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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene update #10 from Congressman Edwards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

    Dear enewsletter.salutation_for_merging.merge,

    Here’s to hope: 6,586 people have been rescued, evacuated or assisted by search and rescue teams since Hurricane Helene hit, including 39 survivors being rescued on Saturday, October 5, over eight full days into rescue efforts.

    More than 4,000 first responders, national guardsmen, and active-duty military are in Western North Carolina looking for your friends, your family, or if you’re still stranded waiting for help – they’re looking for you. And they won’t stop until every missing person is accounted for.

    I’m sure many of you have heard that there is a second hurricane brewing on the coast of Florida. It is not expected to hit Western North Carolina, but if it maintains it’s intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, it is expected to be catastrophic. I’m here to tell you that we will support Florida in any way we can, but I am also committed to making sure Western North Carolina does not get left behind in place of the newest natural disaster.

    The resources and help I have listed over the last nine days are here to stay.

    Today is update number 10 and includes details on where to find critical health care services including orthopedic care, dialysis treatments, and oxygen tanks, and an updated timeline on power restoration for individuals in the hardest hit areas. More information is to come in the following days.

    As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.

    • Supplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.
      • 84 water systems are on a boil advisory.
      • 24 treatment plants have reported having no power and 33 systems are out of water.
        • Water restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.
      • FEMA has shipped 13 million meals and 13 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.
        • Of the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.
    • Walmart is hosting activities at the following locations:
      • Hendersonville, NC Store 1242
        • 250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792
          • Portable restrooms
          • Serving hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily
      • Arden, NC Store 1179
        • 60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704
          • Portable restrooms
          • Laundry
          • Showers
          • Wi-fi hotspot and charging stations
        • Buncombe County
          • Buncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:
            • Pack Square Park – you MUST bring your own container for this site
              • 80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801
            • William W. Estes Elementary School
              • 275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
              • 154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
              • 20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Fairview Elementary
              • 1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
          • The following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:
            • Biltmore Baptist Church
              • 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Distribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members
                  • Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
                • Community drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies
                  • Saturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
            • First Baptist Church – Weaverville
              • 63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
                • Hot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Unlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.
                • Supplies and bottled water.
                • Hot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.
          • Food and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:
            • Asheville Middle School
              • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
            • Ingles
              • 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
                • This location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms
            • Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
              • 121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Lucy Herring Elementary
              • 98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • Oakley Elementary School
              • 753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
        • Haywood County
          • The following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:
            • Fines Creek Community Center
              • 190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721
              • Open every day until 6:00 p.m.
            • Pigeon Community Center
              • 450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Also offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Cruso Community Center
              • 13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Includes shower access.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
            • Maggie Valley Pavilion
              • 3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
                • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
            • Woodland Baptist Church
              • 545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Bethel Elementary School
              • 4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Jonathan Valley Elementary School
              • 410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Monday through Friday
            • St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – in the Parish Hall
              • 234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
                  • Monday to Friday
                • Hot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.
            • St. Barnabas Catholic Church
              • 109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • Reynolds Baptist Church – Family Life Center
              • 520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
                • This location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.
          • The following location offers hot meals daily:
            • Maggie Valley Fire Department
              • 2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
          • The following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
            • Calvary Baptist Church
              • 2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
        • Henderson County
          • Henderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.
          • Distribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:
            • Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729
            • Rugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
            • East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726
            • North Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
            • Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
            • Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
          • Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day’s meal and water as available.
          • Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.
        • Jackson County
          • In partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:
            • The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:
              • 558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717
              • Hours of operation to come.
              • The Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:
                • 149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783
                • Hours of operation to come.
        • Madison County
          • The following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:
            • Beech Glen Community Center
              • 2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754
              • Daily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.
            • Center Community Center
              • 1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Ebbs Chapel Community Center
              • 281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Enon Baptist Church
              • 174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Open Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.
            • Freedom Christian Church
              • 7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • This location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.
            • Laurel Community Center – also has supplies
              • 4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
            • Revere-Rice Community Center
              • 3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)
            • Spring Creek Community Center
              • 13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743
              • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • This location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.
            • Walnut Community Center – also has supplies
              • 46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.
            • N.C. Cooperative Extension – Madison County Center
              • 258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
              • This location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.
        • McDowell County
          • McDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.
          • Distribution takes place daily at the following locations:
            • Former TJ’s Discounts – North Cove
              • 8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
            • Old Fort Town Hall
              • 38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762
            • New Manna Baptist Church
              • 225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
            • Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church – Dysartsville 
              • 7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761
            • Zion Hill Baptist Church
              • 1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752
          • Hot meals are also being provided at the following location:
            • Grace Community Church
              • 5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752
                • Lunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
                • Dinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
          • First Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.
            • Current hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
        • Polk County
          • The following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:
            • Mill Spring/Green Creek Community
              • 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
            • Columbus Community
              • 95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722
            • Saluda Community Bus Parking Lot
              • 214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773
            • Tryon Community
              • 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
            • Sunny View
              • 86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
        • Rutherford County
          • The following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:
            • Thomas Jefferson High School
              • 2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114
            • Florence Baptist Church
              • 201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043
            • Rutherford County Health Department
              • 221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Gilkey Church of God
              • 255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
            • Parks, Recreation, & Lake Office
              • 658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Lake Lure Baptist Church
              • 6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Ingles at Lake Lure – meals only
              • 276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746
                • Offers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.
                • Also offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.
            • Father’s Vineyard – also has shower and charging stations
              • 724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Spencer Baptist Church – water distribution only
              • 187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160
            • United Way of Rutherford County – water distribution and charging stations only
              • 668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043
            • The Church at Sapphire – through October 10
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
              • Daily hours: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
            • Little River Baptist Church – through October 11
              • 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766
              • Breakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
              • Lunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
              • Dinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
        • Transylvania County
          • The following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:
            • The Church at Sapphire – through October 10
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
                • Daily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
              • Little River Baptist Church – through October 11
                • 51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766
                  • Breakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
                  • Lunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
                  • Dinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
              • Cedar Mountain Community Center
                • 10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
                  • Breakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
                  • Lunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
                  • Dinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
              • Balsam Grove Community Center – daily until power is fully restored
                • 8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708
                  • Daily hours: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:
          • Bottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:
            • 3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
          • Water filling stations can be found at the following locations:
            • City Sports Complex
              • 824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
            • Cedar Mountain Outpost
              • 8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • Territory Brevard
              • 43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • DD Bullwinkles
              • 60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • No posted daily hours.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
            • Pisgah Forest Baptist Church
              • 494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
              • Daily hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Newfound Artisan
              • 22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712
              • Through today, October 6.
              • Hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.
          • Food, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:
            • Anchor Baptist Church
              • 3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
              • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • The Church at Sapphire
              • 620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774
              • Through October 10.
              • Daily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
        • Yancey County
          • Yancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:
            • Altec
              • 150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
          • Mobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:
            • 631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714

    • Additionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.
      • Buncombe
        • Curbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.
          • There will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.
          • Residents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.
            • The following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.
          • Debris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.
        • The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:
          • Tractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711
          • Ingles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
          • Please Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time. 
        • Waste Pro collection service will resume today, October 7, for regular Monday route customers.
          • Recycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.
      • Haywood
        • Household waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.
        • White Oak Landfill has reopened.
      • Henderson
        • Henderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.
        • Henderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.
        • Storm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.
          • Please be patient.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.
      • Madison
        • The Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:
          • Monday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
          • Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
          • Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
          • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
        • Hot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.
          • Please only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.
          • The pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.
      • Polk
        • The Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
          • 322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
          • The service fee is waived through October 8.
          • Beginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.
        • GFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.
          • Two dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.
      • Transylvania
        • The City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.
      • Yancey
        • The Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.
        • No update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.

    • The North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.
      • To review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.
        • The site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.
        • For any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.
          • Please note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.
            • I have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.

    • USPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.
    • There are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.
      • No drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.
        • The following sites are closed with no retail or delivery:
          • Barnardsville – 28709
          • Cedar Mountain – 28718
          • Hot Springs – 28743
          • Rosman – 28772
          • Swannanoa – 28778
        • The following site is closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:
          • Newland – 28657
        • The following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:
          • Alexander – 28701
          • Alternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Bat Cave – 28710
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Chimney Rock – 28720
            • Alternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.
          • Edneyville – 28727
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Gerton – 28735
            • Alternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
              • Daily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Green Mountain – 28740
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Marshall – 28753
            • Alternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Micaville – 28755
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Montreat – 28757
            • Alternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770
              • Daily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
          • Penland – 28765
            • Alternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
        • All remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.
        • Due to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:
          • Dana – 28724
          • Enka – 28728
          • Flat Rock – 28731
          • Hendersonville MPO – 28739
          • Lake Lure (OIC) – 28746
          • Little Switzerland – 28749
          • Mountain Home – 28758
          • Naples – 28760
          • Pisgah Forest – 28768
          • Ridgecrest – 28770
          • Skyland – 28776
          • Zirconia – 28790
          • Bostic – 28018
      • Multiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.
        • The Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.
        • Delivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.

    • The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.
      • The EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.
      • Through the program, uninsured residents can:
        • Request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.
        • Replace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.
          • Uninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.
      • Prescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:
        • 730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
    • For individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:
      • 324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704
      • 505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806
      • 371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
      • 3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • 1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • 773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786
    • You can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.
    • How to Acquire a Prescription:
      • If a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy’s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.
      • Patients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.

    • There is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:
      • 305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714
    • The following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville
          • 61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787
        • Mercy Urgent Care West Asheville
          • 1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • Mercy Urgent Care Waynesville
          • 120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Brevard
          • 22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Columbus
          • 140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mobile Urgent Care Clinic
          • 12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711
        • Mental Health & Basic Medical Support Center
          • 130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
        • Pardee Urgent Care
          • 45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
      • Locations open from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
        • Hot Springs Elementary School – Art Room (mental health services only)
        • 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743
      • The following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:
        • 800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
        • 2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704
        • 9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785
        • Please Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.

    • The following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:
      • Pardee Hospital
        • 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
          • This location can dialyze 30 patients a day.
        • DaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:
          • DaVita Greer South Dialysis
            • 3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650
            • Contact Number: (864) 801-2065
          • DaVita Saluda River Dialysis
            • 8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673
            • Contact Number: (833) 378-2702
          • DaVita Wofford at Home
            • 8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303
            • Contact Number: (864) 583-4788
          • DaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis
            • 196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
            • Contact Number: (833) 458-4809

    • Hendersonville High School
      • 1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
        • Must be assessed through Pardee Hospital.
      • Lincare is only serving established patients.
        • Patients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:
          • Asheville Lincare
            • 103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804
            • Fax number: (866) 234-6698
          • Greenville Lincare
            • 355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607
            • Fax Number: (864) 288-0339
      • The following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment – fire departments are available 24/7:
        • Boiling Springs Fire Department
          • 186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316
        • Reidville Fire Department
          • 7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388
        • Inman City Fire Department
          • 6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349
        • First Presbyterian Church
          • 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302
          • Daily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
        • Greer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center
          • 113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651
          • Daily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
        • Croft Fire Department
          • 370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302
        • Arkwright Fire Department
          • 1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306
        • Roebuck Fire Department
          • 2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376
        • North Spartanburg Fire Department
          • 8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316

    • Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.
      • Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.
      • Legion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.
        • To learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.
        • Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.
    • The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.
      • Veterans can:
        • Visit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:
        • Call the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.
      • Local pharmacies in the VA’s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.
    • Hickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.
      • Due to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.
      • Please be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.

    • The United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.
      • If your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.

    • About 117,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.
      • Customers whose properties are inaccessible or not able to receive power may be without electricity for an extended period of time as Duke Energy works to rebuild critical infrastructure.
    • Restoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.
      • Crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.
    • As work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid’s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.
      • This work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.
    • For more information on Duke Energy’s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:

    • A “DO NOT DRIVE” message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.
      • Unless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.
      • Cherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.
        • Please DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.
    • USDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.
      • Damage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT’s investment is a significant and most welcome start.
    • A total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.
      • NCDOT also has:
        • DOT also has:
          • 1,100 pieces of heavy equipment for debris clearance and road repairs in affected areas, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, graders, etc.
          • More than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.
    • NCDOT is reporting about 650 road closures, 106 of which are to primary routes.
      • Now that communications have been largely restored, NCDOT has a more comprehensive picture of debris blocking roadways, road damage, and necessary repairs in our mountains.
      • At least 100 bridges are irreparable and will require replacement.
    • All roadways in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties are accessible, although some are requiring four-wheel drive.
      • While none of the above-listed counties are in NC-11, they are a welcome sign of what’s to come.
    • Progress has been made on NCDOT and Tennessee DOT’s plans for reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.
      • Bids for stabilization of the westbound lanes of I-40 where the eastbound lanes no longer exist will be opening today, October 7.
      • A contract will be awarded shortly after the bid closes.
      • NCDOT is working to expedite the necessary repairs to restore mobility to the area as soon as possible.
    • Air traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.
      • NCDOT’s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:
        • Scheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.
        • Establishing a first of its kind “corridors in the sky” to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.
        • Having search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.
      • The state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.
        • If you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don’t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.
    • NCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.
      • You can access the map here.

    • Internet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.
      • Restoration timelines are not available at this time.
    • Internet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network’s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.
      • As a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.
    • To mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
      • 717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
    • The following locations are offering free public wi-fi:
      • First Baptist Church – Weaverville
        • 63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787
      • Downtown Franklin
        • The Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.
      • Transylvania County Library – 24/7
        • 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Newfound Artison through today, October 6
        • High-speed internet and charging outlets
        • Available 12:00-5:00 p.m.
      • The Yard Brevard
        • 284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Brevard Visitor Center
        • 175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712
        • Available daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    • Communications in the region are improving rapidly.
      • Cell service providers reported significant gains in service coverage on Sunday, October 6.
      • Roughly 80 percent of access to cell service has been restored in Western North Carolina.
      • More than 100 temporary network assets have been deployed across all service providers in NC-11 to assist with service quality.
    • Cell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.
      • Disaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.
        • This allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.
      • If you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.
    • UpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:
      • 470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
    • AT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:
      • Sam’s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • The Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.
        • The public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.
    • Verizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.
      • Wireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.
      • Verizon’s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Asheville YMCA
          • 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Family Justice Center
          • 35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Groce United Methodist Church
          • 954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805
      • Verizon also has charging stations at the following locations:
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
            • Two charging stations at this location
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732
            • Three charging stations at this location
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
          • One charging station at this location
    • T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:
      • Asheville Middle School
        • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
      • Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
        • 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801
      • First Baptist Church
        • 130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
    • Additional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.

    • Almost 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.
      • The total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.
    • The National Guard has more than 700 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.
      • So far, the National Guard has:
        • Delivered more than 2,614 tons of commodities to affected areas
        • Cleared 1,052 obstacles
        • Rescued nearly 1,000 individuals
    • The Guard’s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:
      • Delivery of essential relief supplies to points of need
      • Clearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities
    • Although airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.
      • If you are looking to fly in resources and don’t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.
    • On October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).
      • Nearly all 1,000 of the authorized active-duty soldiers have been mobilized to support the residents and affect counties devastated by Hurricane Helene in Western NC.
      • These soldiers are providing additional manpower and logistics capabilities to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.
    • In addition to the 1,000 previously authorized soldiers, another 500 troops with advanced technological assets were approved for deployment to Western NC to provide greater situational awareness on the ground.
      • These troops are not yet in NC-11, but coordination is taking place for rapid deployment over the coming days.
      • The Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.
    • Here are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:
      • HOTLINE: 888-892-1162
      • Emergency management watch: 919-733-3300
      • Donated goods: 919-825-2474
        • These lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.

    • Asheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.
    • Commercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.
    • If you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news – none of the airport’s lots flooded and all cars are fine.
      • Stay safe and pick up your car when you are able.
    • PLEASE NOTE:
      • No general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.
        • Supply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.
        • FEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.

    Federal Nutrition Programs

      • SNAP
        • North Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.
        • This waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.
      • Child Nutrition
        • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.
          • Under the waiver approval, NCDPI’s local program operators may:
            • Serve meals in a non-congregate setting
            • Adjust the time of meal service
            • Allow parent pick-up
            • Allow service of meals at school sites
      • Food and Nutrition Services Program
        • People and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.
          • This flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.
      • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
        • Families participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:
          • Have a new eWIC card issued
          • Request replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps
          • Request replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene

    • If you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.
      • The FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.
      • More information to follow.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:
      • Accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene
      • Advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene

    • For county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.
      • My office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.

    North Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.

    • Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.

    • To date, FEMA has paid out more than $30 million in housing and other types of assistance and more than 96,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance.

    • Residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.
    • People in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
      • Please only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.
    • If you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.
      • The form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.
      • Regardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.
        • Buncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.
      • United Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.
        • Text PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.

    For information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.

      • Filing FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)
      • Replacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver’s licenses and identification cards
      • Medical and insurance claims
      • Home repair contracts
      • Utility disputes related to restoration of services
      • Consumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft
      • Housing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures
      • Bankruptcy
      • Probate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title
      • Family law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)
    • If you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:
      • (866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262
        • The hotline is available from:
          • 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.
        • Constituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

      • IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.
      • Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:
        • IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income.

    • For those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:
      • Buncombe
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Gold’s Gym
          • 801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • Haywood
        • Haywood County Government Armory
          • 285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781
      • Henderson
        • Edneyville Elementary School
          • 2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
        • Henderson County Recreation Center
          • 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • Madison
        • Madison Early College High School
          • 5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755
      •  McDowell
        • Glenwood Baptist Church
          • 1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
      • Polk
        • Polk County High School
          • 1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Rutherford
        • Rutherfordton/Spindale Central High School
          • 641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • Transylvania
        • Transylvania Parks & Rec
          • 1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Yancey
        • Blue Ridge Elementary
          • 910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
        • Cane River Middle School
          • 1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714

    With my warmest regards,

    Chuck Edwards
    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Rename Post Office After Amarillo Legend Jerry H. Hodge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office in downtown Amarillo, Texas as the “Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building” to honor the life and legacy of Jerry Hodge. Jerry Hodge was a businessman, rancher, and philanthropist who died peacefully in Amarillo, TX at the age of 81 on July 25, 2024.

    Jackson said: “Jerry Hodge’s legacy is a testament to his remarkable journey. His dedication and passion for Amarillo was unparalleled. From being elected as the youngest mayor in Amarillo’s history, to turning Maxor Drug into a national leader in pharmacy services, to playing a crucial role in bringing the Sod Poodles, the Texas Tech School of Pharmacy, and the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine to Amarillo, Jerry Hodge’s leadership and vision left a permanent mark on the city. Beyond his professional achievements, Jerry cared deeply for his wife Margaret, his family, friends, and community, and I am proud to have called him a friend. His generosity and commitment to excellence were evident to all, which is why I am honored to introduce this legislation to rename the downtown post office as the “Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building.”

    Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System said: “Jerry was an extraordinary leader, businessman, and philanthropist who made an incredible impact on the people of Amarillo and the surrounding area. A true trailblazer, he took risks and never hesitated to stand tall for the causes he believed in. Jerry and his wife, Margaret, have been instrumental supporters of the Texas Tech University System and our universities. Without the Hodges, Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center would not have such a crucial presence in Amarillo today. I want to thank Congressman Jackson for his efforts to recognize Jerry’s tremendous contributions to this community.”

    Vance Reed, Chairman of Reed Beverage said: “Jerry Hodge was a man of many facets – a lover of land and longhorns, an admirer of good horses, and above all, a person with sincere devotion to mankind. His legacy is etched not only in the businesses he built, but also in the lives he touched. The impact of Jerry and his wife Margaret’s generosity is visible across Amarillo and the states of Texas and Oklahoma, with numerous buildings bearing their names. In a fitting tribute, thanks to District 13 Congressman Ronny Jackson, there are plans to rename the Downtown Post Office in Jerry’s honor. This gesture will serve as a lasting reminder of Jerry Hodge’s contributions and his choice to call Amarillo, Texas his home.”

    Alex Fairly, Executive CEO of the Fairly Group said: “Jerry Hodge was an extraordinary human being. He loved his community and he shared his time, influence, and wealth in a passionate pursuit of improving it. Amarillo is better because of Jerry’s unselfish leadership and generosity, and Congressman Jackson is right to mark Jerry’s impact on our community with this honor so that we do not forget his example and impact.”

    Richard Ware, Chairman of Amarillo National Bank said: “Amarillo has been blessed and honored to have Jerry Hodge as our leading citizen since the inception of the town. Jerry has served successfully in more positions than anyone – each of these bringing growth and advancement to Amarillo. He was a man of his word and a true friend to many. The Post Office would be a fitting memorial to all that Jerry has done for Amarillo and West Texas.”

    The legislation can be found here. 

    Biography of Jerry H. Hodge: Jerry Hodge was born on September 7, 1942, in Carnegie, OK. His family moved to Amarillo in 1957 where he went on to graduate from Tascosa High School in 1960. He earned a pharmacy degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1965. At 23, he purchased Maxor Drug, over the next 49 years, he grew Maxor from a single downtown location in Amarillo to a nationwide producer of pharmacy services across the country. At 30, Jerry was elected to the Amarillo City Commission and served two terms. At 34, he was elected as the youngest Mayor of Amarillo in 1977 and later won re­election by one of the most substantial total votes in the history of the city.

    In 1991, Jerry met Margaret, the love of his life. Jerry persuaded Margaret to move to Texas following their marriage on July 29, 1994. With Margaret by his side for nearly 30 years, they were an unstoppable team positively influencing the City of Amarillo. Jerry’s passions also included ranching, owning High Card Ranch in Clarendon, TX and Dos Rios Ranch outside of Springer, NM. Jerry was involved in the Coors Ranch Rodeo since it first began in 1988, and the High Card Ranch competes in the Coors Ranch Rodeo to this day.

    After 49 years, Jerry retired as CEO of Maxor in 2016 but continued to serve on the board for an additional 7 years. In 2019, he fulfilled a longtime passion by leading the effort to bring minor league baseball to Amarillo, resulting in the creation of Hodgetown Stadium, named in his honor. In Amarillo, Jerry also played a key role in establishing the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, which is named in his honor, as well as the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, he published his memoir, You’re On, Cowboy, in which he shared life lessons both good and bad with honesty and humor.

    Jerry is survived by his wife, Margaret Hodge, stepmother, Dolores Hodge, his children Heath Hodge (Donna), Ryan Hodge (Kim), Sunny Hodge-Campbell (Michael Flowers), Angela Serio Harney (Seth), former son-in-law Andrew Campbell, grandchildren Jerry Heath, Jordan, and Jacob Hodge; Josh Hodge; Ellen Campbell; Imogene, Geneva, and Violet Harney, and great-grandchildren Hollis, Lawrence, Cecille, Lola, Jett, Jayton, and River. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Billy Hickman Leads Senate Study Committee on Farmland Preservation Meeting at Sunbelt Agriculture Expo Center

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (October 7, 2024) — On September 25, Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, led the committee’s third meeting at the Sunbelt Agriculture Expo Center in Moultrie, Georgia.

    Committee members heard updates on Georgia’s farming sectors from representatives of the Georgia Milk Producers and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. The committee also examined alternatives to solar siting, with insights from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division. Additionally, a community discussion on Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) issues included presentations from local stakeholders, highlighting concerns about farmland preservation and rural development. The meeting concluded with a public comment session, allowing community members to share their perspectives and suggestions on preserving Georgia’s farmlands.

    Sen. Hickman expressed his gratitude to Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie) for hosting the committee in his hometown, stating, “I want to personally thank Sen. Watson for welcoming us to Moultrie and allowing us to hear directly from those who know our farmlands best. As a farmer himself, his insights are invaluable, and his commitment to Georgia’s agricultural heritage is evident. This meeting has given us a clearer understanding of the challenges facing Georgia’s farming communities, reaffirming our dedication to preserving the agricultural lands vital to our state’s economy and way of life.”

    The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands will meet again on Monday, October 28, at Cedartown High School College and Career Academy. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks. More information about the committee can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or via email at billy.hickman@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Milton

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton.

    As of 11 a.m. ET, Hurricane Milton is located about 720 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula today and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday.

    Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

    To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

    State Preparedness Efforts

    • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton as of October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
    • The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 600 missions to assist counties in their preparedness efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response as soon as it is safe to do so, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
    • FDEM is establishing a 10,000-person base camp at Tropicana Field to support ongoing debris operations and post-landfall responders.
    • FDEM is coordinating the deployment of fuel and EV chargers to pre-stage along evacuation routes to support evacuations.
    • The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA) storm preparations are underway at all State Veterans’ Nursing Homes in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
    • All outpatient appointments on Monday will be converted to virtual or rescheduled for the C. W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines. The VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg is also closed Monday.
    • The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care to support Florida Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care. Call 1-877-741-3400.
    • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT) are operational in Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers.
    • FDLE aviation assets are prepositioned ahead of the storm.
    • The FDLE Sworn Training Unit cut team is on stand-by and ready to deploy. The team helps make temporary, emergency repairs to the homes of first responders so they can quickly get back to work after a storm.
    • Maintenance is complete on all equipment used during Hurricane Helene and Operation Blue Ridge. The equipment, including command buses, sleeping quarters and generators, is ready for deployment.
    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
    • In addition to local officers, approximately 75, FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
      • Airboats
      • Shallow draft boats
      • ATVs/Side-by-sides
      • Larger platform vessels
      • Four-wheel vehicles
      • Specialized high water vehicles
    • FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
    • FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.

    Health and Human Services

    • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed nearly 600 emergency response vehicles on the I-4 Corridor in preparation for the storm.
    • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Health care providers in the have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
      • 64 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
      • 21 assisted living facilities
      • 4 Hospitals
      • 33 nursing home
      • 1 residential treatment centers for Children and Adolescents
      • 4 residential treatment centers
      • 1 Hospice
    • AHCA is conducting daily calls with the Florida Hospital Association and Florida Healthcare Association to ensure nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals are prepared and have their needs met ahead of Hurricane Milton.
    • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is working with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
    • The Florida Forest Service is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, dump trucks, bulldozers, and front-end loaders to assist with road clearing.
    • The Florida Forest Service and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement are supporting efforts to expedite debris removal in the Tampa Bay region.
    • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Milton. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, and North Carolina.
    • The Department is working to connect evacuating horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state.
    • The Florida State Fairgrounds has opened the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on a first come first serve basis for horse owners that are in the direct path of Hurricane Milton. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit floridastatefair.com/equestrian.
    • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is contacting all our Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
    • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues response and pre-landfall protocols and communication with APD-operated facilities, regions, and providers to provide updates on Hurricane Milton and check the status of clients and residents, while simultaneously anticipating unmet needs in potentially affected areas.
    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is preparing for Hurricane Milton and ensuring providers in potentially impacted areas have the resources they need for the storm.
    • The Department has secured supplies to ensure readiness in the event the Hope Bus is needed for deployment after landfall.
    • The State Mental Health Treatment Facilities have activated their disaster preparation plans and are assessing facility readiness.
    • DCF has begun contacting foster families, adult protective services clients, and licensed providers in the storm’s path to ensure preparedness.
    • DCF is making preliminary preparations for staffing shelters, delivering emergency supplies, and directing generators to critical human services infrastructure.
    • DCF has instructed all contracted vendors to deploy their Disaster Preparedness Plan.
    • DCF is providing information about Hope Florida to storm shelters, domestic violence shelters, and Continuums of Care ahead of the storm.

    Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

    • The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Hurricane Milton statewide preparedness efforts include clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU):
      • Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
      • Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
      • Monitoring interstate traffic speeds and levels for the potential implementation of Emergency Should Use (ESU) to assist with evacuations if necessary.
      • Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations that had returned to normal since Hurricane Helene.
      • Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge project is being secured.
      • FDOT has suspended construction projects with lane closures within all counties statewide located on all interstates and Florida Turnpike facilities.
      • Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
      • Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
      • Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
      • Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
      • Expanded Road Ranger Service across the impact zones.
    • Resources prepped and staged strategically (close to the projected path for quick implementation)
      • Cut & Toss Ops = 328 team members on standby
      • Over 1,015 generators
      • Over 350 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks
      • 67 pumps pre-positioned
      • Satellite internet equipment= 58 Starlink devices
      • Over 1,900 team members on standby for various emergency response efforts, including, damage assessment, flooding, traffic signals outages, etc.
      • FDOT has 20 drone pilots on standby
      • 8 ITS trailers staged
      • Over 150 bridge inspectors on standby
    • FDOT has removed 139,718 cubic yards of debris statewide (66,278 from state roads and 73,440 from local roads).
    • FDOT is supporting our local communities with supplemental sand and debris removal from local roads on the barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee counties.
    • At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT is coordinating debris removal assignments for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others, who have activated available state personnel and resources to clear and haul remaining debris.
    • Approximately 450 truckloads and 8,100 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Pinellas barrier islands.
    • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
    • Transportation Modes:
      • Seaports, Airports, Rail, and Transit partners are monitoring storm conditions.
      • Please check with your airline or transportation service provider directly about potential service impacts.
      • Transit agencies in the impacted area are offering evacuation transportation to shelters. Please check with your local transit provider for schedules.
      • SunRail operations will be suspended starting Tuesday, October 8
    • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.
    • DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
    • DEP is coordinating with Landfill Strike Teams to assess Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) operating as a result of Hurricane Helene.
    • For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, especially ahead of Hurricane Milton, DEP has approved all pending DDMS site activation requests and stands ready to approve the activation of any additional pre-authorized or new DDMSs that may be needed.
      • Currently, 193 DDMS have been authorized to operate.
    • Hurricane Helene kicked up significant amounts of sediment and sand along the coastlines in and along its path. DEP is working with local governments to manage the excess sand and continue removal efforts.
      • For sand that has accumulated on private properties, residents should return it to the beach if it appears clean, smells fresh and is free of debris. If the sand contains debris, residents should contact their local government to find the nearest disposal site. DEP has worked with counties to establish temporary staging areas to properly screen the sand before it is returned to the beach.
    • DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of Hurricane Milton.
    • Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and Florida’s water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm develops.
    • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
    • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has staged high-water rescue vehicles in preparation for landfall of Hurricane Milton.
    • FHP is mobilizing 74 Quick Response Force (QRF) Troopers to stage in preparation for the incoming storm.
    • FHP is providing security at the Pinellas County Landfill and assisting with traffic entering and exiting.
    • All FHP Troops statewide will be going to Alpha/Bravo shifts effective Tuesday., October 8 (Troop C-Tampa area will begin this on 10/7/24 at 6 a.m.). All days off will be canceled.
    • FHP will be assisting with debris cleanup in the Tampa area.
    • FHP is working with its partners at FDOT to prepare and implement the Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) plan for evacuations in the Tampa area.
    • FHP is assisting with traffic control in Taylor County and outside Tropicana Field for debris cleanup crews.
    • FHP is providing security at multiple fuel sites across the state.
    • FHP is assisting with community patrols in Taylor County.
    • FHP air support and drone assets are staged and prepared to deploy when needed.
    • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is actively preparing mitigation measures by deploying evacuation assets and identifying areas of evacuation. Updates will be made available to the public at http://www.fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates.
    • The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and is working with school districts as they begin preparation efforts. The Department is also in close contact with districts that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and will assist them with addressing critical needs ahead of the storm. Updates on school closures can be found at FLDOE.org/storminfo.

    Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

    • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is staging assets and personnel across 13 offices statewide and is prepared to surge resources to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that receive a second impact from Hurricane Milton.
    • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz.
    • FloridaCommerce activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls. Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com will remain available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
    • The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) has pulled their Helene Mobile Assistance Centers from the field and will redeploy once storm conditions have passed.
    • The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals. In addition, the OFR offers online resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services provider(s), including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.
    • OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers. Information can be found here.

      For previous updates see below:
      10/6/2024 (1)
      10/6/2024 (2)

      Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Milton.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Loudermilk Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter to Congressional Leadership Calling for Immediate Support for Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

    Washington D.C. (October 1, 2024) | This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), joined the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation and other Members of Congress from Southeastern states in a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Congressional leadership to work with them and the Biden Administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to farmers and growers following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.

    “To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation,” the Members wrote. “Farmers and growers nationwide, not only those damaged by Helene, have now faced multiple growing seasons without sufficient federal support. Our constituents are counting on us to act swiftly.”

    Members of Congress on the letter include: U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-1), Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-2), Drew Ferguson (GA-3), Hank Johnson (GA-4), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Rich McCormick (GA-6), Lucy McBath (GA-7), Austin Scott (GA-8), Andrew Clyde (GA-9), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), Majorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Darren Soto (FL-9), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Morgan McGarvey (KY-3), Don Davis (NC-1), Deborah Ross (NC-2), Greg Murphy (NC-3), Kathy Manning (NC-6), Dan Bishop (NC-8), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Alda Adams (NC-12), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Jeff Jackson (NC-14), and Diana Harshbarger (TN-1).

    “Federal agricultural disaster assistance is essential to help our States and our Nation recover. We urge you to work with the administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to our growers. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working with you to secure these critical resources,” the members concluded.

    Read the full bipartisan, bicameral letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cammack Leads Colleagues In Letter To Sec. Vilsack About Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    GAINESVILLE, FL — Congresswoman Kat Cammack led 14 of her colleagues in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about needed USDA actions to support farmers and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. The letter requests FSA strike teams, the use of more accurate rainfall data, and disaster aid provided through block grants. 

    Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region at the end of September and made its way through the southeastern United States, impacting Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

    “We write to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take swift action to support our farmers and rural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, we request that the USDA deploy Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams to the hardest-hit areas, providing much-needed personnel to assist with recovery efforts. Additionally, we urge the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to collaborate with local stakeholders and utilize regional rainfall data to ensure more accurate assessments for damage and crop insurance claims. Finally, we request that USDA disaster aid be provided to affected states through block grants. This will allow states the flexibility to administer relief tailored to the specific needs of their producers and communities. These actions will be critical to ensuring a swift and effective recovery for our agricultural communities,” write the lawmakers in the letter. 

    Florida Reps. Neal Dunn, Aaron Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Byron Donalds, Scott Franklin, Laurel Lee, Cory Mills, Mike Waltz, and Daniel Webster joined Rep. Cammack on the letter. Congressmen Rick Allen, Austin Scott, and Buddy Carter of Georgia, Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, and Morgan Griffith of Virginia also joined.

    Read the letter here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Greets Vice President Kamala Harris in Charlotte

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    CHARLOTTE – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) welcomed Vice President Kamala D. Harris to Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, as she arrived at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) to survey the damage wrought by Tropical Storm Helene.  

    “I spoke with Vice President Harris, and she is committed to providing whatever resources are required to help the people of North Carolina recover from Helene,” said Rep. Adams. “I am thankful to her and to President Biden for all the work they’re doing behind the scenes to help our state.” 

    Rep. Adams, who represents northern Charlotte and some surrounding towns, joined the Vice President on the tarmac at CLT, to welcome her to the region. CLT has benefited from over $200 million in federal funds supporting its expansion and modernization, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed under the Biden-Harris Administration. 

    ### 

    Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: World Cotton Day: The Role of Nuclear Science

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    (Photo: F. Llukmani/IAEA)

    To mark World Cotton Day, the IAEA Director General has highlighted how nuclear science helps optimize the growth of the world’s most important natural fibre, at celebrations in Benin this morning. 

    In his recorded message to over 400 attendees at the World Cotton Day celebration, Rafael Mariano Grossi spoke of the Agency’s role in the international ‘Partnership for Cotton’ and the importance of the crop.  

    “Cotton really is a crop worth celebrating: It produces useful natural fibres. It alleviates poverty in some of the world’s least developed countries. It supports the income of women. And it removes harmful carbon from the atmosphere,” the Director General said. 

    The IAEA has over six decades of experience developing and sharing nuclear techniques that help get the best out of soil, water and crops like cotton, as part of the work carried out by the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. 

    The centre’s laboratories in Seibersdorf conduct applied research and through the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme, the developed technology is then transferred to countries and eventually to farmers to employ these techniques in the field.  

    For example, IAEA/FAO scientists use irradiation to speed up the evolution of cotton seeds and develop varieties that are more resilient to drought, heat or disease.  

    And in Pakistan, for example, this technique, known as mutation breeding (see Plant mutation breeding), has helped develop 32 new cotton varieties since 1970. Now, more than 40 per cent of the cotton-producing areas in Pakistan are benefiting from the use these new varieties with improved traits adapted to climate change. 

    THE SCIENCE Plant mutation breeding

    Plant mutation breeding is the process of exposing plant seeds, cuttings or other planting material to radiation, such as gamma rays or X-rays, and then planting the seeds or cultivating the irradiated material in a sterile rooting medium, which generates a plantlet. The individual plants are then multiplied and examined for their traits. Those exhibiting the desired traits continue to be cultivated. 

    Plant mutation breeding does not involve gene modification, but rather uses a plant’s own genetic material and mimics the natural process of spontaneous mutation. 

    More about plant breeding here. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, Smithsonian Open New Exhibit to Showcase Our Dynamic Earth

    Source: NASA

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson joined the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington and agency leadership to unveil the new Earth Information Center exhibit during an early preview on Monday.
    “NASA has studied Earth and our changing climate for more than 60 years. The Earth Information Center at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History will expand access to NASA’s data and our decades of Earth observation to even more people,” said Nelson. “Together with the Smithsonian, we are providing detailed, usable, and scalable information to enable the public to better understand the climate crisis and take action in their community.”
    The exhibit includes a 32-foot-long, 12-foot-high video wall displaying Earth science data visualizations and videos, interpretive panels showing Earth’s connected systems, information on our changing world, and an overview of how NASA and the Smithsonian study our home planet. It opens to the public Tuesday, Oct. 8. 
    “The new Earth Information Center at the National Museum of Natural History will bring Smithsonian and NASA data on the Earth’s environment and climate to thousands of museum visitors every year,” said Kirk Johnson, the museum’s Sant director. “It is an honor to partner with NASA to bring this dynamic view of Earth to museumgoers and connect people more deeply with their home planet.”
    Visitors also can explore Earth observing missions, changes in Earth’s landscape over time, and how climate is expected to change regionally through multiple interactive experiences. The exhibit will remain on display through 2028.
    “The Earth Information Center allows people to see our planet as we at NASA see it – an awe-inspiring and complex system of oceans, land, ice, atmosphere, and the life they support,” said Karen St. Germain, division director, Earth Sciences Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We are thrilled that this collaboration puts NASA’s Earth science at the fingertips of Smithsonian visitors for the benefit of all.”
    With more than two dozen missions in orbit, NASA observes our planet’s oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere, and measure how a change in one drives change in others. NASA develops new ways to build long-term data records of how our planet evolves. The agency freely shares this unique knowledge and works with institutions around the world.
    As part of NASA’s ongoing mission to better understand our home planet, NASA created the Earth Information Center which draws insights from across all NASA centers and its federal partners – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development, Environmental Protection Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Administration. It allows viewers to see how our home planet is changing and gives decision makers information to develop the tools they need to mitigate, adapt, and respond to those changes.
    NASA’s Earth Information Center is a virtual and physical space designed to aid people to make informed decisions on Earth’s environment and climate. It provides easily accessible Earth information, enabling global understanding of our changing planet.
    The expansion of the physical Earth Information Center at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History makes it the second location in the Washington area. The first is located at NASA Headquarters in Washington at 300 E St., SW.
    To learn more about the Earth Information Center, visit:
    https://earth.gov
    -end-
    Meira Bernstein / Elizabeth VlockHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Russia is preparing to present its climate strategy at the international conference COP29 in Baku

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk took part in a meeting on the issue of using the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance (IIP GN) “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures. The event took place at the Government Coordination Center.

    The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Presidential Aide on Climate Issues Ruslan Edelgeriev, representatives of the Government, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roshydromet, Roscosmos, business, the scientific community, fuel and energy companies, etc.

    The parties discussed the results of the work of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Yu. A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology” on adjusting the coefficients for greenhouse gas emissions in various industrial sectors – from agriculture to energy, petrochemistry and municipal solid waste management as part of the preparation of the draft National Inventory of Anthropogenic Emissions from Sources and Absorption by Sinks of Greenhouse Gases for 1990-2022. Data from Rosleskhoz, Earth remote sensing systems, etc. were used to adjust the coefficients. The second stage of the VIP GZ was instructed to be finalized.

    The monitoring system will ensure the formation of reliable and internationally recognized scientific data for assessing anthropogenic and natural flows of climate-active substances on the territory of the Russian Federation, and will also allow for the implementation of further measures to achieve the national goals set by the President, including in the field of ecology and climate.

    The Director of the Institute of Public Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported on forecasts of greenhouse gas emissions and absorption for the implementation of the goals of the Strategy for Socioeconomic Development with Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions until 2050.

    Alexander Novak thanked the scientists for their work and instructed them to coordinate the new data with industry plans for investment in emission reduction projects and environmental programs. The Ministry of Economic Development will have to finalize and coordinate with federal executive authorities the draft presidential decree on establishing a target indicator for greenhouse gas emissions for 2035 and the draft operational plan.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52927/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen, DeGette Announce Support for Colorado River District’s Application for Funding to Complete Shoshone Water Rights Purchase

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet
    Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen, and Diana DeGette, wrote to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) in support of the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s (CRWCD) application for federal funding to purchase two of the oldest water rights on the Colorado River mainstem in Colorado, known as the Shoshone Permanency Project. The lawmakers offered their support as part of an ongoing BOR funding opportunity to provide environmental benefits in response to drought, which remains open for additional projects in Colorado and the rest of the Upper Colorado River Basin.
    “The Colorado River District’s mission is to promote the protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin for the welfare of the state of Colorado,” wrote the lawmakers. “Preserving the Colorado River’s historical flow regime as intended by the Shoshone Permanency Project will benefit the Colorado River ecosystem every year, and especially in dry years.”
    The 1902 Senior and the 1929 Junior Shoshone Water Rights currently held by Xcel Energy are used to generate power at the Shoshone Power Plant and then return it to the river. Communities across Western Colorado have already committed over $55 million, and are applying to BOR for funding from the Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program to help complete the purchase and create stability for communities, water and recreational users, and the environment. The Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program funding opportunity is open for application through November 22, 2024, and the lawmakers welcome other applicants to contact their offices on the opportunity to provide support. 
    “This strong show of funding reflects the local recognition of the Shoshone Water Rights’ importance to the health of western Colorado’s environment and local economies,”continue the lawmakers. “We recognize the Shoshone Permanency Project’s complex nature and ongoing technical review, but believe the opportunity to protect historical Colorado River flows deserves your attention.”
    As part of the Shoshone Permanency Project, CRWCD will seek a change in these rights to include an alternate beneficial use and preserve the historical flow regime. The state process for changing these decreed water rights is distinct from any federal funding review or outcome, and will proceed separately. As acknowledged in the letter, data collection and analysis related to the Shoshone water rights’ historic use is ongoing and important to the state of Colorado’s formal review. 
    As the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry and Natural Resources, Bennet has consistently worked with his colleagues to help communities in Colorado and across the American West as they face the effects of climate change. In June 2022, as Subcommittee Chair, Bennet held the Senate’s very first hearing on Western drought. In June 2024, Bennet and Subcommittee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) held a field hearing in Burlington, Colorado, to hear from Western producers and agricultural leaders facing historic drought. 
    Bennet and Hickenlooper fought to include $8 billion for Western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In September 2022, Bennet, Neguse, and Crow urged BOR to prioritize funding for long-term, permanent solutions to the Colorado River drought crisis as it worked to allocate the $4 billion for Western drought from the IRA. After calling on the Biden administration to make further investments to address long-term drought caused by climate change in April 2024, Bennet welcomed $400 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for investments at the irrigation district scale to address drought in August. The lawmakers will continue to work with communities and water users across the state to ensure as much of this funding as possible comes to the state of Colorado.
    The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear Commissioner Touton:
    We write in support of the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s (the River District) application to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation funding opportunity, referred to as Bucket 2E. As you know, the Inflation Reduction Act provided a historic $4 billion to address issues caused by drought, including activities to support environmental benefits, and ecosystem and habitat restoration. If selected, the River District will leverage Bucket 2E funding alongside significant state and local investment to purchase two of the oldest water rights on the Colorado River mainstem in the State of Colorado – the Shoshone Water Rights – to preserve their historical flow regime in perpetuity. 
    The River District was established in 1937 as a local governing entity to represent water users across 15 counties in Western Colorado – including the headwaters of the Yampa, White, Gunnison, and Colorado Rivers. The Colorado River District’s mission is to promote the protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin for the welfare of the State of Colorado.
    Now, the River District is pursuing the Shoshone Permanency Project, which aims to preserve the historical Colorado River flow regime created by the 1902 Senior Shoshone Water Right and the 1929 Junior Shoshone Water Right (the “Shoshone Water Rights”). The River District has signed an agreement to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights from Xcel Energy, which currently holds the rights for its Shoshone hydropower plant. Today, the Shoshone Water Rights are decreed as non-consumptive water rights: the water is used to generate hydropower at the Shoshone Power Plant and is returned to the stream. The Shoshone Water Rights’ senior status “pulls” water to Glenwood Canyon, which ensures that water continues to flow and benefits the downstream environment. Preserving the Colorado River’s historical flow regime as intended by the Shoshone Permanency Project will benefit the Colorado River ecosystem every year, and especially in dry years.
    Data collection and analysis of Shoshone Water Rights’ historic use is not yet completed, and ongoing–a key step for understanding the historic flow regime on the Colorado River. The Shoshone Permanency Project seeks to change the water rights to include an alternate beneficial use for instream flow purposes, a legally recognized beneficial use in Colorado, to preserve the historical Shoshone flow regime. The proposed decree associated with these flows is still under technical review by the State of Colorado. The River District is actively discussing the proposal with other water users across the state. The Colorado Water Conservation Board and the State of Colorado Water Court will conduct a formal review in the coming months. Ongoing modeling will also help quantify the environmental benefits of the Shoshone Water Rights flows. One potential benefit is to the critical habitat of four fish in the Colorado River listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), known as the 15-Mile Reach, located near Palisade, Colorado.
    The State of Colorado and our water users are making their own significant investments to ensure that the historical Shoshone flows can continue in perpetuity. The Colorado River District has allocated $20 million, the State of Colorado has appropriated another $20 million for the acquisition, provided the State’s instream flow requirements are met, and a coalition of Western Slope water users and local governments have formally committed over $15 million. This strong show of funding reflects the local recognition of the Shoshone Water Rights’ importance to the health of western Colorado’s environment and local economies.
    We recognize the Shoshone Permanency Project’s complex nature and ongoing technical review, but believe the opportunity to protect historical Colorado River flows deserves your attention. We encourage you to give the River District’s proposal your full and fair consideration consistent with all applicable rules and regulations. Thank you for your review, and please notify our offices of any funds awarded.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Participates in 44th Session of Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

    Source: Government of India

    India Participates in 44th Session of Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

    India Advocates for Updated Probiotic Guidelines and Nutrient Standards at Codex Meeting; Receives Global Support

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 6:37PM by PIB Delhi

    India participated in the 44th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) held in Dresden, Germany from October 2 to October 6, 2024. As a key contributor, India made pivotal interventions on significant agenda items. It provided valuable insights on nutrient reference values for persons aged 6 to 36 months and extended its support to frame harmonized probiotic guidelines for foods and food supplements. Countries like Canada, Chile, New Zealand, and several others backed India’s views.

    Playing a pivotal part in creating harmonized guidelines for probiotics, India highlighted that the current Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/ World Health Organization (WHO) documents on probiotics are two decades old and need revision in light of scientific advancements. Additionally, India emphasized the lack of international harmonization in probiotic regulation guidelines, which may impede global trade practices. The Committee agreed to revisit these guidelines and requested FAO and WHO to conduct a review of the documents ‘Health & Nutrition Properties of Probiotics in Food including powder milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria’ (2001) & ‘Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food’ (2002), incorporating a literature review of scientific evidence on probiotics and come up with a new work proposal for reconsideration of CCNFSDU.

    In the general principles for establishing nutrient reference values, India opined that the combined NRV-R value for persons from 6-36 months should be determined by calculating the mean value of the two age groups 6 – 12 months and 12 – 36 months, the same was considered and agreed by the committee.

    In the discussion on assessing the relative sweetness of carbohydrate sources in the Standard for Follow-up Formula, India disagreed with the EU’s proposal for sensory testing, citing a lack of scientific validation for use in national legislation. Supported by the USA, Canada, and others, India’s stance contributed to the committee’s decision to discontinue the topic for now. It was noted that in the absence of a harmonized method, ISO 5495 or other available methods could still be used.

    Delegates from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development advocated for India’s stance on various food safety, consumer health, and trade-related issues. During the adoption of the final report, India’s suggestions were officially incorporated, marking a significant contribution to shaping global food safety and nutrition standards.

    During the session, FAO/WHO announced plans for a Joint Statement on Healthy Diet Principles and shared updates on reviewing the benefits and risks of Alternative Animal Source Foods (A-ASFs). FAO also introduced the new “Food and Diet” domain on its FAOSTAT database. Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Cem Özdemir, welcomed delegates, stressing the importance of safe food for global food security. The session was chaired by Ms. Martine Püster, with Dr. Carolin Bendadani as co-chair.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments

    Source: Government of India (2)

    12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments

    Food parks among areas for greater collaboration and investments between India and UAE: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to establish a subsidiary at GIFT City: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Invest India office to open in UAE: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Interlinking of the two national payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:09PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai (India), 7 October 2024

     

    The 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) took place in Mumbai today. It was co-Chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

    The HLJTFI was established in 2013 to promote trade, investment and economic ties between India and the UAE. Since its formation, it has provided an effective mechanism to discuss opportunities and prospects for further investments in India and the UAE, while acting as a forum to resolve issues faced by investors of the two countries.

    During the 12th HLJTFI meeting, the Co-Chairs acknowledged the continued growth and strengthening of the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE, including on trade and investment related matters. The India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024, has been ratified by both sides and entered into force with effect from 31 August 2024. 

    The Co-Chairs also acknowledged the rapid rise in bilateral trade under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022. The Joint Task Force reviewed the working of the India-UAE CEPA, which was one of the fastest-ever negotiated Free Trade Agreements. This landmark agreement designed to stimulate increased trade and boost the trading relationship between the two countries. During the course of the last two years, the CEPA has helped reduce tariffs on the majority of product lines, sought to address other barriers to trade and created new avenues for cooperation. As a result of the deal, bilateral trade has risen consistently, with non-oil trade rising to US$28.2 billion in the first half of 2024, a 9.8% year-on-year increase. The agreement has also spurred FDI – as of 2023, the UAE is India’s fourth largest foreign investor with US$3.35 billion committed across a wide range of sectors, representing a threefold increase on 2022. Indian FDI into the UAE in 2023 totalled US$ 2.05 billion, more than 2021 and 2022 combined. These figures represent real growth with real, on-the-ground impact. Further, it has led to job creation in Indian market and export from labour-oriented sectors is growing rapidly.

    Considering the strategic agreements and initiatives signed during the recent official visit of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India, the two sides noted the existing and future investments and projects of UAE entities in key sectors of the Indian economy, including energy, artificial intelligence, logistics, food and agriculture, which total approximately US$100 billion. The meeting also reviewed UAE investments in Indian infrastructure assets.

    During the HLJTFI meeting, the two sides reviewed progress on several key initiatives, including some that were previously announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and expressed satisfaction at the rapid pace of implementation. These initiatives include bilateral trade in local currencies, the integration of payment systems of India and the UAE, cooperation on Central Bank Digital Currencies, the launch of work relating to a Virtual Trade Corridor and the development of a food park in Ahmedabad. 

    Food parks are among areas for greater collaboration and investments between India and UAE. It will lead to higher income for farmers, jobs’ creation in food processing sector, and enhance food security for UAE. Small working groups between Central Government, State Governments and UAE Government will take forward food corridors between the two countries on a mission-mode basis. The strong progress made on these initiatives attests to the high level of commitment from both sides to ensure the implementation of their respective leaders’ visions. 

    The two sides welcomed the announcement of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) establishing a subsidiary at GIFT City. This underlines the strong interest from UAE’s institutional investors in India’s growing and dynamic economy, and GIFT City’s reputation as world-class financial services centre, operating under a strong regulator and a robust legal framework.

    To augment the relationship, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), via its international subsidiary NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) is collaborating with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), to enable creation of domestic card scheme JAYWAN in UAE. The JAYWAN card scheme is an outcome of deep collaboration between NIPL and AEP. It is based on the RuPay card stack (developed and deployed at great scale by NPCI in India), which is shared with the AEP to enable UAE be sovereign in the area of digital payments. The two governments are now working on interlinking the two national payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), which will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This will benefit over 3 million Indians residing in UAE enabling them use power of UPI and AANI, for real-time cross-border remittance, which is aligned with the vision of bringing speed, transparency, accessibility and cost efficiency in cross-border remittances.

    The Government of India has also decided to open an office of Invest India in Dubai, UAE to serve as a dedicated point of contact for potential UAE investors seeking to invest in India. The issue was discussed during the India-UAE HLJTFI meeting today. This will be the first such overseas office of Invest India in the Middle East region and its second overseas office overall after Singapore.

    In course of the HLJTFI meeting, the Co-chairs Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister of India, and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, also expressed satisfaction on the progress being made by Bharat Mart. Work on the ground has commenced, and design work on the layout of retail spaces and warehousing is making rapid progress.

    The HLJTFI provides a forum to deliberate on ways and incentives for encouraging further growth in investment flows from both sides. In this context, the Indian side shared opportunities for investments in priority sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and genomics, among others. The UAE side also raised opportunities for investment in India’s aerospace sector, due to the rapid growth of its aviation market.  

    Issues related to investments from both sides, as well as specific challenges faced by companies from both countries, were also discussed during the meeting, with a view to removing obstacles and facilitating their resolution. The Co-Chairs directed both teams to work together and with the relevant government entities to address these issues in a timely and mutually acceptable manner. 

    The HLJTFI meeting was attended by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India; Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, Ambassador of the UAE to India, and a number of senior officials from both the governments.

    Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Industries Minister, Government of India, and Co-Chair of the HLJTFI said: “India-UAE partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development. The Joint Task Force meeting today was useful to take a stock of all the laudable initiatives that India and the UAE have jointly undertaken, such as local currency settlement, virtual trade corridor, Bharat Mart, and so on. With the strong framework now provided by India-UAE CEPA and Bilateral Investment Treaty, I encourage stakeholders to further explore investment opportunities and trade possibilities.”

    His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Co-Chair of the HLJTFI, said: “The India-UAE CEPA, signed in 2022, has been a major catalyst for strengthening economic ties and enhancing cross-border trade between the UAE and India. Against this positive backdrop, the Joint Task Force continues to play an important role as a forum to explore new investment opportunities, remove impediments to further cooperation and work together in pursuit of shared goals.”

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

     

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi meets with UNDP Assistant Secretary-General Ms. Kanni Wignaraja in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 8:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare welcomed a UNDP delegation led by Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today. The meeting centered around ongoing collaboration between the Ministry and UNDP, particularly in the areas of agricultural insurance and credit, aimed at enhancing risk resilience in the agriculture sector. The partnership, initiated in 2018 was extended in 2023 for another four years, until 2026. Discussions also explored potential avenues for further cooperation between UNDP and other relevant departments.

    Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted the Government of India’s key priorities in agriculture, including achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses, promoting the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), advancing climate-resilient agriculture, and improving crop insurance and agricultural credit systems. He emphasized India’s success in implementing the world’s largest crop insurance scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which has seen significant growth in farmer and land coverage. He noted that several countries have sought India’s technical expertise to develop their own crop insurance programs based on this model.

    Ms. Kanni Wignaraja expressed UNDP’s strong interest in collaborating on initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Commodity System (FACS), value chains for oilseeds, pulses, and millets, as well as in climate-resilient agriculture and solar storage solutions. She also commended India’s leadership in sharing its experience in crop insurance and agricultural credit with other nations, particularly in promoting South-South cooperation.

    The Secretary reiterated that areas for future collaboration could include expanding climate-resilient agriculture practices, integrating digital technology through the Digital Agriculture Mission within the PMFBY framework, enhancing agricultural credit systems, and strengthening millet value chains.

    Ms. Wignaraja thanked Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi for the fruitful discussion and assured UNDP’s continued support to the Ministry in achieving shared goals, including poverty eradication, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering sustainable development.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary and other senior officers of DA&FW besides Ms. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of UNDP India, Ms. Isabelle Tschan, Deputy Resident Representative.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to host ITU-WTSA24 during October 14th- 24th in New Delhi : The first ever in Asia Pacific region

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India to host ITU-WTSA24 during October 14th- 24th in New Delhi : The first ever in Asia Pacific region

    World leaders and technology experts from more than 190+ countries will join to shape the future of technology standards

    Inauguration of AI Bharat 5G/6G Hackathon phase-2 by Member (Technology)-the first pre-event of WTSA-2024

    Phase-2 of the Hackathon begins with National & International Teams tacking to achieve Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) using AI in Telecom Innovations

    Global Innovators compete to design the cutting-Edge Solutions in 5G and 6G — Smart City Transit, Flood Monitoring, and Autonomous Networks Among Top Solutions at AI Bharat Hackathon

    “The solutions you create here have the potential to shape the future of global telecommunications.”: Ms. Madhu Arora, Member (Technology)

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 7:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will be held in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024. This will be the first time in the history of ITU that this prestigious global tech event is happening in Asia-Pacific region. Over 3,000 world leaders and technology experts  from 190+ countries will collaborate to shape the future of technology standard in areas like 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, cybersecurity, M2M communications, and quantum technologies.

    As part of many WTSA side events, the second phase of AI Bharat 5G/6G Hackathon, organized in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, started today.

    The two-day in-person coding competition kicked off today at Bharat Mandapam, with 12 shortlisted teams—seven Indian and five international—coming together to compete. Over the next two days, these teams will develop cutting-edge AI and machine learning (AI/ML) solutions for next-generation 5G and 6G networks. The hackathon is supported by an elite panel of Indian and international mentors, including 12 Indian and two international experts, along with guidance from an ITU Programme Officer.

    This event, open to both Indian and international participants, provides an exceptional platform for collaboration.

    The first phase, which took place from 7th August to 30th September 2024, was launched by the Secretary, Department of Telecom in the presence of senior ITU officials, and experts from IIT Delhi. During this online phase, participants from diverse backgrounds, including international teams, competed in a series of challenges aimed at integrating AI/ML into 5G/6G infrastructures. Five mentoring sessions were conducted, with all teams submitting detailed project repositories. Primarily sessions were scheduled every Wednesday from August 7, 2024 to August 28, 2024. Additionally, there were a half-hour session as part of the WTSA outreach program on September 26, 2024, in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

    The Hackathon focuses on two problem statements:

    1.         AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox – Build Your Own AI/ML Model for 5G/6G: Teams will develop AI/ML pipelines leveraging ITU recommendations, including ITU-T Y.3172 and ITU-T Y.3061, with the aim of creating innovative use cases for 5G/6G.

    2.         AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox – Build Your Own xApp for Autonomous 5G/6G: Participants will create xApps to enhance autonomous 5G/6G networks, guided by ITU experts.

    Inaugurating the second phase, Ms. Madhu Arora, Member (Technology), Digital Communication Commission warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, participants, and winners of the first phase, saying,”This international hackathon is a platform for young innovators to turn their visions into reality and make a tangible impact on society.”

    Member (T) also emphasized the hackathon’s importance, stating, “The integration of AI/ML into 5G and 6G technologies opens up limitless possibilities, and I eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions that will emerge from this initiative.”

    Participants are working on critical challenges with real-world applications, including smart city transit, flood monitoring, traffic optimization, womens safety with “AuratRaksha”,

     “Sim Fraud Protection” and network reliability, using AI/ML technologies integrated with 5G and 6G networks. Teams have access to cutting-edge resources such as cloud credits, simulators, and compute servers. The event also features expert talks from global leaders in AI and telecommunications.

    The hackathon’s use cases span a wide range of fields, including:

    • Next Gen: A 5G-enabled smart city public transportation system for seamless data flow and real-time updates.
    • Vajra IITB: A flood monitoring and alerting system for real-time emergency response in urban areas.
    • BLAZE-IITJ: A 5G-enabled drone resource scheduling framework using AI for ultra-reliable low-latency communications.
    • IIITA ECE: A waste management system to prevent riverbed pollution.
    • Tech Rangers: An AI-driven initiative to reduce the 6G standards barrier for African contributors.
    • HexaCore: A women’s safety platform, “AuratRaksha,” designed for real-time alerts in unsafe situations.
    • Neural Nomads: AgriShield – AI-Driven 5G/6G Solutions for Small-Scale Farmers is focused on improving agricultural resilience for small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe and Africa. The platform uses AI-powered crop monitoring and predictive analytics to provide real-time insights, while also streamlining farm-to-market logistics through an integrated AI marketplace., empowering farmers with data-driven decision-making tools.

     Ms. Madhu Arora concluded by encouraging participants to push the boundaries of innovation, “The solutions you create here have the potential to shape the future of global telecommunications.”

    As the event progresses, participants will continue refining their projects, leading to the announcement of winners, who will be awarded and recognized at the closing ceremony.

    Prizes: The top three teams ($1,000, $700, $500). Special recognition will be given to the Best Student Team, Best Start-up, and Best Female Team, each receiving $500.

    The AI Bharat 5G/6G Hackathon has become a hub for innovation, bringing together students, startups, and technology enthusiasts from India and across the globe. It will help shape the future of AI and next-generation telecommunications.

    (For further updates on the hackathon, please visit:

    https://challenge.aiforgood.itu.int/match/matchitem/95.)

    About WTSA2024:

    The prestigious World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) will be held in New Delhi from 15th – 24th Oct 2024, marking a significant step towards the advancements of 5G and 6G networks. It also marks the country’s growing importance in the global technology landscape. The WTSA is a quadrennial event and serves as the governing conference of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Standardisation Sector (ITU-T). It is one of the three world conferences organized by the International Telecommunication Union, an entity within the United Nations system. This event plays a pivotal role in setting global telecommunication standards, making India’s hosting of the WTSA a significant milestone.

    It will bring together more than 3,000 delegates from 150+ countries, including over 1,000 foreign delegates and 50 global ministers representing telecom, digital, and ICT sectors. WTSA 2024 will pave the way for bridging the digital divide through universal and affordable connectivity, focusing on critical areas like 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, cybersecurity, M2M, Broadcasting, Satcom, and quantum technologies.

    WTSA will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.  The GSS is a high-level forum for policy debates on ICT standardization, addressing its evolving dynamics and technical implications.

    The WTSA 2024, will be accompanied by other related initiatives such as the ITU Kaleidoscope conference, ITU exhibitions, Network of Women and AI for Good to enrich the discourse and promote inclusivity in the sector.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expresses heartfelt gratitude on completion of 23 years as head of government

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expresses heartfelt gratitude on completion of 23 years as head of government

    During my 13 years as Chief Minister, Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’: PM

    Over 25 crore people have been freed from the clutches of poverty. India has become the fifth largest economy: PM

    India’s developmental strides have ensured that our country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally: PM

    I will not rest till our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised: PM

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 9:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for completing 23 years as the head of a government. Shri Modi recalled his time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and said that Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ ensuring prosperity for all sections of society. Reflecting on the past decade, the Prime Minister said that India’s developmental strides have ensured that our country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally. He reassured the citizens he would keep working tirelessly and not rest till the collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised.

    The Prime Minister posted a thread on X:

    “#23YearsOfSeva…

    A heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has sent their blessings and good wishes as I complete 23 years as the head of a government. It was on October 7, 2001, that I took on the responsibility of serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. It was the greatness of my Party, @BJP4India, to task a humble Karyakarta like me with the responsibility of heading the state administration.”

    “When I assumed office as CM, Gujarat was facing numerous challenges – the 2001 Kutch Earthquake, before that a Super Cyclone, a massive drought, and the legacy of many decades of Congress misrule like loot, communalism and casteism. Powered by Jana Shakti, we rebuilt Gujarat and propelled it to new heights of progress, even in a sector like agriculture, for which the state was not traditionally known.”

    “During my 13 years as Chief Minister, Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ ensuring prosperity for all sections of society. In 2014, the people of India blessed my Party with a record mandate, thus enabling me to serve as Prime Minister. This was a historic moment, as it marked the first time in 30 years that a party secured a full majority.”

    “Over the past decade, we have been able to address several challenges our nation faces. Over 25 crore people have been freed from the clutches of poverty. India has become the fifth largest economy and this has particularly helped our MSMEs, StartUps sector and more. New avenues of prosperity have opened for our hardworking farmers, Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti and the poor as well as marginalized sections of society.”

    “India’s developmental strides have ensured that our country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally. The world is keen to engage with us, invest in our people and be a part of our success. At the same time, India is working extensively to overcome global challenges be it climate change, improving healthcare, realising SDGs and more.”

    “Much has been achieved over the years but there is still more to be done. The learnings over these 23 years enabled us to come up with pioneering initiatives which have made an impact both nationally and globally. I assure my fellow Indians that I will keep working tirelessly, with even more vigour in service of the people. I will not rest till our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised.”

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024

    Adoption of best farm practice can increase yield of Cotton: Textiles Minister

    Industry signs several Memorandum of Understandings to promote Indian Kasturi Cotton Brand

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 10:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh attended the celebration of World Cotton Day 2024 here today. The Ministry of Textiles jointly hosted the conference with Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) and Cotton Corporation of India focusing on the theme of “Megatrends Shaping Cotton Textile Value Chain”.

    The Textiles Minister while addressing the august gathering reiterated the commitment of the government to achieve the target of USD 350 billion by 2030 including export target of USD 100 billion. This could only be achieved, if all the stakeholders in the cotton value chain join hands together. He also shared the experience that how adoption of best farm practice  like high density planting, closer spacing, drip fertigation etc., can increase the yield to even 1500 Kgs per hectares as against the present national average yield of about 450 kgs. Therefore, there is dire need to adopt best farm practices on saturation mode. The outcome of this pilot project will encourage the farmers of other area to adopt these practices for better yield.

    He also expressed his concern about the problem of weed management in cotton farming which increases labour cost to cotton farmers. Further, cotton being predominantly grown in black soil causes difficulties in wet soil to have timely weed management. The efforts be made to help cotton farmers to overcome weed management problem by adopting suitable new seed varieties and he appealed to take this issue with all seriousness and examine the suitability of this new seed technology available in the world like HT BT for adoption in our country.

    Smt Rachna Shah, Textiles Secretary in her address mentioned about the importance of cotton economy, which provides livelihood to six million cotton farmers directly and another employment to 45 million people engaged directly or indirectly in various other activities in the cotton value chain. She mentioned about the share of cotton fibre to the total fibre in the country at about 60%, where the same is at 23% in the world. However, she urged that all the stakeholders of the cotton value chain to concentrate in increasing cotton productivity, as India ranks 35th in terms of yield. She appealed all stakeholders to adopt collaborative approach to address this serious challenge of productivity, being faced by entire cotton value chain.

    Smt. Shubha Thakur, Additional Secretary, MoA&FW while discussing on the initiatives of the government in increasing yield of cotton, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to work in close coordination with Ministry of Textiles, in adopting best farm practice by the farmers so as to improve livelihood of the farmers.  

    Smt Prajakta Verma Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles while delivering key note address informed that enhancing sustainability is paramount and therefore Ministry has encouraged collaborative approach through formation of Textile Advisory Group (TAG) where the challenges of Textile Industry are being addressed through participative approach. She also highlighted inter-ministerial coordination in launching initiative of holistic plan to increase cotton production and yield which enable the farmers to increase their income.

    The Union Minister of Textiles along with the dignitaries of the event visited to various exhibitor stalls who showcased Kasturi cotton products, recycled textiles, products of scrap fabrics, Handloom products etc.

    The one day conference in commemoration of World Cotton Day 2024, highlighted best practices and sustainable farming methods, traceability, ESG data points for connecting farm to fashion, targeting technology like HDPS,  spanning from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. Brainstorming sessions addressed crucial topics, including “Enhancing Sustainability & Traceability”, “Decent work in cotton supply chain”, “Evolving Trends in Cotton Farming” and “Cotton Trading and Risk Management “for Enhancing Quality & Productivity of Cotton”.

    During inaugural session Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textile highlighted that the country has set a target of creating Textile Ecosystem of USD 350 bn by 2030 from current USD 176 bn. He urged the stakeholders of cotton textile value chain to be cognisant of the challenges that are being posed by current and potential competing fibres so that cotton will be legacy sector of Indian Textile Industry, further he emphasised the sustainability is a sine qua non for cotton textile value chain. 

    Shri Lalit Kumar Gupta, CMD CCI highlighted the important role being played by CCI as central nodal agency in empowering cotton farmers by use of technology and provides an alternate market channel for selling their produce.

    Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman CITI emphasized that cotton being the oldest fibre in the textile industry plays a significant role in driving economic growth, employment generation, provides livelihood to farmers, women empowerment. He urged that the cotton to be produced more and more and increase the productivity so that the industry gets the raw material at competitive price.

    The various other eminent speakers shared their experience and valuable insights during the occasion.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU programmes to support the use of AI on small family-run farms – E-001865/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001865/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)

    Artificial intelligence (AI) can be an invaluable tool for farming, especially for small family-run farms, improving crop yield and viability. Techniques such as big data analysis enable farmers to make better climate forecasts, monitor plant health and optimise the use of resources such as water and fertiliser. Harvesting automation and the use of robots in farmwork bring down costs and increase yields while at the same time improving precision, thus helping reduce the environmental impact of farming.

    However, although there are good examples of successful use of AI, there are many restrictions on the availability of these new technologies in rural areas.

    In view of this:

    • 1.How does the Commission plan to support the use of AI systems on small family-run farms in particular and in the context of the new CAP?
    • 2.What is its assessment of the impact of new technologies in dealing with the climate crisis?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Continuation of the negotiations on the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement, soon to be finalised behind farmers’ backs – E-001872/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001872/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    At the start of September 2024, a new round of negotiations between the EU and Mercosur was launched with a view to finalising the trade agreement between the two parties by the end of 2024.

    In addition to its devastating environmental aspects, this agreement will foster additional unfair competition for French farmers, who are once again to be sacrificed at the altar of free trade and exports by German manufacturers[1].

    According to the Financial Times[2], the Commission’s negotiators are keen to move forward with the agreement, sidelining the positions of France and Austria so that they will be outvoted, despite the French Government having assured farmers that France would oppose the deal.

    In fact, the events in Brussels in the coming weeks will no doubt equate to a further betrayal of farmers, culminating in the conclusion of a free trade agreement with dire consequences for French agriculture.

    • 1.Does the Commission currently have a mandate from France to finalise the negotiations on the Mercosur agreement?
    • 2.What are the main conclusions on the items that were on the agenda of the negotiations of 4, 5 and 6 September and discussed at the last negotiators’ meeting?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    • [1] https://www.euractiv.fr/section/economie/news/les-industriels-allemands-poussent-lue-a-conclure-de-nouveaux-accords-de-libre-echange/
    • [2] https://www.ft.com/content/cae11511-f279-4466-9267-d978dfde6f6a
    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Organic farming in Europe – E-001866/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001866/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Olivier Chastel (Renew), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Sophie Wilmès (Renew)

    In September 2024, the European Court of Auditors published a report on organic farming in the EU.

    The report flagged gaps relating to quantifiable targets for objectives and actions, as well as a lack of indicators with which to monitor progress. The only objective for the organic sector, namely to have 25% of agricultural land be organically farmed, is non-binding and is intended only to increase the area.

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to strengthen the performance criteria? If so, how and by when?
    • 2.The Court points out that five Member States alone accounted for 62% of the EAFRD budget allocated to organic farming between 2014 and 2022. What initiatives has the Commission planned to support the development of organic farming in Europe in light of the differences between Member States?
    • 3.The Court states that training and advisory services should be provided to farmers to allow them to build necessary knowledge. According to the report, farmers face an administrative and financial burden when they decide to convert to organic farming. Will the Commission take action in relation to this?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Question about farmers’ responsibility for water pollution through the use of glyphosate – E-001870/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001870/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    For years, European farmers have been unfairly singled out and subject to an avalanche of EU directives and regulations on the use of glyphosate. They are thus accused of being primarily responsible for water pollution. A recent study by the University of Tübingen[1] (Germany) indicates that industrial and domestic detergents are what is really causing glyphosate to persist in our rivers, not farming.

    These results illustrate how EU policies have not only failed to solve the problem of water pollution – they have also imposed major constraints on farmers without any scientific basis.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to correct this injustice and revise its environmental policies in order to tackle the real sources of water pollution?
    • 2.What steps does the Commission intend to take to support the search for serious alternatives to glyphosate?
    • 3.More generally, what sustainable measures will be taken to lighten the burden on farmers?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    • [1] https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/university/news-and-publications/press-releases/press-releases/article/most-of-the-glyphosate-in-our-rivers-may-not-come-from-farming/
    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Delivers $4.5 Million to Lower Energy Costs for Farmers and Small Business Owners

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
    Grants funded by Casey-backed Inflation Reduction Act
    Grants will go towards purchasing and installing solar energy systems and improving waste digestion to help farmers and small businesses save on energy costs  
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) secured a total of $4,537,255 to lower energy costs for farmers and small businesses across the Commonwealth. The twenty awards will help businesses and farms purchase and install solar photovoltaic systems, which will convert captured solar energy into electricity to power machines and operations and save Pennsylvanians thousands of dollars per year. These funds will also help a Pennsylvania dairy farm purchase and install a new engine for their anerobic digester. The funding comes from the U.S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America (REAP) program, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.
    “When we invest in technology that lowers energy costs for our businesses and farmers, we are investing in the Commonwealth’s long-term success,” said Senator Casey. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, farmers and small businesses can continue supporting their families and their communities and save thousands of dollars each year. I will always fight for investments that lower costs, support businesses, and protect our Commonwealth’s environment for generations to come.”
    See below for a list of project recipients of the Inflation Reduction Act funding.
    Table of Funding Recipients
    Recipient
    Grant
    City/County

    Denis Beachel

    $329,831

    Danville, Montour County

    Charles L. Fisher

    $648,800

    Unionville, Centre County

    McNaughton Bros Inc.

    $152,600

    Indiana, Indiana County

    GeoTech Engineering Inc.

    $49,894

    Morrisdale, Clearfield County

    Ambassador Towers LLC

    $483,300

    Huntington County

    Pax-Terra LLC

    $610,420

    Meyersdale, Somerset County

    Schrack Farms LP

    $479,161

    Loganton, Clinton County

    Unity Lab Corp.

    $387,300

    Dunshore, Sullivan County

    Bruce King Jr.

    $306,150

    Troy, Bradford County

    Ebensburg Animal Hospital Inc.

    $165,773

    Ebensburg, Cambria County

    Mr. B’s Lawn Service Inc.

    $29,080

    Ellwood City, Lawrence County

    Talview Dairy LLC

    $200,704

    Lebanon, Lebanon County

    Philip Wise

    $79,000

    Berks County

    Mann Plumbing and Heating LLC

    $49,810

    Fayetteville, Franklin County

    Shree Sai Nivas LLC

    $81,142

    Mifflin County

    Joeseph Nolt

    $81,216

    Lancaster County

    Bellaire Farms LLC

    $184,050

    Elizabethtown, Lancaster County

    McCartney’s Inc.

    $56,024

    Altoona, Blair County

    Peter G. Reifsnyder Inc.

    $66,250

    Bernville, Berks County

    Eagle Rental Inc.

    $96,750

    Lebanon County

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say.

    “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, we are providing employers in critical industries with the certainty to hire and retain first-year apprentices, and confidently hire new ones,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “Having the confidence to build and strengthen your team is important, especially when many businesses are doing it tough right now.”

    The National-NZ First Coalition Agreement includes a commitment to continue Apprenticeship Boost, with $64 million allocated to initiative in Budget 2024.

    “The previous government had set time-limited funding until the end of 2024.  

    “Our investment in Apprenticeship Boost, reinforces this Government’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in sectors that are critical to economic growth. First-year apprentices in key industries and occupations will continue to benefit,” Ms Simmonds says. 

    From 1 January 2025, Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise key sectors and targeted occupations that are crucial to New Zealand’s growth and sustainability. They are:

    • Building
    • Agriculture
    • Horticulture and Viticulture 
    • Forestry Studies 
    • Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology 
    • Process and Resources Engineering 
    • Automotive Engineering and Technology 
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology
    • Aerospace Engineering and Technology 
    • Maritime Engineering and Technology
    • Other Engineering and Technology 
    • Human Welfare Studies and Services 
    • Food and Hospitality

    The targeted occupations are defined by the New Zealand Standard Classification of Education (NZSCED) code, ensuring that the initiative addresses the most pressing skill gaps and supports the long-term success of the economy.

    Employers can continue to claim funding for eligible apprentices under the current settings until 31 December 2024. Employers receiving funding for second-year apprentices will continue to receive $500 monthly payments until the same date.

    From 1 January 2025, only employers of first-year apprentices in targeted industry areas will be eligible for the $500 monthly subsidy.

    These improvements to Apprenticeship Boost reflect the Government’s commitment to deliver a strong economy and support more New Zealanders into jobs.

    “Our economy is stronger when more people are in work,” Ms Upston says.

    “Industry training plays an important part in making sure our young people have more opportunities to get ahead through work, but we need to make sure the skills and qualifications they are gaining are also in sync with what our country needs.

    “Targeting Apprenticeship Boost makes sense as it will strengthen the long-term success of our key industries as we grow a more skilled workforce.”

    The Ministry of Education will review the targeted sectors every two years to ensure the programme continues to address skills shortages and aligns with New Zealand’s evolving economic priorities. The first review is scheduled for July 2027.

    Notes to editors:

    Find out more information: Apprenticeship Boost – Work and Income

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE/FAO Team of Specialists on Forest Communication – Forest Communicators’ Network annual meeting and workshop

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Hosted by the Czech Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of the Czech University of Life Sciences, participants will learn about the latest best practices in forest communication and trends in forestry in Europe. This will include the role of innovative technology in impactful communication, such as artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, virtual reality and 360° videos. There will be an opportunity to put these new tools into practice in the urban parks and gardens of one of Europe’s greenest cities.

    There will also be a unique focus on urban forestry with a half-day field trip to visit the City of Prague Forests (LHMP). LHMP manages over 2,900 hectares of forests and meadows in Prague, cares for the city’s parks, gardens, orchards and memorial trees, and manages a rescue station for wildlife.

    In addition, participants are invited to submit proposals for 5-minute lightning talks that show examples of impactful communication on forests, trees and wood. The topic this year will be: “Making a change with powerful communication”. Please send proposals and confirm your participation to [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HAGEMAN SPEAKS AT LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS FREEDOM RALLY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Rapid City, SD – Today, Congresswoman Hageman spoke to livestock producers from South Dakota, Wyoming and the region to discuss the truth behind mandatory electronic identification (EID) eartags.

    During her remarks she stated: “…in their relentless drive to put pressure on independent cattle and bison producers, the USDA is again attempting to implement an EID requirement that will have a tremendous impact on livestock operations. Producers who do not comply will lose their access to interstate markets, thereby putting cattle and bison ranchers in places like Wyoming and South Dakota in grave peril of going broke.”

    “It is obvious that, while the implementation of this rule would provide an outsized benefit to large corporations, it would provide nothing but a burden to smaller producers. The consolidation of power in the hands of a few, at the expense of small and independent farmers and ranchers is a threat to our entire food supply. This rule reveals a tremendous level of cynicism towards American cattle and bison ranchers. Our livestock producers have implemented the world’s most innovative and advanced practices in relation to animal welfare and precision herd health management, while producing high quality and affordable food.”

    She concluded by encouraging attendees to engage their federal delegation on the issue, “It is critical that each and every one of you call your Congressman and Senators, and tell them to cosponsor Rep. Hageman’s H.J.Res 167 and Senator Lummis’ S.J.Res 98 – urgent action is needed before this rule goes into effect November 5th. We are in a David versus Goliath situation here where the voices of millions of grassroots ranchers are being drowned out by D.C. special interests representing corporate agriculture. It is time for Congress to listen to the People, and that starts with your calls and advocacy.”

    ###

    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Allen Joins Colleagues in Calling on USDA to Provide Support for Farmers Following Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

    Rep. Allen Joins Colleagues in Calling on USDA to Provide Support for Farmers Following Hurricane Helene

    Augusta, October 7, 2024

    Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) recently joined 14 of his southeastern colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack about needed USDA actions to support farmers and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. The letter requests Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams, the use of more accurate rainfall data, and disaster aid provided through block grants.

    In the letter, the Members write: “We write to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture take swift action to support our farmers and rural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, we request that the USDA deploy Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams to the hardest-hit areas, providing much-needed personnel to assist with recovery efforts. Additionally, we urge the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to collaborate with local stakeholders and utilize regional rainfall data to ensure more accurate assessments for damage and crop insurance claims. Finally, we request that USDA disaster aid be provided to affected states through block grants. This will allow states the flexibility to administer relief tailored to the specific needs of their producers and communities. These actions will be critical to ensuring a swift and effective recovery for our agricultural communities.”

    NOTE: Congressman Allen has also called on Congressional Leadership to act swiftly in passing legislation to provide immediate disaster relief funding for farmers and growers who have experienced devastating crop losses due to Hurricane Helene.

    To read the full letter to Secretary Vilsack, CLICK HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith Bill Supports Pregnant Mothers, Promotes Choosing Life Through Tax Code

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

    strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), along with Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO), introduced the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act that would make pregnant mothers eligible for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), allowing them to save up to an additional $2,000 for an unborn child.

    “From the moment a baby is conceived, a family’s priorities begin adjusting to prepare for their arrival. It’s time for our tax code to help babies who are still in the womb by making sure their parents have the resources necessary for their arrival. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, which will allow working families to claim up to an additional $2,000 with the Child Tax Credit before the child is born, giving them a chance to get a head start to prepare, save, and invest in their future.” –  said Rep. Jason Smith

    “Expecting parents begin providing and preparing for their child the minute they learn they’re having a baby—the Child Tax Credit should reflect the fact that unborn children are children too,” Sen. Daines said. “From prenatal care to stocking up on baby supplies, this tax relief will help parents prepare for the arrival of their baby.”

    “Having a child is a financial commitment which is why I am pleased to introduce the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act with Senator Daines and Congressman Smith. This legislation will encourage childbirth by allowing pregnant mothers to collect the child tax credit and get the necessary resources they need for their unborn children. Despite attempts by the left to dehumanize the unborn, we must continue working to recognize the inherent value and dignity of our unborn babies.”- said Rep. Doug Lamborn

    From stocking up on diapers, to setting up a new crib the work, care, and costs associated with motherhood begin long before a child is born. Recognizing unborn children for the CTC would give expecting parents and their families an opportunity for a better start.

    In order to ensure equal access, parents of miscarried and stillborn children also have the opportunity to qualify for the tax credit. Parents who lose a child to miscarriage or stillbirth often have significant financial burdens such as medical bills and funeral expenses. Allowing grieving parents to receive the CTC is a small but meaningful step to help provide them with support.

    Read the full text HERE.

    Organizations that support this legislation include: Susan B. Anthony List, Family Research Council, March for Life, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Student for Life, Feminists for Life, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life, American Principles Project, Catholic Vote

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development works worth Rs. 329 crore in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, today

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development works worth Rs. 329 crore in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, today

    For the first time in India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has started medical science education in local languages

    The 425-bedded hospital being built with an outlay of Rs244 core will fulfill the health related needs of the people of Mansa for the next 25 years

    Recently, Delhi Police has seized drugs worth Rs 5600 crore and destroyed the international drug syndicate involved in it

    After Modi government came into power, it destroyed the drugs trade which was growing rapidly in the entire North India including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi

    Only Narendra Modi government can achieve the resolve for a Nasha-Mukt Bharat

    Gujarat government has seized drugs worth Rs.8500 crores in just 3 years

    Modi ji has started a campaign to make people healthy with a holistic approach

    Medical education will be started in Gujarati in Mansa Medical College

    Children of Gujarat will become doctors after getting medical education in their own language and it will begin from Mansa

    In 10 years from 2004 to 2014, 1,52,000 kg of drugs worth Rs 768 crore were seized, while in the 10 years of Modi government from 2014 to 2024, 5,43,600 kg of drugs worth Rs 27,600 crore have been seized

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 9:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth Rs.329 crore in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Several dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, were present on this occasion.

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted that the Gujarat government is working on the construction of a 425-bed hospital at a cost of ₹244 crores for the residents of Mansa. He mentioned that this 425-bed hospital will cater to the health needs of the people of Mansa for the next 25 years. He also noted that today, the inauguration, foundation laying, and e-inauguration of 10 development projects of the Mansa Municipality are taking place, along with the foundation laying and inauguration of other development projects costing ₹329 crores.

    Union Home Minister said that a beautiful Chandrasar Lake has been developed in Mansa, and efforts have been made to supply water from the Narmada River to this lake. He mentioned that the work of connecting a total of 16 lakes, including Chandradu, Malan, Malai, including previously built 13 lakes in the state, and supplying of Narmada water to them has been completed this monsoon season. He added that this will raise the water level in all surrounding areas and improve agricultural yield, leading to the prosperity of farmers.

    Shri Amit Shah mentioned that the foundation-laying projects include the civil hospital, beautification of Malan Lake, programs for Sasni and Malan lakes, a community hall in Ranyapur, double-laning of the Pilvai-Mahudi road, and a dry waste segregation plant. Moreover, the new hospital will provide all facilities, such as a critical care trauma center, orthopedic surgery, pediatric department, medicine, gynecology, physiotherapy, dialysis, X-ray, CT scan, and MRI, all available in a single building for everyone.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has initiated the teaching of medical science in local languages for the first time in India. He mentioned that medical courses

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen and Senator Ossoff Reintroduce the Fresh Food Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the Fresh Food Act that Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia introduced in the Senate last week. The measure would increase the rehabilitation tax credit for establishing supermarkets in urban and rural food deserts and increase the work opportunity tax credit for these supermarkets to hire local residents, veterans, disadvantaged youth and other workers facing barriers to employment. The bill would also create a tax credit for sales of fresh fruit and vegetables. The bill has the support of food justice and anti-hunger organizations.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “For more than 20 million Americans living in underserved communities such as parts of my district in Memphis and Tipton County, living in a food desert without access to affordable fresh food and vegetables is an unhealthy reality. A lack of healthy food options can contribute to declining health and well-being and may contribute to diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. The Fresh Food Act addresses this problem with a comprehensive set of credits to incentivize companies to establish grocery stores in underserved urban and rural areas, hire local residents and workers who traditionally face barriers to employment, and sell affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.”

    Senator Ossoff made the following statement:

    “No Georgia family should lack access to fresh, healthy food, but too many communities lack grocery stores. That’s why I’m joining Congressman Cohen in introducing the Fresh Food Act, which will support local grocers and farmers in Georgia and nationwide.”

    Endorsement:

    “Many Americans live in communities with little or no access to fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and other nutritious staples. The Fresh Food Act will help bring independent grocers into these our nation’s underserved communities and provide them with greater fresh food options and employment opportunities,” said National Grocers Association Chief Government Relations Officer and Counsel Chris Jones.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Colleagues To POTUS: Expedite Resources To Floridians

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    GAINESVILLE, FL — Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm, causing catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite state-requested resources and authorize key policy flexibilities in order for Floridians to make a swift recovery.

    U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Florida colleagues sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite requested resources and implement emergency policy flexibilities to help the people of Florida.

    • “Mr. President: In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we write to urge you to direct federal agencies to expedite state-requested resources and actions and to implement precedented emergency policy flexibilities to facilitate a seamless federal response.”

    The full text of the letter is below. 

    Dear Mr. President:

    In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we write to urge you to direct federal agencies to expedite state-requested resources and actions and to implement precedented emergency policy flexibilities to facilitate a seamless federal response. Specifically, we urge you to direct federal agencies to act on the following items:

    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

    • Temporary Housing Assistance

    On September 29, 2024, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) requested FEMA to authorize Emergency Non-Congregate Sheltering, including in the form of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers in accordance with FEMA Policy 104-009-18, as well as in the form of Direct Housing Assistance in Individual Assistance-designated counties.  On October 1, 2024, FDEM requested FEMA to authorize Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for survivors of Hurricane Helene, including to modify FEMA Policy 104-21-0008 to add Friends and Family and Damaged Dwelling categories to the list of eligible survivor locations for TSA. We urge you to approve these requests as quickly as possible.

    Further, with respect to the swift delivery and deployment of FEMA temporary housing resources in impacted communities, we urge you to direct FEMA to authorize the use of travel trailers and manufactured homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas to ensure that housing unit recipients are able to stay on their properties while they rebuild permanent structures.  Due to the nature of Florida’s low elevation, FEMA’s regulatory requirements with regard to temporary housing in flood zones significantly restricts federal housing assistance in the state.  Enabling disaster survivors to remain on their properties following a disaster is crucial to the recovery process, as doing so reduces the need for survivors to commute from a remote location for the purposes of rebuilding and looking after their properties and affairs.  There is a precedent for FEMA allowing this policy flexibility.  Following Hurricane Ian, the provision of temporary housing resources was severely delayed due to FEMA regulations that prevented the placement of manufactured housing units and travel trailers in these flood zones.  However, FEMA ultimately authorized this flexibility following months of delays in temporary housing assistance.

    • Issue Storm-Specific Guidance for Debris Removal, Demolition, and Disposal 

    In the wake of Major Disasters, FEMA may waive program requirements with respect to prior approval for debris removal, demolition, and waste disposal, and issue disaster-specific guidance to inform local communities on how they can remain in compliance with regulations and law while accounting for policy waivers in order to remain eligible for reimbursement.  We have heard from local governments, in designated counties, that the issuance of storm-specific guidance for Hurricane Helene debris removal, demolition, and waste disposal would enable them to confidently remove hazardous debris in an expedited manner without having to risk failing to comply with regulation or law.  We urge you to direct FEMA to issue storm-specific guidance for Hurricane Helene as quickly as possible. 

    • Ensure Sand Removal, Screening, and Placement is Eligible for Category A Debris Removal Public Assistance Reimbursement

    Hurricane Helene washed tons of sand into the streets and rights-of-way of municipalities in designated counties along the Gulf Coast of Florida, impeding public transportation and evacuation routes.  Sand is an irreplaceable material for Florida’s outdoor economy, and composes the dunes and shorelines that protect infrastructure from storm surge, erosion and tidal flooding.  The collection and removal of sand from streets and rights-of-way, screening of sand to remove debris, and placement of screened sand along shorelines is time-intensive and may be too costly for non-federal entities to expense themselves.  We request you ensure the removal of sand debris, screening of sand for debris, and placement of sand on productive shorelines are eligible activities for FEMA reimbursement under Category A Public Assistance, just as it was following Hurricane Ian.

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE):

    • Emergency Permitting Procedures

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations allow the authorization of emergency permitting procedures to expedite emergency work and repair in emergency situations that may result in hazards to life, loss of property, or economic hardship.[2]  The severe impacts of Hurricane Helene pose such hazards, as navigation channels along the Gulf Coast of Florida have been impeded by debris from damaged and destroyed structures and infrastructure.  These channels must be cleared of hazards to promote safe navigation, and to enable recovery in remote coastal areas that require maritime access.  Further, terrestrial infrastructure, including shoreline infrastructure, may require expedited permitting procedures to prevent economic hardship and hazards to public safety from possible future severe weather. 

    • Issue Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE) Shoreline Easement Policy Memorandum

    The failed Army Corps of Engineers policy implementation of Section 103 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2213) has caused many hurricane risk reduction projects in Florida, including several in Hurricane Helene’s disaster areas, to become effectively defunct due to burdensome perpetual easement requirements.  Pinellas County, which suffered more deaths than any other county in Florida due to Hurricane Helene, primarily from storm surge, is ground zero for this federal policy failure that has led to the erosion of shorelines and dunes that are proven to mitigate storm surge impacts.  Section 361 of the Senate-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2024 contains language that would give policy flexibility to local project sponsors receiving supplemental FCCE funds to construct emergency FCCE projects with less-than-permanent easements.[3]  We urge you to direct the USACE to issue a policy memorandum on an expedited basis to implement this policy, which passed the Senate unanimously, so that local project sponsors have certainty they will be able to secure less-than-permanent easements in anticipation of receiving FCCE funds from a possible forthcoming disaster supplemental.  This policy would also enable local project sponsors to begin implementing hundreds of millions of dollars of supplemental FCCE funds appropriated in December 2022 that have been impeded by failed USACE policy implementation.  

    • Operation Blue Roof 

    Hurricane Helene made landfall with winds of 140 miles per hour and higher wind gusts.  Due to the large size and fast forward movement of the hurricane, Helene projected strong winds over a large area, damaging roofs in the process.  Operation Blue Roof is an emergency program of the Army Corps of Engineers, in consultation with FEMA, for the deployment of blue plastic tarps to protect damaged homes from future rain damage.  Please consider activating Operation Blue Roof if FEMA, USACE, and partners assess sufficient need. 

    U.S. Department of Agriculture:

    • Block Grant Authority for Agricultural Disaster Relief

    The State of Florida has requested Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to designate an Agricultural Disaster for the state, a request we support.  In addition to expediting an Agricultural Disaster designation, we urge you to recognize block grants to states as a valid method of disbursing supplemental disaster assistance to growers.  We would also welcome your support for explicitly including this authority in a forthcoming disaster supplemental.  Supplemental disaster assistance appropriated in December 2022 has been slow to reach growers, in part due to manpower constraints on the USDA’s ability to process and administer disaster loss claims.  Providing agricultural assistance via block grants to states allows state agencies to use their own employees as a force multiplier to process claims in an expedited manner, and disburse aid to agricultural producers more quickly. 

    Thank you for your attention to these important matters. We look forward to working with you on behalf of Floridians.

    Sincerely,


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    MIL OSI USA News –