Permanent Work is that which is required to restore  a damaged facility, through repair or restoration, to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity in accordance with applicable codes and  standards. The  work is grouped into categories (see Categories of Work).

There are three basic criteria  for permanent work:

 Design: FEMA provides funds to restore  a facility to its pre-disaster design or to a design in accordance with an applicable standard. If a gravel road is washed out during a flood, FEMA cannot provide  a grant  to replace the gravel with a paved surface.

 Function: The facility must perform the same function that it was performing (or designed to perform, if less costly) before  the disaster. For example, a school gymnasium  is in need  of repair after an earthquake. The school district proposes to convert the space into a two-story office complex.  Only the repairs  to the gym are eligible. FEMA cannot provide  a grant  for the conversion to office space, except  as an alternate project.

 Capacity: The restored facility must operate at the capacity available before  the disaster. For example, a school designed for

100 students is damaged beyond  repair during a hurricane. The eligible replacement facility must be designed for no more  than

100 students. FEMA will not reimburse for the cost to build a larger school required due to a greater service area or over-utilization of space. If code dictates  a larger area per unit of capacity (e.g., greater square  footage per student), only then  will FEMA pay to increase

the size of the building. A large school with greater student capacity could be requested as an improved project.

FEMA may make exceptions to these criteria for Alternate and Improved

Projects (see Alternate Projects and Improved Projects).

‍