February/March 2023 Winter Storm Assistance

There is a lot of information on this page. Please scroll all the way through to get all of the information you need. 

Federal Assistance through FEMA

Mariposa County residents and businesses who registered for federal assistance through FEMA can check for updates, additional opportunities, or ask questions by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app, or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Residents with impacts to the wells and septic systems should ask about assistance under FEMA's Individuals and Households Program. Information on this can be found here. 

Small Business Association (SBA) Loans:

As part of the Federal assistance, the Small Business Association's (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Resiliency has loans available. By registering for the FEMA assistance above, you will also be considered for low-interest SBA loans. SBA Disaster Assistance includes:

  • Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan of up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
  • Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
  • For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and more private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs.

For more information on the SBA's offers please click here.

Assistance for Privately Owned Driveways, Roads, and Bridges

FEMA may provide assistance to repair privately owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges that have been damaged by the February/March 2023 Winter Storms. Eligible routes should meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • The driveway, road, bridge is the only access to the property and/or repair or replacement of a secondary route is necessary for practical use.
  • No one can access the home due to damaged infrastructure.
  • The safety of the occupants could be adversely affected because emergency services vehicles, such as an ambulance or a fire truck, cannot reach the residence. However, this will only be considered if access was available before the disaster occurred. 

To learn more, please click here.

Rental Assistance

Mariposa County residents who are unable to live in their homes while repairing damage from the February/March winter storms, or must otherwise find a new place to live can apply for temporary rental assistance with FEMA. For more information, please click here.

USDA Emergency Farm Loans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made available emergency farm loans for both physical and crop production losses as a direct result of the disaster (up to $500,000 maximum). Farmers and ranchers who conduct family-sized farming operations may be eligible and encouraged to apply by the December 14, 2023 deadline. For more information, please click here.

Additional USDA Assistance

The USDA has also made additional assistance opportunities available for Mariposa County residents. See below:

For information on what individuals can expect after registering for Federal Assistance, click here.

For information on what businesses can expect after registering for Federal Assistance, click here.


What to Expect During a FEMA Home Inspection

Individual who have applied for FEMA assistance will have a home inspection follow-up to verify their losses. This process typically takes about 30 - 45 minutes to complete. When a FEMA inspector arrives to your home, they will have a badge with a photo to confirm identification. If the inspector does not show you photo identification, do not proceed with the inspection. FEMA never charges a fee for inspection. If you are asked to pay a fee, do not proceed with the inspection. 

The inspector will ask to see:

  • Photo identification (must be one of the names applications for assistance)
  • Proof of occupancy of damaged residence
  • Proof of ownership of damage residence
  • Insurance documents
  • List of people living in the residence at the time of the disaster
  • Disaster-caused damage and disaster-related losses to structural and personal property

For more details on this process, please click here. 

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

Individuals who register for assistance will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It's important to note that while it may say you are ineligible for assistance, it is NOT a denial. Please review the letter closely for steps for appeal. This is most often because of missing information. Learn more here.