Maximizing Assistance From the Federal Emergency Management Agency To Respond to COVID-19

This memorandum directs FEMA to provide 100% federal cost sharing for COVID-19 emergency protective measures (Public Assistance Category B) under the Stafford Act. It covers two periods: January 21-September 30, 2021 for all eligible work including National Guard assistance, and January 20, 2020-January 20, 2021 for other eligible work excluding National Guard assistance authorized under the January 21, 2021 memorandum.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 8281

Impact dates

Jan 20, 2020
Start date for 100% cost share for Category B work excluding National Guard assistance under Jan 21 memorandum

Key directives

FEMA shall provide 100% Federal cost share for Public Assistance Category B work from January 21, 2021 through September 30, 2021, including National Guard assistance authorized by January 21, 2021 memorandum
FEMA shall provide 100% Federal cost share for Public Assistance Category B work from January 20, 2020 through January 20, 2021, excluding National Guard assistance under January 21, 2021 memorandum
Administrator of FEMA authorized and directed to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

100% federal cost share takes effect retroactively for January 21, 2021 forward

Near term (90d)

FEMA to implement increased reimbursement for ongoing COVID-19 response activities through September 30, 2021

Long term

Potential extension beyond September 30, 2021 would require additional action; establishes precedent for full federal cost share during pandemic emergencies

Risks & tensions

Retroactive application to January 2020 may create administrative complexity for FEMA to process reimbursement claims
September 30, 2021 sunset date creates cliff; pandemic may extend beyond this date requiring further action
Subject to availability of appropriations creates uncertainty if Congress does not fund full cost share
Exclusion of National Guard assistance from Jan 21 memorandum in the 2020 period creates potential confusion about overlapping claims