Disaster Recovery
Overview
EDA's role in disaster recovery is to facilitate delivery of Federal economic development assistance to local governments for long-term community economic recovery planning, reconstruction, redevelopment and resiliency.
Following a disaster, EDA responds by first coordinating with its sister bureaus and other agencies engaged in disaster recovery efforts to share information and data on the ramifications of the disaster. In addition, EDA reaches out to its economic development practitioner network (particularly its network of Economic Development Districts (EDD) District Organizations) to collect on-the-ground information on the economic impacts of the disaster event.
Within the context of the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF), EDA serves as the Coordinating Agency on behalf of the Department of Commerce for the Economic Recovery Support Function (RSF) to coordinate the activities of a diverse group of partner agencies supporting recovery in disaster-impacted communities. The activities consist primarily of leveraging existing resources and authorities to make a positive impact for communities affected by disasters. For example, the Economic RSF can convene teams and deploy multi-disciplinary technical assistance teams from its Federal partners to assist communities. The information gathered from these teams can be shared more readily, providing a clearer and more comprehensive picture of the economic recovery issues. Also, when funding becomes available to support disaster recovery implementation, EDA's role as the RSF Coordinating Agency under the NDRF can be instrumental in identifying opportunities to leverage available resources better in support of community economic recovery.
National Disaster Recovery Framework
The National Disaster Recovery Framework (PDF) is a guide that enables effective recovery support to disaster-impacted States, Tribes, Territorial and local jurisdictions. It provides a flexible structure that enables disaster recovery managers to operate in a unified and collaborative manner. It also focuses on how best to restore, redevelop and revitalize the health, social, economic, natural and environmental fabric of the community and build a more resilient Nation.
The National Disaster Recovery Framework is consistent with the vision set forth in the Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-8, National Preparedness, which directs FEMA to work with interagency partners to publish a recovery framework. It is the first framework published under the Presidential Policy Directive reflecting the core recovery capabilities by supporting operational plans as an integral element of a National Preparedness System. It is a first step toward the PPD-8 objective to achieve a shared understanding and a common, integrated perspective across all mission areas - Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery - in order to achieve unity of effort and make the most effective use of the Nation's limited resources.
For the first time, the National Disaster Recovery Framework defines:
- core recovery principles,
- roles and responsibilities of recovery coordinators and other stakeholders,
- a coordinating structure that facilitates communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, guidance for pre- and post-disaster recovery planning and;
- the overall process by which communities can capitalize on opportunities to rebuild stronger, smarter and safer.
The National Disaster Recovery Framework introduces six new Recovery Support Functions that provide a structure to facilitate problem solving, improve access to resources, and foster coordination among State and Federal agencies, nongovernmental partners and stakeholders.
Each Recovery Support Function has coordinating and primary Federal agencies and supporting organizations that operate together with local, State and Tribal government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and private sector partners.
NDRF Fact Sheet (PDF)
NDRF Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Post-Disaster Economic Recovery Resources
The issues and consequences of post-disaster economic recovery can be exceptionally challenging. EDA has captured the following resources that may be useful in furthering your community's economic recovery efforts.
"Leadership in Times of Crisis: A Toolkit for Economic Recovery and Resiliency"
Economic Recovery resources for economic developers
Data tools to help evaluate cluster opportunities
Data tools to help evaluate regional innovation capabilities
Post-disaster alternative financing opportunities
Study on regional resilience characteristics and trends
Resource guide for building regionalized resiliency
Community-based resiliency development
Recovery lessons learned and information sharing
*Note: The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration.
Economic Resiliency Review for Colorado Following the Sept. 2013 Floods (PDF)
Economic Resilience Strategy Report for Oklahoma Following the May 2013 Tornadoes (PDF)
Risk Management Guidance for Economic Development Organizations in New Jersey (Following Hurricane Sandy) (PDF)
- Business Continuity - A Three-Legged Stool (PDF)
- Industry Sector-Specific Considerations