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).
   References:   Section 406 of the Stafford Act
   44 CFR §206.201(g) and §206.226
   Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 66,  79-87