President Orders Disaster Aid For North Carolina Storm Victims
Release Date: September 10, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-172
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered federal disaster aid to help meet the recovery needs of people in western North Carolina victimized by Tropical Storm Frances.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action immediately after receiving FEMA’s analysis of the state’s expedited request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from the storm that began affecting the state on September 7.
“President Bush recognizes that people have been overwhelmed by the effects of this storm and acted quickly to get them help,” Brown said. “The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA will do all we can to see that they get on the road to recovery as fast as possible.”
After the declaration, Brown designated the following 15 counties eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the 15 designated counties to pay 100 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, for the first 72 hours following the declaration. Funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated as soon as damage assessments can be completed in the affected area. He named Justin DeMello of FEMA to coordinate federal recovery operations.
DeMello said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
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.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Sep-2004 21:48:31