Understanding Section 1206 Support
Local governments often struggle to keep up with permit requests and code enforcement activities, facing significant delays even under normal circumstances. After a disaster, however, the demand for these services surges, overwhelming local government resources. In addition, local governments must manage public information requests and complete detailed damage assessments required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) Section 1206 offers a solution, providing local governments with additional resources through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program. Eligible governments can receive reimbursement for costs incurred during the first 180 days after a major disaster, supporting activities like hiring additional staff, paying overtime, contracting services, and procuring equipment and supplies.
Who is eligible?
State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments that have received a major disaster declaration where permanent work is authorized, are in good standing with the NFIP, and are legally responsible for administering and enforcing building codes are eligible for funding.
What is covered by 1206?
Section 1206 supports a range of disaster-related activities, including:
- Permitting Support: Administration, plan reviews, inspections, and other related tasks throughout the impacted area.
- Staff Certification, Training, and Licensing: Ensuring staff are properly trained to manage the increased workload.
- Public Messaging: Signage, advertisements, website development, and personnel needed to communicate floodplain management or building permit requirements for repairing, replacing, or retrofitting disaster-damaged buildings.
- Equipment and Supplies: Including laptops, tablets, mailing, and outreach costs.
- Contracted Engineers: Engaging engineers for substantial damage determinations.
Hagerty Can Help
Hagerty supports local governments in developing and implementing both pre- and post-disaster plans to navigate Section 1206 requirements and maximize reimbursement opportunities.
Pre-Disaster Recommendation: Have a Plan
To help local governments prepare for the challenges of a post-disaster environment, Hagerty recommends developing a plan in advance. By doing so, jurisdictions can maximize their ability to respond and recover within the critical 180-day period after a disaster, setting the foundation for long-term recovery. Hagerty supports this process through pre-disaster workshops that focus on creating a tailored Section 1206 post-disaster plan for each jurisdiction. These workshops are designed to:
Prepare for staffing surges: Develop strategies to meet increased demands from the public and fulfill FEMA’s NFIP expectations, including:
- Proactive substantial damage and substantial improvement assessments within the floodplain;
- Processing and tracking disaster-related permits;
- Documenting code enforcement actions for substantial damage assessments; and
- Conducting essential public outreach.
Plan for documentation: Ensure the necessary processes are in place to document these activities for FEMA reimbursement.
Post-Disaster Recommendation: Have a Partner
After a disaster, Hagerty becomes a trusted partner to help local governments efficiently administer and manage 1206 operations. We provide comprehensive support in project and data management, public outreach, and documentation review to streamline the 1206 implementation process.
Hagerty’s dedicated 1206 teams focus on three core areas to ensure successful implementation:
Vendor Coordination
- Surge Staffing Support: Procuring additional personnel for substantial damage assessments, disaster-related permit reviews, plan evaluations, and site inspections during post-construction.
- Task Management and Reporting: Assigning and tracking tasks while assessing performance and providing regular updates to clients for oversight and accountability.
- Training: Equipping staff and vendors with the tools and training to document daily activities for FEMA PA reimbursement.
Community Outreach
- Public Education: Educating community members on permitting requirements, substantial damage assessments, and how to avoid unscrupulous contractors.
- Technical Assistance: Offering ongoing support and training to enhance future disaster response and recovery capacities.
- Resident Support: Assisting residents with information on flood hazards, floodplain map data, and flood insurance, and addressing public inquiries on permitting and substantial damage requirements.
Documentation Review and Collection
- Code Enforcement Tracking: Documenting inspections and enforcement actions required by FEMA NFIP within the floodplain.
- File and Permit Reviews: Assessing files to ensure completeness for future FEMA NFIP audits and conducting sample checks of disaster permit documentation for accuracy.
- Invoice and Cost Tracking: Evaluating vendor invoices before payment to ensure FEMA compliance and aggregating all 1206-related costs for reimbursement.
With Hagerty as a partner, local governments can efficiently manage Section 1206 operations, ensuring compliance and maximizing funding opportunities.
