California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) provides state financial assistance for recovery efforts to counties, cities, special districts, and certain eligible private non-profit agencies after a Cal EMA Agency Secretary's Concurrence or a Governor's Proclamation. CDAA may be implemented as a "stand alone" funding source following a state disaster.
After a natural or man-made event causes extensive damage and a state disaster has been declared, Cal EMA has the regulatory responsibility to act as the grantor for the CDAA program. A local agency must submit a Project Application (OES 126) to Cal EMA within 60 days after the date of a local proclamation. The applicant must incur a minimum aggregate total damage cost of $2,500 state share for each declared disaster for costs to be eligible under CDAA. Applicants are also required to have on file with Cal EMA, a resolution designating an authorized representative (OES 130) for each disaster.
The CDAA process consists of the following steps:
- Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA)
- Secretary’s Concurrence or Governor’s Proclamation
- Applicants' Briefing
- Submission of Project Application by Applicant
- Kick-off Meeting
- Project Formulation and Cost Estimating
- Project Review and Validation
- Obligation of Funds
- Project completion
- Final Claim Process
- Closeout
Recent state legislation created the State Private Nonprofit Organizations Assistance Program, which allows certain eligible Private Nonprofits (PNP) or an Intermediary PNP applicant to receive state assistance for costs incurred during a state disaster event. Cal EMA acts as the grantor for the program.
After a state disaster has been declared, an eligible PNP applicant may apply for reimbursement for the cost of performing an essential community service. To apply, an eligible PNP must submit a PNP Application (Cal EMA PNP-2011-APP) and a PNP Applicant's Authorized Agent Resolution (Cal EMA PNP-2011- AAR) to Cal EMA, within 60 days after the date of a Governor's Proclamation. The applicant must incur a minimum aggregate total damage cost of $1,000 for each declared disaster for costs to be eligible under this program.
CDAA - FEMA Comparison - A single page document that describes the differences between state and federal disaster assistance programs for time limits and cost share.
CDAA Information Summary - A two page document that describes the state disaster assistance program and CDAA forms.
Disaster Recovery for Schools - Information to assist K-12 schools with disaster recovery efforts after a catastrophic event.
Emergency Proclamation Guide - A quick reference guide about emergency proclamations intended for use by local governments.
Thresholds for Public Assistance Designations - Map of California displaying Public Assistance designation thresholds.