FEMA Kickoff Meeting with regards to flood restoration
Marsha Fulsom- Management Committee
John Thomas- FEMA Technical Assistance Coordinator
Bill Hoffman- FEMA Representative for CRMI
Clark Brewer- Mitigation
Nancy Oren- Preservation Specialist
Irene Acusta- Mitigation
Elln Hagney- Acting Director of CRMI
Discussion: What FEMA benefits would be available to us?
Artifacts available and artifact restoration funding
Mitigation to prevent future floding and structural damage and build areas of the museum that don’t meet current code- FEMA funds
The CRMI will continue to work with the FEMA team to assess damage and the claim will be within 60 days.
Areas of Mitigation: Foundation wall below ground, wall along the river side, cracks in foundation, gravel area below ramp leading to the internet center, questioning the roof damage and mitigate to determine eligibility for funding for roof restoration
Historic Preservation: Over 100 Artifacts need restoration
Buildout: Pay for what was originally there and adjustments towards replacement ( AMPI theater space to be turned into classroom) ( Office funding may apply towards entrance area restoration or office space)
FEMA pays for 75% of damage however any donations and volunteer hours can apply for 25%, which the museum must come up with. Volunteer hours towards floor relief has accumulated up to 1557 thus far. Volunteer hours can be calculated as $13/hr that is applied towards the 25%. Nelson and IBG Managment have provided storage and can also be applied towards teh 25%. Equipment that volunteers have brought in also apply towards the 25%. FEMA also provides money for staff time towards the flood relief and documents hours used and this also applies the 25%.
FEMA’s legal team will continue to look over documents. FEMA is the last option and if determined someone is suppose to fund then FEMA will go after them directly. If the CRMI disagrees with any decisions made by FEMA, they have 60 days to appeal their decision.
After the meeting, the FEMA team photographed and documented damage for 2 hours and will return within the next week to further investigate the damage.
In the meantime, the museum will continue to gather more information to further seek eligibility for all and any other funding options available.
In conclusion, the Charles River Museum is encouraged by the meeting and is still planning on reopening October 1st provided that all the funding gets through.
