2020 FMEA Webinar: FEMA Public Assistance Program Rules

FMEA invites all municipal members of Florida public power to join us for part 3 of this 3-part informative webinar series from legal firm Baker Donelson on how to obtain and keep their FEMA public assistance reimbursements.

The webinar will cover various topics relevant to utilities, including an overview of FEMA’s rules for improved and alternate projects, hazard mitigation grants, management costs, eligible costs for emergency work, debris and right-of-way considerations, and eligibility for reconductoring. Each presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Featured Presenter:

Michelle Zaltsberg primarily practices in the areas of emergency management and disaster recovery. She has significant experience with the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to federal disaster and mitigation assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance program, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and other grant programs. She regularly assists state and local governments and non-profit entities to maximize eligibility for disaster assistance, including creating FEMA-compliant procurement programs. Ms. Zaltsberg's practice also focuses significantly on helping clients navigate FEMA’s administrative appeals and arbitration processes.

Ernest Abbott is the co-leader of Baker Donelson’s Firm's Disaster Recovery and Government Services Team and has extensive experience with the laws, regulations, policies and procedures relating to eligibility for federal disaster and mitigation assistance. Mr. Abbott is a former General Counsel at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is also an adjunct professor of Disaster Law at the George Washington University Law School. Mr. Abbott assists his clients with issues pertaining to the FEMA Public Assistance Program, homeland security, the Hazard Mitigation Disaster Grant Program, flood insurance rate maps, public health emergency laws, disallowance and Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits, and is well versed in the administrative appeals process under FEMA’s Public Assistance program.