Information Collection and Damage Assessment Process

Eligible recipients seeking assistance must participate in MEMA’s IDA process or a successor process as determined by MEMA. The IDA process will be coordinated through impacted municipalities’ public communication channels. Participation must occur within 30 days following the catastrophic event, or within any other timeframe that MEMA may establish for the IDA process that is consistent with determining eligibility for federal disaster relief programs. (2) Following completion of an IDA, MEMA shall compile damage information and provide summary findings in writing to the Secretary. The Secretary may rely on this information and other available data sources to determine eligibility and award amounts. (3) The Secretary may further request any documentation necessary to: (a) Verify damages and costs; (b) Confirm eligibility, includinganyevidencethat theeligiblerecipient has taken necessary steps to maintain property or perform specific state-recommended remediation measures; (c) Ensure that assistance does not result in a duplication of benefits; or (d) Determine whether an eligible recipient has taken reasonable steps to pursue insurance, federal disaster assistance, or other available funding. (4) Such documentation may include, but is not limited to, independent assessments, insurance materials, transaction documentation, photographs, or other information sufficient to confirm the nature and extent of costs.