Federal Disaster Aid Ordered For Virginia Flood Victims
Release Date: July 12, 2001
Release Number: 1386-01
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Washington, DC -- Federal disaster aid has been made available for Virginia to help residents and businesses in Tazewell County recover from flooding rains that struck the area last weekend, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued by President Bush following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms and flooding that occurred over the period of July 8-10.
Under the President's declaration, Allbaugh said stricken residents in Tazewell County are eligible to apply for federal assistance that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency 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.
Additionally, federal funding will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Allbaugh indicated that more jurisdictions and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later if requested and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. He named Marianne Jackson of FEMA to coordinate federal relief operations.
Jackson said affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process on Friday, July 13 by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 14-Oct-2003 15:27:29