State and Federal Agreement Releases More Than Half Million Dollars for November Flood Recovery
Release Date: December 22, 2006
Release Number: 1671-006
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LACEY, Wash. -- The state of Washington and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) signed an agreement on Dec. 21 that released disaster assistance funds for residents and business owners who suffered losses during the Nov. 2-11 floods. The initial amount released totals more than $550,000, officials said.
"Washington state and FEMA are working together to provide assistance for individuals, families, businesses and public facilities affected by the November floods," said Governor Chris Gregoire. "Now that we have been hit again - this time by a wind storm - we will again review damages to see if the federal government can assist us again. The people of Washington have been - and will be - well-served by this federal-state partnership."
To date, 749 households in the declared counties have applied for FEMA assistance. The 11 declared counties are: Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties.
"FEMA programs provide assistance to individuals, including grants for uninsured or underinsured housing repairs, rental assistance, and 'other needs' assistance," said Libby Turner, federal coordinating officer. "Currently, FEMA has disbursed $550,624."
Residents who sustained flood damage from the November floods can begin the recovery process by calling FEMA's registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); or for the speech- or hearing- impaired TTY 1-800-462-7585, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
"If you've had damage from the November 2 to 11 floods, don't disqualify yourself by believing you won't get assistance," said Turner. "Call FEMA's toll-free number and apply."
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations. SBA loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace primary residences. Homeowners and renters may apply for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property losses. Loans of up to $1.5 million are available to businesses to repair or replace property losses. For small businesses SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
This disaster recovery aid is for the November flooding, not for the damage resulting from the December wind storms. Residents who sustained wind-storm losses are advised to call their insurance agents and report damages to their county emergency management office.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Dec-2006 12:57:08