FR 2021-03304

The document from the Federal Register details an amendment to a major disaster declaration for the State of Florida, originally declared on September 23, 2020. This amendment, made effective on January 15, 2021, involves the appointment of Kevin A. Wallace as the new Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster, replacing the former officer, Jeffrey L. Coleman.

General Summary

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice to amend a previous declaration of a major disaster in Florida, aligning the state's response to ongoing recovery needs. This declaration is part of FEMA’s mandate to support states in disaster situations through various assistance programs. Key programs mentioned include assistance with community disaster loans, crisis counseling, disaster legal services, and public assistance grants.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document presents several areas of concern:

• Lack of Explanation for Changes: It provides no specific reasons or explanations for why the amendment was made, nor does it justify the replacement of the Federal Coordinating Officer. This lack of transparency may raise questions about the decision-making process.

• Financial Transparency: Although CFDA numbers are listed to identify federal assistance programs, the document lacks detailed financial information about fund allocation or expenditure. This absence of detail may result in uncertainty about the effective use and oversight of these funds.

• Scope of Impact: The notice does not specify which areas of Florida are affected by this disaster declaration or provide details on the nature or scope of the disaster’s impact. Clearer information would be beneficial for understanding the necessity for these amendments.

• Oversight of Assistance Programs: The notice omits details on how the intended utilization of federal assistance programs is monitored, potentially leading to concerns about preventing misuse or ensuring effective application.

Impact on the Public

Broad Impact: This document reflects FEMA's ongoing commitment to aiding disaster-stricken regions, positively reinforcing the availability of federal support. However, without clear communication about specific changes, the public might lack a full understanding of FEMA’s actions and intentions, potentially diminishing trust in the process.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders:

• For Affected Communities: While FEMA's actions aim to facilitate recovery, affected communities might feel underserved due to the lack of detailed communication about which areas are included within the disaster amendment.

• For Federal and State Agencies: The replacement of the Federal Coordinating Officer may indicate a strategic shift in response management, which can affect other agencies coordinating with FEMA, potentially disrupting established partnerships or coordination strategies.

Overall, this notice highlights FEMA's disaster relief activities but underscores the necessity for more transparent and communicative processes to ensure public understanding and confidence.