Tornadoes: Improvements Needed to Access FEMA Assistance
Description
In 2024, there were more than 2,100 tornadoes in the U.S., the highest annual total on record dating back to 1950. FEMA helps tornado survivors and communities through a variety of programs. Per statute, only states and territories are eligible to receive Emergency Management Performance Grant awards directly from FEMA; Tribes are not eligible to apply directly. States may distribute grant awards to local governments and Tribes. From fiscal years 2014 through 2023, 17 states did not distribute any awards to Tribes within their state.
We are recommending that Congress consider creating a new program or amending an existing program to provide grants directly to tribal governments to build emergency management capacity. We are also making three recommendations to FEMA to improve access to assistance.
We are recommending that Congress consider creating a new program or amending an existing program to provide grants directly to tribal governments to build emergency management capacity. We are also making three recommendations to FEMA to improve access to assistance.