Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
Featured Stories
USAID Announces Landmark Agreement to Ensure Safe Drinking Water in Manyara
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, July 26 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
Babati -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today celebrated the signing of an agreement that will promote quality assurance testing for drinking water and foster safety management for rural communities to ensure water quality in Manyara. USAID will operationalize this agreement in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) through the Rural Evidence and Learning for Water (REAL-Water) project. The USAID Water
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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, July 26 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
Babati -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today celebrated the signing of an agreement that will promote quality assurance testing for drinking water and foster safety management for rural communities to ensure water quality in Manyara. USAID will operationalize this agreement in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) through the Rural Evidence and Learning for Water (REAL-Water) project. The USAID Waterfor the World research plan supports Tanzania's efforts to improve water services in rural areas and keep rural drinking water safe. The research from the USAID REAL-Water project will help develop plans to provide professional lab testing for water systems managed by RUWASA.
Safe drinking water is essential for public health and development. This funding window will provide resources that enable communities to commission testing services to professional government and privately-owned laboratories, and also provides knowledge to communities for water safety management.
"The implementation of USAID's REAL-Water in Tanzania will strengthen our partnership with government, rural communities, and other stakeholders to improve rural water supply services and ensure safe drinking water for generations to come," said Engr. Francis Mtitu, USAID/Tanzania Water and Sanitation Project Management Specialist.
"As we move forward, I urge everyone to adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusion. Let's work together to protect our water resources for current and future generations. Each one of us has a role to play and together we can make a big difference." said Honorable Queen Cuthbert Sendiga, Manyara Regional Commissioner.
USAID REAL-Water will evaluate the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the Water Quality Assurance Fund through collaborations with the Ministry of Water (MoW), RUWASA and communities in Mbulu and Hanang districts of the Manyara region. Over 78,000 people will benefit from the evaluation and the results of this evaluation will elevate the consideration for options to expand to other additional regions of Tanzania.
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Original text here: https://www.usaid.gov/tanzania/press-release/jul-25-2024-usaid-announces-landmark-agreement-ensure-safe-drinking-water-manyaraa
SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Iowa Private Nonprofit Organizations
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Iowa following President Biden's federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that began June 16 announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible
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WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Iowa following President Biden's federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that began June 16 announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligiblefor assistance.
These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Humboldt, O'Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Scott, Sioux, Winnebago, Woodbury and Worth counties.
"Private nonprofit organizations should contact Public Assistance Bureau Chief David Parziale of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management by calling (515) 249-2242, emailing David.Parziale@iowa.gov or visiting https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/disasters/public-assistance/ to obtain information about applicant briefings," said Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. "At the briefings, private nonprofit representatives will need to provide information about their organization," continued Sanchez. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use that information to determine if the private nonprofit provides an "essential governmental service" and is a "critical facility" as defined by law. FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs. SBA encourages all private nonprofit organizations to apply with SBA for disaster loan assistance.
SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help with meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage.
The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is Sept. 23, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is April 24, 2025.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2024/07/25/sba-disaster-assistance-available-iowa-private-nonprofit-organizations
IDB Group Recommends Six Structural Reforms to Address Region's Housing Deficit
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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At the 3rd Housing Forum 2024 in Mexico City, government and private sector representatives proposed solutions aimed especially at vulnerable populations
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MEXICO CITY -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group has proposed six structural reforms to reduce the housing deficit in Latin America and the Caribbean, with special attention to vulnerable and low-income populations. During the 3rd Housing Forum 2024, held in Mexico City, public and private sector officials analyzed innovative
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WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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At the 3rd Housing Forum 2024 in Mexico City, government and private sector representatives proposed solutions aimed especially at vulnerable populations
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MEXICO CITY -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group has proposed six structural reforms to reduce the housing deficit in Latin America and the Caribbean, with special attention to vulnerable and low-income populations. During the 3rd Housing Forum 2024, held in Mexico City, public and private sector officials analyzed innovativemeasures and their effective implementation to guarantee access to housing for the region's most disadvantaged groups.
An estimated 45% of households in Latin America and the Caribbean do not have decent housing. To reduce this gap, the IDB Group is proposing key reforms, including improving governance and regulatory frameworks to encourage private sector participation in the production and financing of affordable housing.
Scarce access to financing for the most vulnerable sectors is leaving many families out of the housing credit system. Therefore, two of the suggested reforms seek to diversify subsidy schemes and design innovative financial products that facilitate access to housing for these sectors.
The set of six reforms recommended by the IDB Group at the Housing Forum 2024 also includes promoting business intelligence in the sector to improve housing deficit management alongside national statistics institutes; fostering innovation in construction systems and materials to reduce costs and adapt to climate change; and improving knowledge dissemination together with key actors in the sector.
"Lack of decent housing is one of the clearest manifestations of poverty, and reducing poverty is one of the IDB Group's strategic goals," said Tatiana Gallego, Chief of the IDB's Housing and Urban Development Division. "That's why we work actively with governments in the region to offer solutions that promote private sector participation and make it possible to close the housing deficit in a way that is inclusive and resilient to climate change."
The IDB Group's proposed reforms are the result of studies on the housing sector situation conducted with national governments in several countries in the region. These studies consist of an exhaustive analysis of the sector's value chain in order to identify weaknesses and define corrective measures. More than 300 relevant LAC housing sector actors were interviewed for the report.
So far, such studies have been completed in Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Nicaragua, and are still under way in El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago. Some countries are already implementing structural reforms based on IDB Group recommendations. These include Panama, which is analyzing the introduction of changes in its housing and leasing laws, and Brazil, which is working on improvement products and developing a national housing supply and demand platform. Meanwhile, Ecuador is promoting housing loans with cooperatives and Peru has implemented a Sustainable Urban Development Act.
The Housing Forum 2024 was attended by 11 housing ministers and deputy ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. government authorities and relevant actors from Europe and Canada. The event was also attended by mayors from the region, national housing agencies, development banks, builders, private banks, microfinance companies and institutional investors. All of them agreed on the need to find disruptive measures to better address the housing deficit in a highly urbanized region - 82% of the population resides in cities - and vulnerable to climate change. Changes in demographics and household composition, with more single-parent and female-headed families, are additional challenges that exacerbate the housing deficit and the need for inclusive solutions.
The 3rd Housing Forum 2024 was organized in collaboration with Mexico's Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU) and the National Workers' Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit).
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About the IDB Group
The IDB Group is the leading source of development finance for Latin America and the Caribbean. It helps to improve lives by providing financial solutions and development know-how to public- and private-sector clients. The Group comprises the IDB, which has worked with governments for more than 60 years; IDB Invest, which serves the private sector; and IDB Lab, which tests innovative ways to enable more inclusive growth.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-recommends-six-structural-reforms-address-regions-housing-deficit
EPA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $325M in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
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EPA announces initial selections from $2 billion Inflation Reduction Act program - the largest single environmental justice investment in history - delivered by President Biden's Investing in America agenda
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Today, July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $325 million in funding for 21 selected applications to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase
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WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
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EPA announces initial selections from $2 billion Inflation Reduction Act program - the largest single environmental justice investment in history - delivered by President Biden's Investing in America agenda
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Today, July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $325 million in funding for 21 selected applications to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increasecommunity climate resilience and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.
These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program's rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.
"Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today, thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges."
"Today's grants put communities in the driver's seat on the road to righting the environmental wrongs of the past and building their own clean energy future," said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.
"President Biden's Investing in America agenda has accelerated our efforts to deliver environmental justice for communities that have been left behind for too long," said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "As part of the President's Justice40 Initiative, these grants will help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges they face by reducing pollution, increasing resilience to impacts from climate change, and building community capacity to see these projects through."
The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and provide technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.
The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden's commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Example grants from this initial selection cohort include:
* Nearly $20 million to the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Grid Alternatives to install home weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades across 35 Tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, improving indoor air quality for families and providing leadership development training for designated Tribal Energy Champions. MTERA also received a $62 million award from the EPA Solar for All program in May.
* $20 million to the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to build environmental justice workforce development trainings for lead abatement, welding, hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance, home weatherization, and residential energy audits. Through this grant, the selected applicants are anticipated to complete lead abatement for more than 600 homes across Southern Los Angeles.
* Over $14 million to Texas A&M University and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama. Administrator Regan previously visited Lowndes County, Alabama--whose failing septic tanks and straight-piped sewage from homes into yards created a public health crisis in the region. This community also received a 100% forgivable $8.7 million loan from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address critical wastewater challenges impacting families.
* Roughly $14 million to the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL to expand workforce programs around urban forestry and wood waste reduction, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and keeping wood waste out of landfills. This grant also includes funds to leverage biochar in reducing lead pollution in Pittsburgh soils.
Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each. The 17 Track I applicants who are implementing community-scale projects to address environmental and climate justice challenges are:
* Texas A&M University and Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes Counties, AL)
* City of Bakersfield and Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
* La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. and Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)
* Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)
* The San Diego Foundation and The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)
* Day One and Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
* City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation (Pocatello, ID)
* Dillard University and United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
* City of Springfield and Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
* Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association and Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
* The MetroHealth System and Community Housing Solutions (Cleveland, OH)
* Lane County Oregon and United Way of Lane County (Lane County, OR)
* Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)
* The Trust for Public Land and City of Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
* City of Houston and Black United Fund of Texas (Houston, TX)
* Corporation of Gonzaga University and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
* National Housing Trust and D.C. Children's Law Center (Washington, D.C.)
Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants who will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are:
* Insight Garden Program and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple locations in CA)
* The Trust for Public Land and See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
* Special Service for Groups, Inc. and Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
* Bronx River Alliance, Inc. and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Bronx County, NY)
Of the 21 selections, three are for Target Investment Areas identified in the NOFO. Target Investment Area funding is intended to ensure that Community Change Grants Program funding is directed towards disadvantaged communities with unique circumstances, geography, and needs.
See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations (https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-grants-selections) receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.
As the Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.
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Read the Community Change Grants NOFO on EPA's Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program (https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program) webpage.
To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance visit EPA's Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program (https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program) webpage.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit EPA's Environmental Justice (https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice) webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-more-325-million-environmental-and-climate
EPA Announces $20 Million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant to Gonzaga
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
SEATTLE -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,904,367 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners in Washington. Gonzaga's grant application is among 21 applications selected to receive funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience,
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WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
SEATTLE -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,904,367 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners in Washington. Gonzaga's grant application is among 21 applications selected to receive funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience,and build community capacity.
The Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) will work with disadvantaged Spokane communities to reduce indoor air pollution and energy costs by retrofitting hundreds of homes with heat pumps and high-quality air filtration systems. They will build the capacity of five community resilience hubs by installing microgrid infrastructure, establishing the Spokane Community Resilience Network, and expanding participation in the Gonzaga climate planning certificate program. They also will establish a fund to support community organizations' work to strengthen Spokane's climate resilience and mitigate local pollution.
"We're proud to announce the first round of Community Change grant selections to support environmental justice and more equitable communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. "This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration's Inflation Reduction Act will help mitigate impacts from wildfire smoke and heat events, and improve energy efficiency. By funding these community-driven solutions, we are supporting local environmental priorities that will make a meaningful difference in supporting public health and environmental quality."
"All communities, no matter their income, deserve to have clean air and clean water, and they deserve to have the necessary resources to make their homes more climate resilient," said Senator Patty Murray. "The $20 million going to the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP)--made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act--is exactly the kind of support and resources our local partners need to cut down on pollution and make sure our communities are climate ready."
"Through this grant, we are not only addressing immediate environmental challenges but also building a sustainable, resilient future for our community," said Dr. Thayne McCulloh, President of Gonzaga University. "This is a perfect example of where Gonzaga and higher education excel, making a profound impact on a community's quality of life with the research, execution and implementation of real solutions for our citizens today while training the next generation of problem-solvers of tomorrow."
These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program's rolling application process designed to ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is still accepting applications through November 21.
EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis and encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the program requirements. EPA will be making additional selections for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16.
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Learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-20-million-environmental-and-climate-justice-community-change-grant
Crew's Quick Action Limits Fire Damage to Louisiana Towing Vessel
WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSres) -- The National Transportation Safety Board issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
A ruptured hydraulic hose spraying fuel on a hot engine led to a fire aboard a towing vessel in Louisiana's Lake Salvador, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday.
The fire broke out in the engine room as the towing vessel Desperado was transiting near Bayou Perot, Louisiana, on Feb. 17, 2023. The three crewmembers aboard could not extinguish the fire with portable extinguishers. So they secured ventilation and fuel to the engine room and evacuated to a good
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WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSres) -- The National Transportation Safety Board issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
A ruptured hydraulic hose spraying fuel on a hot engine led to a fire aboard a towing vessel in Louisiana's Lake Salvador, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday.
The fire broke out in the engine room as the towing vessel Desperado was transiting near Bayou Perot, Louisiana, on Feb. 17, 2023. The three crewmembers aboard could not extinguish the fire with portable extinguishers. So they secured ventilation and fuel to the engine room and evacuated to a goodsamaritan vessel. NTSB investigators concluded the crew's prompt actions to remove the fuel and oxygen sources for the fire helped limit the fire damage and extinguish the fire. No pollution or injuries were reported and damage to the vessel totaled $30,000.
NTSB investigators identified issues with how the hydraulic hose had been installed. Contrary to manufacturer guidance, the hose appeared to exceed its bend radius and was not guided with clamps, fittings or adapters and did not have any protective cover.
"Mariners and technicians who design, install, and maintain systems should follow the manufacturer's guidance on the minimum bend radius for a hydraulic hose," the report said. "The minimum bend radius is the radius below which an object cannot (or should not) be bent. Bending or flexing a hose to a radius smaller than the minimum recommended, or subjecting a hose to tension or torque, can place excessive stress on the hose and severely reduce the ability of the hose to withstand pressure. Actions to avoid hose damage or failure include clamping a hose in place to provide support, rerouting a hose assembly by installing fittings and adapters, and using a hose with more reinforcement."
Marine Investigation Report 24-18 (https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2418.pdf) is available online.
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To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).
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Original text here: https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20240725.aspx
Arkansas Homeowner Receives FORTIFIED-Designated Roof From Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Simmons Bank
DALLAS, Texas, July 26 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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Storm-Resistant Roofing in Hurricane-Prone Locations Gains Interior Foothold
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BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS, July 25, 2024 -- A homeowner in Batesville, Arkansas, is the proud owner of a storm-resistant roof thanks to a $14,750 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), awarded through its member Simmons Bank.
The roof is installed to the FORTIFIED roof standard to withstand damage from high wind, hail and thunderstorms.
Through
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DALLAS, Texas, July 26 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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Storm-Resistant Roofing in Hurricane-Prone Locations Gains Interior Foothold
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BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS, July 25, 2024 -- A homeowner in Batesville, Arkansas, is the proud owner of a storm-resistant roof thanks to a $14,750 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), awarded through its member Simmons Bank.
The roof is installed to the FORTIFIED roof standard to withstand damage from high wind, hail and thunderstorms.
Throughits FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund, FHLB Dallas has made available $4 million this year through members. The funds will assist homeowners and qualified nonprofits with individual grants of up to $15,000 to replace an existing roof and up to $7,500 for new construction roofs.
"Having a child at home, you want to be sure they are safe," said Batesville, Arkansas, homeowner Dulce Walker. "Knowing I have a great roof gives me peace of mind. I am impressed, amazed and very grateful."
Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the fund is growing in popularity as a proactive way to protect homes against severe weather.
"We encourage our members and homeowners to learn how our fund might help them," he said. "These roofs have the potential to help communities bounce back faster when severe weather hits."
Latriana Robertson, community development specialist at Simmons Bank, said Simmons Bank was drawn to the fund's resilient approach.
"This fund is a great way to be proactive, and we are thrilled to be able to assist Ms. Walker in that effort," she said.
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The method is proven to strengthen homes against severe weather. On the Gulf Coast, these roofs are being used in hurricane-prone areas, but they remain less common in tornado-prone interior states.
IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright said Ms. Walker's roof was just the second roof installed to FORTIFIED standards in the state, but more than 65,000 have already been installed in 28 states, primarily coastal states including Alabama, North Carolina and Louisiana, to protect against hurricanes.
"Severe weather is a growing concern for families in inland states, which are seeing an increased risk from high wind events like tornadoes," said Mr. Wright. "The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund is an important tool to help Arkansas homeowners minimize storm damage with a FORTIFIED roof, a proven solution to the high wind risk communities face."
Visit the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund (https://www.fhlb.com/community-programs/homeownership-and-homebuyer-programs/fhlb-dallas-fortified-fund) to learn more, including eligibility requirements and application information.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb.com/library/press-releases/2024/arkansas-homeowner-receives-fortified-designated-r
