President Biden has increased the federal cost share of Typhoon Mawar recovery costs from 75 percent to 90 percent, according to a White House announcement today.
“Under the President’s major disaster declaration issued for the territory of Guam on May 25, 2023, Federal funding was made available for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Other Needs Assistance at 75 percent of the total eligible costs,” the White House news release states.
Under the previous May 25 declaration, if GovGuam spent (for example) $1 million on typhoon response activities deemed eligible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, then FEMA would reimburse GovGuam $750,000.
Under the new declaration by Mr. Biden, FEMA will reimburse Guam $900,000 in the example of the $1 million expenditure.
“This applies retroactively,” administrator of civil defense Charles Esteves said, confirming the new 90 percent formula will apply to all eligible expenditures since the recovery period began.
