State Public Assistance Program

The State Public Assistance Program is authorized under Arkansas Code Annotated 12-75-101 et.al and administered under State PA Standard Operating Procedures.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management administers the State Public Assistance (PA) Program. The State PA program is designed to fill the gap between local recovery efforts and federal disaster assistance following a disaster situation. The program provides assistance to eligible applicants and facilities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure. It is made available to eligible applicants (Local Governments and State Governments) that are located in a designated damage area. The State share of these expenses cannot be more than 35 percent (35%) of eligible costs. The State cannot provide assistance until the situation has clearly exceeded the capability of local government.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has established the State Public Assistance Grant Program Guidelines to be used in the implementation of the State Public Assistance Program. Please refer to the State PA Grant Program Guidelines for specific information on the program.

Federal Public Assistance Program

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (Grantee) administers the Federal Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program. Federal assistance will be granted when the situation is clearly beyond the capability of both local and state governments. A team of Local, State and Federal personnel will complete preliminary damage assessments (PDA’s) which will help with determining eligibility for a Presidential Declaration. Federal determination is based on a number of factors: which include population (implied tax base), impact upon jurisdiction’s infrastructure and recent disaster history.

The PA Program is available to assist with reimbursement of repairs to damaged eligible facilities. It is made available to eligible applicants (Local Governments, State Governments and certain Private Non-Profit organizations) that are located in a designated damage area. The Federal cost share for this program will not be less than 75% of eligible expenses for emergency measures and permanent restoration.

Additional information can be obtained by going to FEMA.gov

Public Assistance Forms

• Request for Public Assistance Form (RPA)
• Applicant Withdrawal Form
• Time Extension Request Checklist
• Alternate Project Request Checklist
• Improved Project Request Checklist
• Large Project Reimbursement Form
• Quarterly Report Form
• Appeal Process
• Disaster Closeout Request Form
• PA-Grant-Reimbursement-Workbook-Rev-5-09-2023.xlsm
• EM 3461/DR4518 Applicant Packet