<P> While on - the - ground support of disaster recovery efforts is a major part of FEMA's charter, the agency provides state and local governments with experts in specialized fields and funding for rebuilding efforts and relief funds for infrastructure by directing individuals to access low - interest loans, in conjunction with the Small Business Administration . In addition to this, FEMA provides funds for training of response personnel throughout the United States and its territories as part of the agency's preparedness effort . </P> <P> Federal emergency management in the U.S. has existed in one form or another for over 200 years . </P> <P> A series of devastating fires struck the port city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, early in the 19th century . The 7th U.S. Congress passed a measure in 1803 that provided relief for Portsmouth merchants by extending the time they had for remitting tariffs on imported goods . This is widely considered the first piece of legislation passed by the federal government that provided relief after a disaster . </P> <P> Between 1803 and 1930, ad hoc legislation was passed more than 100 times for relief or compensation after a disaster . Examples include the waiving of duties and tariffs to the merchants of New York City after the Great Fire of New York (1835). After the collapse of the John T. Ford's Theater in June 1893, the 54th Congress passed legislation compensating those who were injured in the building . </P>

What abilities and powers does fema have in an emergency