More Than $660 Million In Disaster Assistance Approved For Panhandle
Release Date: December 3, 2004
Release Number: 1551-173
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Ivan
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have approved $661.2 million in disaster assistance for Panhandle homeowners, renters, business owners and governmental agencies affected by Hurricane Ivan, which made landfall on Sept.16, 2004.
That aid comes in the form of FEMA / SERT grants; low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA); funds approved for various emergency measures prior to, during and following the storm; and financial aid to state and local governments and certain private, non-profit organizations.
An itemized review of funds approved for disaster relief shows assistance for individuals now totals $122.5 million. Temporary housing and/or home repair grants for 36,599 applicants now total $57.9 million, while $64.6 million is allocated to cover necessary expenses such as medical and dental costs, transportation expenses and other storm-related financial needs.
Homeowners, renters and business owners are approved for $120 million for SBA low-interest disaster loans.
FEMA has obligated $364.7 million to cover the increased costs of local and county emergency services and protective measures since Hurricane Ivan struck the Panhandle area.
Panhandle communities have submitted 227 requests for assistance and have already qualified for $54 million in Public Assistance Grants for public facilities (infrastructure) damages and losses. FEMA assists in the recovery from Hurricane Ivan’s impact by paying for 90 percent of storm-related eligible projects.
FEMA inspectors have completed more than 87,889 housing inspections to verify damage claims. Some 8,810 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance claims have been submitted for damages from the storm.
More than 77,720 applicants have visited the 16 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) for ongoing information and assistance that have served the Panhandle region. Presently, there are eight fixed DRCs and one mobile DRC Unit operating in the area. All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Hurricane Ivan Disaster Recovery Centers
Escambia County
County Tax Office DRC
292 Muskogee
Cantonment, FL
Agriculture Building DRC
6001A Industrial Boulevard
Century, FL
Annex Field Office DRC
33 Brent Lane
Pensacola, FL
Eckerd Building DRC
13390 Perdido Key Drive
Pensacola, FL
Okaloosa County
Spanish Trail Fairgrounds DRC
205 Stillwell Boulevard
Crestview, FL
CVS Pharmacy DRC
348 Racetrack Road NW
Ft. Walton Beach, FL
Santa Rosa County
St. Anne Family Life Center DRC
100 Daniel Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL
Santa Rosa County Auditorium DRC
6051 Old Bagdad Highway
Milton, Fl. 32583
Mobile DRC Unit Location:
Monday, Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.:
Escambia County
Cecil T. Hunter DRC
200 East Blount Street
Pensacola, Fl. 32503
Those impacted by recent hurricanes are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Both numbers operate from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. After applying, those who have questions may visit a center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.
Applicants may also register online by going to the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov and clicking on the red “hot-link” button in the upper right-hand portion of the page marked “Register for Disaster Assistance Online.”
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: Monday, 06-Dec-2004 09:12:36