After a Half Year of Katrina Recovery: Alabama Gets Close To $590 Million to Rebuild
Individuals and Families Receive $121.2 Million
Release Date: February 22, 2006
Release Number: 1605-185
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Six months after Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast, federal and state officials announced that disaster aid to Alabama has now topped $589.4 million in assistance, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Individuals and households affected by Katrina have until March 11, 2006 to register for federal and state assistance.
“The recovery and rebuilding process will continue with the repair and replacement of homes, private property and infrastructure” said Michael Bolch, federal coordinating officer, “Now we have moved into a new phase with regard to the Katrina housing effort. We will continue to assist evacuees as they transition from emergency to longer-term housing.”
To date, Alabama disaster assistance includes:
$121.2 million in assistance to individuals and families
- Close to 36,000 individuals and families received housing assistance totaling $85.6 million, which includes $61.2 million in rental assistance.
- 29,503 residents received $35.4 million for other essential needs.
$ 86.2 million in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
- The U.S. Small Business Administration approved $60.2 million in loans to 1,664 homeowners and renters plus,
- $21.7 million to 272 businesses and
- $4.3 million in loans to 62 small business owners for working capital and repairs.
$382 million was approved for the following
- Public Assistance (PA) approved $108.1 million for infrastructure costs, debris removal, protective measures such as emergency services and law enforcement, road and bridge repair, restoration of public utilities, and administrative costs.
- FEMA has approved $3.1 million for crisis counseling services.
- The National Flood Insurance Program disbursed $16 million in initial flood damage claims.
- Alabama has received approximately $738,800 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance for individuals out of work as a result of Katrina, and who were not covered by regular unemployment assistance.
- More than $254 million was obligated for mission assignments allowing for services, equipment and personnel from many federal agencies, the American Red Cross and other volunteer organizations.
Services included the use of military aircraft for rapid needs assessment, crisis counseling for survivors, interpreters for non-English speaking individuals, and shipments of 280 truckloads of ice, 186 truckloads of water, 103 truckloads of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), 11 truckloads of generators, 27 truckloads of cots and 32 truckloads of blankets.
Other disaster assistance:
- 7,044 individuals live in 2,348 travel trailers in state parks on commercial and private property and on other FEMA leased sites.
- To date, 112,470 Alabama residents applied for various federal and state assistance programs by calling either the toll-free number 800-621-FEMA (3362), the TTY number for the hearing- or speech-impaired, 800-462-7585 or by going online at www.fema.gov.
- 40,222 individuals sought services at 31 State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. Services for the aging were provided to 1,954 individuals.
- 99 percent or 94,377 housing inspections in Alabama have been completed.
- 256,333 Katrina survivors received food stamps issued by Alabama Department of Human Resources. This represents $29.3 million, received through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- 3.270 million cubic yards of storm-related debris has been disposed of statewide.
- Close to $60 million is anticipated for hazard mitigation projects to help Alabamians rebuild to standards that help prevent damage in future storms.
Katrina survivors who have not yet registered for assistance must do so before the extended deadline of March 11, 2006. The toll-free numbers to call to register or check on the status of an application are 800-621 FEMA (3362) or TTY for the hearing-or-speech impaired 800-462-7585. Applicants may also register online at www.fema.gov.
Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Feb-2006 09:01:52