While the June 27 lava flow is not dead, the downgrading of the threat from Kilauea volcano Wednesday could provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency with a closing date for the disaster. ADVERTISING While the June 27 lava flow is
While the June 27 lava flow is not dead, the downgrading of the threat from Kilauea volcano Wednesday could provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency with a closing date for the disaster.
If that occurs, FEMA spokeswoman Kelly Hudson said the agency would continue to process requests for disaster relief funds but could limit reimbursement to expenses that occurred before March 25.
That date could be adjusted if the volcano watch once again becomes a warning, she said.
FEMA has distributed $1.7 million in disaster relief funds as of March 18. That money is first sent to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, so not all of the recipients might have received the aid.
The largest distribution, of $1.1 million, has gone to Hawaii County Public Works. Other agencies to be approved for aid include Hawaii County Civil Defense, county Department of Environmental Management, and the Department of Water Supply.
Nonprofit organizations to be approved for aid include Parents and Children Together ($22,270) and Puna Community Medical Center ($5,956).
Those organizations and public agencies still could receive more aid as funding requests continue to be considered.
The deadline to apply for assistance related to debris removal and infrastructure repairs is April 2.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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