More Than $743 Million In Disaster Aid Approved For Panhandle
Release Date: December 10, 2004
Release Number: 1551-188
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Ivan
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Since Hurricane Ivan struck the Florida Panhandle on Sept.16, 2004, $743.1 million in assistance has been approved for a variety of programs. To date, more than 141,985 individuals and business owners have applied for disaster assistance.
A breakdown of the amounts and types of assistance to date are:
- A total of $126.43 million in federal and state disaster assistance grants for Florida Panhandle residents. Of that amount, $59.4 million is to pay for lodging expenses, rental assistance and minimal home repairs. The balance of $67.3 million is to cover other needs, which may include such items as repair or replacement of personal property, funeral expenses, and medical and dental costs related to the storm.
- A total of $364.68 million in emergency response and protective measures. These measures include such items as providing food, water and ice, temporary roofs and other emergency services.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $197.2 million in low-interest disaster loans to repair storm-damaged homes and businesses. Businesses may also be eligible for economic injury loans, which are loans to assist businesses in getting back on their feet following a storm.
- Public Assistance (infrastructure) funds have begun to flow to local governments and certain private, non-profit entities. Currently, $54.81 million has been approved for project requests found eligible for grant assistance. To date, 241 requests for aid have been filed.
- Housing inspectors have visited 89,316 properties to verify damage losses.
- More than 80,500 applicants have been to one of the 15 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) that have operated in the Panhandle since Sept. 18, 2004, to provide follow-up services and information to applicants for disaster assistance. Presently, 10 DRCs continue to assist applicants in this area.
Officials of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urge all homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage from one or more of the four hurricanes to apply for help as soon as possible.
The number to call to register for assistance is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing- and speech-impaired should call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The registration line is now open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m CST (6 a.m. to midnight, EST).
Applicants may also register online by going to the FEMA website 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, 13-Dec-2004 08:52:37