingham County Emergency Management Agency would like to make local taxing bodies, nonprofits and religious organizations aware of the opportunity to recoup funds spent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds spent on overtime costs, personal protective equipment (PPE), testing supplies/equipment, housing assistance, food distribution or other emergency protective measures associated with the COVID-19 response are reimbursable under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) program. Applications can be submitted online and resources through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are available to guide applicants through the reimbursement process. 

Public Assistance (PA) is available to local taxing bodies in all 102 counties in Illinois. Under the guidelines of the PA program, local jurisdictions can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of eligible costs for emergency protective measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that the Public Assistance program does not reimburse for lost wages or revenue as a result of the pandemic.

Applicant briefings are currently underway and provide an overview of the program requirements and instructions for completing the required application forms. Previously recorded webinars can be found on the IEMA website to help guide applicants through this process at their convenience.

Below is an example of eligible applicants under the FEMA Public Assistance Program. For more information, contact Pamela Jacobs, Effingham County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator, at ema@co.effingham.il.us or call 217-540-1669.