Recovery Aid Passes $ 2.8 Million
Release Date: November 3, 1999
Release Number: 1297-48
» More Information on Delaware Hurricane Floyd
NEW CASTLE, Del. -- Federal and state agencies have provided more than $2.8 million in disaster assistance following the severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd Sept.15 through Sept. 17, officials announced today.
Assistance available to homeowners, renters and businesses includes housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), disaster unemployment assistance for individuals not covered by other types of unemployment benefits, and, in some cases, grants to cover other uninsured or underinsured losses. The specific amount and type of assistance provided varies from case to case.
Following is a summary of the week's activities:
- As of Monday, FEMA's Disaster Housing Assistance Program had approved $784,570 to 360 registrants. The Delaware-administered Individual and Family Grants program had approved $172,880 to 81 registrants, according to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). The SBA had approved $1.9 million in low-interest disaster loans to 58 individuals and businesses. For an application status or for questions on SBA loans, applicants can call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, from 7 A.M. until 5:30 P.M., Monday through Saturday.
- A total of 699 individuals from New Castle County have registered for assistance.
- Individuals who have already registered but have questions about assistance or the status of an application can call the toll-free Helpline at 1-800-525-0321 (TTY 1-800-462-7585).
- The deadline for applying for federal disaster assistance in New Castle County, and for returning SBA loan applications for physical damage is Friday, Nov.19. Business owners interested in applying for economic- injury disaster loans may do so until June 21, 2000.
- FEMA's toll-free registration number is 1-800-462-9029. Hearing or speech impaired individuals may call the FEMA toll-free at (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
The key to disaster victims being eligible for additional assistance lies in the return of SBA loan-application packages. Those who already have received some disaster assistance may be eligible for additional assistance through the state-administered Individual and Family Grant Program. This could include disaster-related expenses such as replacement of essential personal property, transportation or the rental of equipment to help with recovery. These grants may also be used for items not normally covered under the SBA disaster loan program, such as disaster-related medical and dental bills. The SBA loan packet must be returned for applicants to be referred to the Individual and Family Grant Program.
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Dec-2003 09:45:23