More Than $20.1 Million Approved In San Simeon Earthquake Aid
Release Date: March 17, 2004
Release Number: 1505-037
» More Information on California Earthquake
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Federal and state disaster aid totaling $20.1 million has been approved for individuals and business owners in San Luis Obispo County to date, according to officials of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the federal and state agencies coordinating in the San Simeon Earthquake recovery effort
On January 13, President George Bush declared a major disaster existed in the State of California after a request by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. San Luis Obispo County was designated for Individual and Public Assistance; Santa Barbara County was designated for Public Assistance. The declaration also includes cost-shared funding to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Response and recovery summary to date:
- 4,703 registrations for assistance
- $7.1 million to help with temporary housing and essential home repairs.
- More than $244,000 to help with other needs such as personal property, medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving and storage expenses.
- $11.6 million in low-interest disaster loans approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
- More than $18,000 to date in Disaster Unemployment Assistance made available to self-employed individuals and others normally not covered under regular unemployment insurance programs.
- 2,403 visits to five Disaster Recovery Centers
Those who have registered can call FEMA’s toll-free number with any questions or changes they may have regarding their FEMA applications. This toll-free Helpline number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech- or hearing-impaired can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
$1.2 million in reimbursements have been approved through Public Assistance Programs, administered by FEMA and OES, to help city, county and state agencies, special districts and eligible not for profit organizations to help pay for the repair or rebuilding of damaged public facilities and the cost of removing debris and implementing emergency protective measures
More than 50 Notices of Intent/Interest submitted by state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations are under consideration for funding projects to reduce deaths, injuries, and property losses through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The agencies have until April 9 to submit their applications for approximately $5 million in funds.
FEMA hazard-mitigation personnel have distributed earthquake-related publications to home improvement centers, chambers of commerce, libraries, local jurisdictions, and elementary schools throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
A Long Term Recovery Committee for San Luis Obispo County is assisting affected families in developing plans and receiving assistance for their recovery. Representatives from disaster response and recovery agencies compose the committee. The contact number for those who need additional assistance is 805-543-0696.
***
OES coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Disaster recovery assistance is available to any individual without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, economic status, or disability. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of FEMA’s Equal Rights Officers (EROs) at 1-800-525-0321, or contact your State Office of Equal Rights.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Mar-2004 17:14:26