Hoping for a Hand from the Feds: Backhaus' Persistence in Fixing Baltic Coast Flood Damage
Environment Minister Till Backhaus, representing the SPD in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, remains optimistic that federal financial aid will help repair the damages caused by the October storm surges on the Baltic coast. The conclusion by a special working group that the storm floods were not a national-scale natural disaster has not deterred Backhaus from pushing for federal support.
"Despite the classification, the federal government made a promise to examine our proposal to determine if any residual funds from the joint task of agricultural structure and coastal protection can be allocated, provided other states agree," declares Backhaus in Schwerin. The examination is currently underway, and Backhaus expresses hope that the federal government will provide assistance in the end.
News from Berlin on Sunday revealed that the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture concluded that the flood damages of around 240 million euros do not indicate that the storm surge represented a national-scale natural disaster, thus not triggering an obligation for the federal government to offer aid. However, the government is already contributing more than two-thirds of the costs for coastal protection measures as part of the Joint Task (GAK), with an examination currently underway to see if any remaining unspent GAK funds can be reallocated for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein.
Heavy destruction was inflicted on both regions as a result of the October 21 storm surge. Backhaus confirms damage worth 56 million euros in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania alone. In contrast, coastal regions in Schleswig-Holstein suffered greater damage. Kiel's Minister President, Daniel Günther (CDU), continues to push for the federal government to contribute to repair efforts.
Berlin's response to the conclusion from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture reportedly came as a surprise to a spokeswoman for the State Chancellery in Kiel. Despite the negative assessment, Günther insists that the federal government should make an appropriate contribution to repairing the damage caused by bad weather.
The German government's role in providing financial aid for coastal protection and disaster recovery is critical, with parties from various political backgrounds impacting decision making on these matters.
Related Articles:
- Backhaus presses on with his hope of obtaining financial aid for the Baltic coast from the federal government, despite the conclusions of the working group that the storm floods were not a national-scale natural disaster.
- The federal government examines the possibility of using residual funds from the joint task of agricultural structure and coastal protection, with approval from other affected states.
- Berlin's Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture determines that the reported 240 million euros in damages do not justify a declaration of a national-scale natural disaster, thus not triggering mandatory federal aid.
- The government continues to contribute more than two-thirds of the costs for coastal protection measures as part of the Joint Task (GAK), and is currently examining the allocation of unspent funds for both Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein.
- Destruction along the Baltic coast results in significant damages both in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein, with 56 million euros of damage reported in the former region.
- The State Chancellery in Kiel expresses surprise when receiving the report from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
- In light of the negative assessment from the federal government, Günther of Schleswig-Holstein continues to insist on the federal government's involvement in repairing the damage caused by bad weather.
- The German government plays a pivotal role in offering financial support for coastal protection and disaster recovery, with various political parties influencing decision-making processes.
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In order to secure federal aid for repairing storm flood damages in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein, despite the determination that it was not a national-scale natural disaster, affected regions can follow these steps:
- Assess Eligibility: Determine if the damage qualifies for federal disaster relief, even if it does not meet the classification of a national-scale natural disaster.
- Prepare Comprehensive Reports: Compile reports detailing the extent of the damage to property, infrastructure, and economic losses in both regions.
- Contact FEMA: Reach out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to inquire about potential aid options and guidance on various disaster relief programs.
- Explore State and Local Funding Sources: Utilize state and local emergency funds, local government assistance programs, and private insurance claims, as federal assistance might not be immediately available.
- Collaborate with Local Authorities: Work closely with local authorities in both Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein to ensure that all required paperwork and documentation is submitted and the needs of both regions are effectively communicated to federal and state agencies.
- Advocate for Special Consideration: If the damage is considerable and affects a significant portion of the population, local and state officials should lobby for special consideration from federal authorities, highlighting the economic and social impacts on both regions.
By following these steps, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein can increase their chances of securing federal aid for repairing storm flood damages, despite the classification of the event as not a national-scale natural disaster. [2][5]
