$1.6 Million in Disaster Aid Approved for Nebraska:
More than $973,000 in grants in the hands of applicants.
Release Date: July 14, 2008
Release Number: 1770-022
» More Information on Nebraska Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today Nebraskans who suffered losses because of the storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 22 to June 24, 2008 are approved for more than $1.6 million in Disaster assistance. More than $973,000 of that amount is in the hands of eligible applicants.
Grants for housing and other needs reached more than $1 million and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low interest loans are close to $600,000.
"It is important for residents and business owners to call FEMA and find out what disaster assistance is available," said State Coordinating Officer Cindy Newsham. "A lot of residents and business owners have insurance but an insurance policy will generally not cover some loses and in that case, FEMA may be able to help."
The following is a summary of Nebraska disaster recovery activity as of close of business Sunday, July 13:
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$1,045,577 in grants is approved for housing and other needs of Nebraskans affected by the disaster;
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$908,932 accounts for housing assistance to homeowners and renters;
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$136,645 is approved for other needs;
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SBA approved $588,000 in loans to repair or replace damaged homes and businesses;
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1,080 inspections are completed of 1,158 properties reported.
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More than 1,700 individuals called FEMA's toll-free registration numbers or registered online.
"Disaster recovery funds can help residents get back to their normal pattern of life," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. "Although that's not easy after a traumatic event, FEMA and The SBA can help."
The number to call for anyone who had storm or tornado damage or job losses and who lives, works, or owns a business in the declared counties of Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Custer, Dawson, Douglas, Gage, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kearney, Lancaster, Platte, Richardson, Sarpy and Saunders is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For the speech- or hearing- impaired the number is (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Applications are also taken online at www.fema.gov/assistance.
Recovery specialists are available at five state/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. The specialists give out information on mitigation against damage from future storms, on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and on SBA loans. They also offer help completing SBA loan applications and can check on the status of applications. The centers are in Ceresco, Kearney, Lexington, Omaha and Schuyler.
Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 or go online at www.fema.gov to find a recovery center near you. Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday; closed Sundays
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Jul-2008 08:19:07