Winter Storm Disaster Loans And Grants Exceed $450,000
Summary of Winter Storm Recovery Assistance Since Dec. 4 Federal Disaster Declaration
Release Date: December 27, 2002
Release Number: 1445-15
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Anchorage, AK -- Three weeks after President Bush declared Kenai Peninsula Borough, Kodiak Island Borough and the Chignik Bay area as a federal disaster area because of severe winter storms and floods from Oct. 23 through Nov. 12, and subsequently extended to Dec. 20, disaster recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies has reached over $450,000, said federal and state officials.
"Since the President's declaration, disaster recovery aid exceeds the $450,000 milestone, which clearly indicates we've been able to meet disaster-related needs of many Alaskans who were affected by the winter storms and flooding," said William Lokey, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. "We will continue to work with the State to keep the momentum going and to make sure every effort is made to help individuals get back on their feet."
Types of assistance available to individuals include low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to homeowners, renters and owners of businesses of all sizes, and funding for temporary housing and grants for serious needs and essential disaster-related expenses not met by other programs.
The following is a summary of disaster recovery assistance to date:
- $237,457 has been approved in housing assistance funds for rentals or repairs
- $189,900 in SBA loans have been approved; 21 applications are in process
- $23,007 has been approved for disaster-related needs not met by other programs
- 329 teleregistration calls have been received through FEMA's application line
- 209 home and property inspections have been completed; 221 inspections have been requested
- 221 individuals visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) that were open in Ninilchik, Seward and Homer to provide people affected by the disaster with face-to-face counseling
- 10 public facility applicants have requested help from FEMA's public assistance (infrastructure) program and are working with FEMA/state teams to develop project work sheets.
Individuals in the declared area have until Feb. 2, 2003 to apply for disaster assistance. People affected by the disaster are encouraged to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); and TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- or speech-impaired. The teleregistration line is available Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 14:22:48