Disaster Assistance And Loans Top $723.2 Million
Registration Deadline Extended to April 10, 2006
Release Date: March 11, 2006
Release Number: 1606-154
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Families and individuals who suffered damage from Hurricane Rita have been approved to receive more than $723.2 million in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The new deadline for Hurricane Rita and Katrina evacuees to register for disaster assistance is April 10, 2006.
Recovery Services Summary as of March 10, 2006:
- 479,395 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
- $580,375,727 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $499,015,831 in Individual Assistance and $81,359,896 in Other Needs Assistance.
- $142,871,400 in loans have been approved by the SBA.
- 410,455 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers. There are five DRCs in Texas. Individuals affected by Hurricane Rita may go to any DRC to have questions answered about disaster assistance in person.
- 342,850 home inspections have been requested. More than 99 percent of those submitted have been completed. There are 26 inspectors in the field.
- More than 99 percent of the debris from Hurricane Rita has been removed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, cities and counties have hauled away an estimated 8.6 million cubic yards of debris with 58,630 cubic yards pending removal.
- 4,451 requests for travel trailers have been received. Some 3,820 units are occupied. Accessible units with a wider entrance, handrails, and low-step tub entry also are available.
- $534.4 million in Public Assistance has been obligated to Texas by FEMA. The funds will be used by the State of Texas to reimburse local governments and agencies for eligible and documented debris removal, temporary sheltering, interim housing and emergency protective measures associated with Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
- Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage from the hurricanes can apply by calling the FEMA registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired, or go online at www.fema.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 18-May-2006 09:33:23