Disaster Related Assistance Continues In Wisconsin
Release Date: October 10, 2008
Release Number: 1768-159
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Madison, Wis. -- Almost $97 million in state and federal disaster assistance is being disbursed to individuals and business owners in Wisconsin. Adding in the $12 million in obligated funds for approved public assistance projects brings the disaster assistance total to $109 million.
Work continues in the 30 Wisconsin counties eligible for public assistance supplemental Federal emergency Management Agency grants for losses and operating costs for governmental agencies brought about by the storms and flooding in June and July.
"We are working closely with state public assistance personnel inspecting and documenting losses caused to local, county and state governments by the summer’s severe weather," said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "When a project is found qualified for FEMA reimbursement we forward the monies to the state."
There have been 843 requests for Public Assistance from the 30 counties, with 1,301 separate projects now submitted to FEMA for consideration. Reviews have been completed for 998 of these projects and they have been approved for $12 million in federal funds.
Public assistance is available for qualified projects in the following categories: debris removal; emergency protective measures; roads and bridges; water control facilities; public buildings and contents; public utilities; parks and recreation. Certain non-profit organizations that provide services specifically for the public may also apply for public assistance.
Even though the registration deadline has passed, FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to process applications, award grants, and approve low-interest loans.
"Grants and loans will continue to be made available until all qualifying needs are met," said Diemont. "Also, the FEMA Helpline continues to be available to answer applicants’ questions and allow them to update their application information."
Applicants can call the toll-free Helpline - 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments - 24 hours a day until further notice. Residents also can obtain information online, 24 hours a day, at www.fema.gov.
"Rental assistance continues to be available to those who need it," said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Johnnie Smith. "To qualify for an extension of their rental assistance, applicants need only fill out and return the declaration form on a monthly basis."
Declaration of Continuing Need for Rental Assistance forms are mailed to all applicants who receive rental assistance. For more information call the FEMA Helpline.
Following is a summary of disaster assistance at the close of business October 9:
- $46.6 million in Individual Assistance has been approved in FEMA grants for repair and replacement of storm-damaged housing and for temporary housing (see Attachment for county-by-county breakdown).
- $6.4 million in FEMA grants have been distributed for Other Needs Assistance such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees, and replacement or repair of personal property.
- $12 million in FEMA Public Assistance grants has been obligated to date for 998 projects from public entities. The grants fund repair and restoration of storm-damaged facilities and services provided by counties, cities, and private non-profit organizations that deliver essential public services.
- Almost $44 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters and business owners.
Loans totaling $36 million have been approved for 1,703 homeowners and renters, while 144 business owners have been approved for $7.9 million for loss and economic injury disaster loans.
Although the registration deadline has passed, homeowners, renters and business owners still can apply for SBA disaster loans, although additional documentation may be required to justify late submission of the loan application.
Disaster loan application can be made at SBA's secure website, https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ . Information and help with the application process are also available by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339 or by visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Oct-2008 18:33:03