Flood Damage To Schools Reaches $170 Million
Release Date: July 23, 2001
Release Number: 1379-70
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Houston, TX -- Flood damage to schools in the immediate Houston area has reached $170 million in damages and will continue to grow, according to state and federal officials.
"Our people realize, after several days on the phone, that of the 265 school districts and 21 colleges and universities we have identified, few private non-profit education facilities are aware they may be eligible for assistance. We have placed a high priority on bringing to their attention their eligibility for FEMA and SBA benefits," said Neva Elliott, FEMA Public Assistance Officer. "FEMA and state representatives are calling to personally make contact with officials at the private non-profit schools."
The University of Houston sustained preliminary identifiable flood damage in excess of $138 million from Tropical Storm Allison. Other institutions will bump the immediate measurable total above $170 million as Houston ISD, North Forest ISD, Shelton ISD, Aldine ISD and eight other area colleges and universities identify storm damage.
Most schools in the declared disaster area are eligible for financial assistance. Primary or secondary public schools, as determined by law, are eligible for FEMA public assistance. Institutions of higher learning are eligible provided they meet specific requirements. Private non-profit schools must first apply for a low interest SBA loan. If the loan is declined or the loan amount is not sufficient to repair the damages, they could be eligible for federal public assistance funds.
North Forest ISD, Houston ISD and Sheldon ISD all had severe water damage to facilities. Aldine ISD had nine buildings damaged and the repair estimate could approach $5 million. Pasadena ISD had water damage to buildings and vehicles that approaches $2 million.
Division of Emergency Management (DEM) officials have received assistance applications from five school districts and nine colleges and universities. They have identified an additional eight school districts with damage and seven private non-profit school districts.
"We're doing all we can to identify damaged educational institutions and we're providing the needed guidance and assistance to file necessary applications," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer.
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Oct-2003 15:27:24