Hopi Tribe & FEMA Aid Agreement Signed

A formal agreement between the Hopi Tribe & the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been signed, clearing the path for federal disaster aid to help Hopi communities recover from last summer's monsoons. The signing, which took place yesterday, at the tribal government center in Kykotsmovi Village, enables FEMA aid to be released to the tribe to help cover eligible costs for storm damage ranging from washed-out roads to an important flood-damaged spring. The agreement was signed for the Hopi Tribe by Vice Chairman Todd Honyaoma. Lee Rosenberg, the federal coordinating officer who oversees the disaster recovery, signed for FEMA.

FEMA personnel will work with staff of the Hopi Tribe on a government-to-government basis to review disaster recovery projects. FEMA covers 75% of an eligible project's cost, with the Hopi Tribe providing the remaining 25%. FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards & effectively manages federal response & recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains 1st responders, & manages the National Flood Insurance Program & the U.S. Fire Administration.