FR 2021-03289

The document is an official notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security. It relates to an amendment to a previously declared major disaster in the State of Missouri, known as FEMA-4490-DR, initially declared on March 26, 2020. The amendment was issued on January 10, 2021, and primarily involves changes in leadership for managing the disaster relief efforts.

General Summary

The key update in this document is the change in the Federal Coordinating Officer responsible for managing disaster relief and recovery in Missouri. Kathy Fields has been appointed to this role, replacing Paul Taylor. This change is part of the standard operations and is necessary to ensure ongoing and effective management of disaster recovery efforts.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the document provides important procedural updates, it lacks in-depth information on how this change will specifically affect disaster management efforts in Missouri. Stakeholders and the public might find it unclear how different leadership might impact the effectiveness of ongoing and planned relief actions. Furthermore, the notice lists several Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers related to various support programs but does not provide detailed information on their allocation, monitoring, or impacts. This can create ambiguity and confusion regarding the intended use and accountability of these funds.

The use of technical terms and references, such as CFDA numbers and roles like "Federal Coordinating Officer," can also be difficult to understand for those without specific government or emergency management knowledge. This might exclude some readers from fully comprehending the document's implications.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document indicates a personnel change in disaster management but does not directly explain how this change might translate to differences in relief efforts on the ground. Residents of Missouri who are still dealing with the effects of past disasters might be uncertain about what this means for their assistance and recovery prospects.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For specific stakeholders such as local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders, this amendment has more practical implications. They may need to adjust to new leadership styles and priorities within FEMA's disaster management approach as Kathy Fields assumes her role. Coordination efforts could be impacted, either positively or negatively, depending on how well new strategies align with local needs.

The document also indirectly affects those involved in overseeing or auditing the use of federal funds. Without clear information on fund allocation or oversight, these stakeholders might face challenges in ensuring that resources are spent effectively and responsibly.

In summary, while the notice documents a routine operational change, the lack of detail and clarity may leave some stakeholders with questions, underscoring the need for more thorough communication from federal agencies when such changes occur.