One Year After Katrina, Recovery in Alabama Continues: FEMA Aid at $970 Million
Transitional Recovery Office in place to carry on efforts
Release Date: August 24, 2006
Release Number: 1605-220
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» Alabama's Disaster Recovery Operation By the Numbers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- A year ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast with powerful winds and record storm surges. Today, as recovery efforts continue, the goal of rebuilding homes, businesses, and indeed people's lives remains a priority for many local, state and federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have coordinated these efforts to reclaim Alabama from the wrath of Katrina, and the state and federal disaster assistance stands as a testament to this monumental undertaking. Officials announced today that federal and state disaster assistance totals have reached a cumulative total of $970.5 million just days before the one year mark of Katrina.
"We have measured, and we will continue to measure Alabama's recovery one individual, one household, and one community at a time. Whether it is assistance in finding long term housing, or aid to a community that finds it's struggling to rebound from the storm, FEMA will remain steadfast in support of all disaster recovery activities," said Transitional Recovery Office (TRO) Director Jeff Byard. "We are also prepared to assist the state when future storms call for response and recovery."
"The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is in one of the best positions ever to respond to natural disasters," adds Bruce Baughman, director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. "Earlier this year, Governor Bob Riley asked FEMA for pre-positioned supplies throughout the state, and now basically everything we asked for is in place and ready to go."
Federal Assistance in Alabama since August 29, 2005:
$127.2 million in assistance to individuals and families
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36,399 individuals and families received housing assistance totaling $89.6 million. This includes $63.7 million in rental assistance.
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30,235 Katrina survivors received $37.7 million for other essential needs.
$137.8 million in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
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The SBA approved $95 million in loans to 2,476 homeowners and renters:
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$35.6 million to 338 businesses,
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$7.2 million in loans to 81 small business owners for working capital and repairs.
$634.5 million was approved for the following
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Public Assistance (PA) approved more than $100 million for infrastructure costs, debris removal, protective measures such as emergency services and law enforcement, road and bridge repair and the restoration of public utilities.
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FEMA approved a total of $5.6 million for crisis counseling services.
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The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) disbursed $273.9 million in initial flood damage claims.
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Alabama has received more than $1 million in Disaster Unemployment Assistance for individuals who lost their jobs as a result of Katrina and were self-employed, or who were not covered by regular unemployment assistance.
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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. These services included the use of military aircraft for rapid needs assessment, immediate crisis counseling, 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:
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Today approximately 2,688 Katrina survivors live in temporary housing facilities in Alabama. This housing includes 896 travel trailers on commercial and private property. At peak, approximately 7,542 individuals lived in 2,514 travel trailers located throughout the state.
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112,866 Alabama residents applied for various federal and state assistance programs.
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Over 20,800 evacuees from Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas currently call Alabama home.
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40,222 individuals sought services at 31 State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.
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Services for the aging were provided to 1,954 individuals.
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99.9 percent or 95,514 housing inspections in Alabama have been completed.
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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.
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3.41 million cubic yards of storm-related debris has been disposed of statewide.
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Close to $71 million is anticipated for hazard mitigation projects to help Alabamians rebuild to standards that help prevent damage in future storms.
Remember: Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Make sure your family is prepared by: 1) drafting a family disaster plan; 2) stockpiling food and water for at least 72 hours; 3) preparing for special family members such as the elderly and those with disabilities; and 4) preparing for the needs of pets, if you have them. For more information on how to prepare, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.
The deadline has passed for Alabama Katrina survivors to register for assistance. Applicants who would like to check the status of their claim or update their contact information may call toll-free at 800-621 FEMA (3362) or TTY for the hearing-or-speech impaired 800-462-7585. Applicants may also check their claims online at www.fema.gov. Please have your FEMA registration ID number handy when you call.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 24-Aug-2006 17:13:22