Four New Counties Eligible For Disaster Assistance  

Release Date: July 23, 2003
Release Number: 1479-03

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Claudette

Corpus Christi, TX -- State and federal officials announce that disaster assistance is available for the residents and businesses in Bee, Brazoria, Galveston and Goliad counties who were affected by Hurricane Claudette.
These additional counties were made eligible for disaster assistance based on a review of damage data gathered by federal and state officials. They join Calhoun, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria counties that were previously declared eligible.

Residents and business owners in the affected counties may apply for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs under the July 17 disaster declaration issued by President George W. Bush. Those who suffered damage from the hurricane are eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

Those who suffered weather-related damages may call the FEMA registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing- impaired. The registration line is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Each application is handled on a case-by-case basis.

The application process takes 15 to 20 minutes. Callers will need to provide the following information:

"We want those who have received disaster damage to get the help they need," said State Coordinating Officer Dell Greer. "Making that registration call is the first step to recovery."

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-Jul-2003 13:22:01