Definitions

For the purposes of 801 CMR 29.00, the following terms have the following meanings: Agricultural Operation. A commercial enterprise located within the Commonwealth that is principally and substantially engaged in production of agriculture as defined in M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A. Business. A corporation, partnership, firm, unincorporated association or other entity engaging or proposing to engage in economic activity within the Commonwealth and any affiliate thereof which is subject to taxation under M.G.L. c. 62 or M.G.L. c. 63. Catastrophic Event. A natural or other destructive event, including, but not limited to hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, extreme rain, flood, tidal waves, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, wildfires, snowstorms, extreme wind, extreme temperature, explosions, catastrophic agricultural loss, fire, drought, or other events causing damage or hardship within the Commonwealth. Fund. The Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund established pursuant to M.G.L. c. 29, § 2HHHHHH. Individual. An individual with established residency in the Commonwealth at least six months prior to a relevant catastrophic event. Initial Damage Assessment (IDA). A standardized process conducted by the MEMA’s Disaster Recovery Unit to assess the scope and scale of damage following a catastrophic event, as described by MEMA’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and supportive recovery plans. (Mass. Register #1580, 08/14/2026, emergency reg.) Municipality. Any city or town of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Non-profit Organizations. A nonprofit corporation organized under M.G.L. c. 180 or otherwise recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). Secretary. The Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.