Disaster Aid Reaches $215 Thousand For Wildfire Applicants
Release Date: January 16, 2006
Release Number: 1623-003
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Wildfire Threat
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- More than $215,000 in federal grants is now on its way to Oklahoma residents affected by wildfires. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been accepting applications for assistance since a federal disaster declaration was approved for the state on January 10, 2006.
“These grants are for 56 applicants found eligible for temporary housing assistance because their homes are either destroyed or made unlivable by the wildfires,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Philip E. Parr. “This money will help displaced families cover the cost of renting a place to live as they either rebuild their homes or find another permanent place to live.”
As of Sunday evening, 155 Oklahomans have applied for federal and state disaster assistance. To date, 62 home inspections have been completed and returned for review by federal and state agencies for possible disaster grants and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.
“Getting these housing grants to this first group of applicants in need of a place to live is a big step in the recovery process,” said State Coordinating Officer Kathleen Shingledecker. “Our goal is to deliver funds to cover qualified applicant needs and losses as quickly as possible.”
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 18-Jan-2006 13:35:34