$7.3 Million in Flood Aid to Help 5,000 N.H. Applicants
Release Date: July 10, 2006
Release Number: 1643-031
» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding
NEWINGTON, N.H. -- After six weeks into the recovery effort, $7,375,764 in state and federal disaster aid has been approved to help New Hampshire residents who suffered flood-related losses as a result of the May 2006 flooding, according to recovery officials.
Thus far, almost 50 percent of the homeowners, renters and businesses who have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for assistance are from hardest-hit Rockingham County. Almost 30 percent are located in Hillsborough County. Applicants in the other four designated counties (Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack and Strafford) accounted for the remaining applications.
“We know there are people in the effected counties with flood-related losses who have not yet applied for help,” Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark said. “With the registration deadline set for July 24, everyone with damage is encouraged to contact FEMA and begin the registration process without delay.”
Residents and business owners with flood-related losses can do this by calling FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Personnel are available to take applications from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday until further notice.
The following is a summary of ongoing recovery efforts, as of close of business, July 9:
- To date, 5,014 applicants from the six designated counties have applied for state/federal disaster assistance.
- Of these applicants, 3,803 have been approved for Individuals and Households Program (IHP) grants that total $7,375,764.
- Housing Assistance of $6,785,593 has been approved for 3,614 individuals and families for essential home repairs and temporary housing. These grants are 100 percent funded by FEMA.
- Other Needs Assistance of $590,170 has been approved for 1,543 residents to help meet serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Examples include personal property replacement, along with moving and storage, transportation and other necessary expenses. These grants are 75 percent funded by FEMA and 25 percent by the state.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued low-interest disaster loan applications to 4,290 individuals and to 501 businesses affected by the flooding. To date, $8,779,400 in loans have been approved by the SBA. The SBA will continue to accept loan applications until the July 24 filing deadline.
- Thus far, FEMA inspectors have completed 4,486 inspections of damaged property, 99 percent of those that have been issued. Most were completed within three to five days of initial registration.
Grafton County, New Hampshire was declared eligible for Public Assistance (PA) after the original six counties. PA includes infrastructure such as roads, bridges, debris removal and emergency protective measures. The deadline for Grafton county entities to return the requests for public assistance to the State of New Hampshire is July 21.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 09:43:29