Local officials fear loss of millions in federal funding after new FEMA designation

Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 | 11:58 a.m.

Local officials are fretting that a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to downgrade the risk in Las Vegas may cost the community as much as 40 percent in federal funding.

That's what a top county official says in an email I've obtained and have posted below. Administrative Services boss Sabra Smith-Newby informs commissioners that despite pushback from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and county staff, FEMA lowered Las Vegas by eight spots (from 22 to 30) in its "risk validation" assessment.

I wonder if any county officials would dare say: Heck of a job, Harry.

Commissioners reacted right away:

"It’s mind-boggling that the Las Vegas area would drop eight spots on this list and that our community would lose out on this important funding. I don't understand how they reached this conclusion," said commission Chair Susan Brager.

"It’s inconceivable that Las Vegas’ ranking would be lowered so significantly. These are important monies for securing our community. We need to get to the bottom of this," said Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, who is on the convention authority board.

Here's this morning's email -- and I have posted the assessment at right:

This morning FEMA released the results of their risk validation process that ranks Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Staff has been working with FEMA to provide the information, as well as arguing with FEMA over a number of different measurements, including population and the number of federal fixed assets. Despite our responses and the input of our senior Senator, the FEMA ranking has put the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA at a ranking of #30. This represents a decline of 8 spots from #22 in FY 2011. Although the guidance and funding levels have not yet been released, we have been told that this may result in a 30-40% decline in federal funding for a wide variety of security initiatives that fund Metro, SNHD, County Fire, and some portion of city activity. This is clearly a significant disappointment for our community. We will keep you updated as we receive additional information. Attached for your review is the risk profile prepared by FEMA for our community.

Sabra Smith Newby

Director of Administrative Services

Clark County

UPDATE: The loss may be even more significant. See below from Newby -- and affected grant programs posted at right.:

Commissioners:

The funding information for the FEMA grants was just released, and staff is currently participating on a nationwide conference call regarding the results. Unfortunately, it appears that funding was cut even more significantly than we thought. Funding for Southern Nevada was cut over 60%, from $4.7 million last year to $1.8 million this year. Funding for the state was cut over 45%, from $5.1 million last year to $2.8 million this year. At this time, we are eager to hear from FEMA regarding these new calculations and those communities that rose in the rankings above Southern Nevada. As always, we will keep you informed as we learn more.