DHSEM Achieves Objectives to be Released from FEMA Manual Reimbursement

 

The release from manual drawdown, which was implemented by FEMA in November 2015, allows DHSEM to operate more efficiently and help communities recover from disaster more quickly.

 

DHSEM has worked closely with FEMA to address these findings by developing a monitoring program, submitting a financial monitoring plan and a monitoring schedule for review.

 

Over the last three years, DHSEM’s Sub-Recipient Monitoring Program worked diligently to implement policies and procedures to monitor the use of State and Federal funds by the recipients of these funds. These policies and procedures ensure funds are used appropriately and in accordance with applicable regulations.

 

"The Grants Division remains committed to helping DHSEM build a strong grants management program and we commend the strides that have been taken over the past few months," said Regeane Frederique, FEMA Grants Division Director.

 

Once these items were provided and determined adequate, FEMA validated the implementation of the monitoring program during a July 2019 site visit. After meeting with monitoring staff, there are no new findings regarding sub-recipient monitoring and FEMA is confident that the monitoring program is being fully implemented. Therefore, FEMA is removing DHSEM from manual reimbursement on all open awards effective immediately.

 

"I congratulate the staff of DHSEM’s sub-recipient monitoring program in implementing the policies and procedures necessary to remove West Virginia from FEMA’s manual reimbursement requirement," said DHSEM Director Michael Todorovich. "The hard work and dedication of the staff allows us to help communities recover more quickly."