Dear Friend,
Are we in the dog days of summer or what? At home, it's hot as all get out, and in DC it rained and rained. That hasn't stopped us from getting to work though, has it?
It's been a busy week, and we are working hard for YOU. We passed an NFIP extension (National Flood Insurance Program) and NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act), among other bills. I spoke with the Subsurface Utility Engineering Association, and important updates were announced regarding FEMA Appeals and Harvey.
If FEMA Turned You Down, You Have a Right to Appeal
If you got a letter, email, or text from the Federal Emergency Management Agency declining your application for assistance and you disagree, you have the right to appeal. The explanation could be that your application was lacking an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.
• Insurance: If your coverage is not enough to make essential home repairs, pay for a place to stay, or replace personal items, FEMA may reconsider your application. But you must provide documents from your insurance company that detail any settlement. Remember, FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
• Occupancy: If you’re a homeowner or renter, FEMA may reconsider you for grants if you provide documents proving the damaged structure was your primary residence. FEMA needs to see your utility bills, driver’s license, or a copy of your lease or rental agreement. You cannot receive federal disaster assistance for secondary or vacation homes.
• Ownership: To prove ownership you may submitmortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, or a deed.
If you feel FEMA’s decision, the amount, or the type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim.
All appeals must be filed in writing. You should explain why you think the decision is incorrect. When submitting your letter, please include:
• Your full name.
• Date and place of birth.
• Address of the damaged dwelling.
• Your FEMA registration number.
Your letter must be either notarized – if you choose this option, please include a copy of a state-issued identification card – or include the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
You must sign the letter.
If someone other than you is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of the appeal for your records.
To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked or received by fax within 60 days of the date you received the FEMA determination letter.
By mail:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
By fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
If you have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. Those who use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Operators are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.
Sincerely,
Randy K. Weber
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| Legislation |
On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, the House voted on an amendment to S. 1182. The amendment incorporates a four-month extension of the current National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The House previously passed a reform measure (21st Century Flood Act in November), but the Senate has yet to do its job to complete final passage of the bill. As a result, an extension of NFIP was absolutely necessary. Allowing the program to lapse in the middle of hurricane season would be unacceptable. Hurricane season and the flooding it brings can turn peoples’ lives upside down. I am happy to join my colleagues in sending this measure back to the Senate and then to the President’s desk. Now, I encourage the Senate to take real action and pass reform measures soon. NFIP in its current form is unsustainable, and we cannot afford to keep kicking this can down the road.
On Thursday, July 26, 2018, the House voted on the National Defense Authorization Act FY19. After years of war and budget cuts, our military faced a real crisis. In 2017, we lost nearly four times more troops in training accidents than we did in combat. This was tragic and unacceptable. Our military men and women deserve the very best. NDAA FY19 boosts troop pay, rebuilds military infrastructure, and improves equipment and training. All these efforts and more protect our brave troops at home and abroad, ensuring the United States maintains the world’s strongest, finest military.
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| Subsurface Utility Engineering |
We are more dependent than ever on our roads and cars to take us places, and on our utilities to provide us the resources to complete our everyday activities. Running beneath our roads are oil and gas pipelines, cables, electric wires, storage units, and sewage drains. Subsurface utility engineering is a prime example of industry leading the way and effecting positive change. The basic research and development designed, tested, and implemented by various firms will play a huge role in our future infrastructure initiatives.
Subsurface utility engineering is the process of mapping the utilities that lay beneath the surface and knowing the location of utility lines before we begin construction and maintenance. With this process, we are able to avoid unnecessary utility relocation, eliminate unexpected conflicts with utilities, and enhance the safety of the projects for everyone involved.
Using this process means we are making informed decisions using trusted information regarding the utilities that lay beneath the surface, and doing so keeps all parties involved safe.
Though it sounds like a mouthful, subsurface utility engineering is a way for us to work smarter. The reality is subsurface utility engineering is both a best practice for construction projects, and it protects the project, pipelines, the environment, and most importantly, the people.
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| National Intern Day |
Jake and Delayne have been an extraordinary help to our office this summer! Many thanks to these two for all of their hard work! They're got bright futures ahead of them.
Jake is a Beaumont native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Delayne is a Colleyville native and student at Texas A&M University. Who says enemies can't work together?
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