FR 2024-28591

The document in question is a notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an arm of the Department of Homeland Security. It serves as an amendment to a previously issued major disaster declaration for the State of Tennessee. This amendment involves a change in the appointment of the Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster, effective October 7, 2024. Such modifications are crucial as they designate individuals who oversee and coordinate the federal response to disasters. The notice also lists a series of Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers associated with various aid programs, which are relevant for those reporting or drawing funds from these federal assistance programs.

General Summary

This notice primarily announces a revision to a significant disaster declaration for Tennessee, first issued in December 2023. The main update is the appointment of Darryl L. Dragoo as the Federal Coordinating Officer, replacing Leda M. Khoury. The role changeover could imply strategic shifts in disaster management and relief distribution efforts within the state.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable concern is the lack of transparency regarding the reasons behind the change of the Federal Coordinating Officer. The document does not provide any specific justification for why the prior officer, Leda M. Khoury, is replaced. Such omissions can lead to questions about the decision-making process behind the appointment and whether it aligns with management needs or personnel performance.

Furthermore, while several CFDA numbers are included, there is no detailed explanation of what each number represents or how the associated programs are structured. This lack of clarity may lead to confusion among local agencies, individual applicants, and other stakeholders seeking to tap into these resources. The technical nature of the CFDA numbers might also be difficult for the general public to understand, potentially hindering access to vital information.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, especially those directly affected by the disaster in Tennessee, this document signals potential changes in how aid and support might be administered. The appointment of a new Federal Coordinating Officer can bring new priorities or strategies to the table, which might alter the effectiveness or speed at which relief is delivered.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Affected residents of Tennessee and local government entities are the primary stakeholders impacted by this notice. They could potentially experience both positive and negative outcomes based on how effectively the new Coordinating Officer manages the disaster relief efforts. Effective leadership could mean expedited aid and clearer communication, while a misstep in transitions could lead to delays or misallocation of resources. The ambiguity in CFDA program descriptions could also affect stakeholders in navigating aid processes, possibly requiring additional clarification or assistance to understand their eligibility or application procedures.

Overall, while the document officially records changes in disaster management personnel, it also reflects a need for more transparency and accessibility in communicating federal assistance processes.