Disaster Assistance Update: Nearly $5 Million in Federal/State Grants Approved
Release Date: July 14, 2003
Release Number: 1474-43
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- State, federal and local officials and voluntary agencies continue to help West Virginians who were affected by the severe storms, flooding, and landslides that began on June 11. To date, nearly $5 million in disaster grants has been approved for residents to help meet their most basic disaster-recovery needs.
Recovery services summary at close of business Sunday, July 13:
- More than 3,073 individuals have called FEMAs toll-free teleregistration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY number 1-800-462-7585. Applications are taken by phone 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays), until further notice.
- Nearly $4.2 million in FEMA grants has been approved to help disaster-affected homeowners and renters who need a place to stay or who only need to make repairs for their homes to be functional.
- More than $655,000 has been approved for residents to help cover other eligible disaster needs such as replacing some personal property, medical, dental and funeral expenses, vehicle costs and certain other expenses.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued 1,526 applications to homeowners and 283 applications to businesses and has approved more than $795,000 in low-interest, disaster loans.
- Disaster Recovery Centers in Berkeley, Cabell, Kanawha, Logan, and Wayne have assisted 765 visitors as of July 13. The Berkeley and Cabell DRCs will close on Tuesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. A center in Mingo will open this week. Those affected by the disaster are encouraged to visit any of the centers to talk face-to-face with a recovery specialist and to check the status of their applications. To find the nearest center, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA.
- People living or working in the 13 disaster-declared counties whose jobs have been affected by recent severe storms may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Claims must be filed with local unemployment offices by July 25, 2003 for persons living or working in the following counties: Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne. For those who reside or work in Berkeley, Lincoln and Wyoming counties, the application deadline is July 31, 2003. The deadline for Nicholas County has yet to be determined.
- People who are suffering the effects of stress associated with the recent severe weather, should seek assistance from one of the following sources listed below. A FEMA grant to the State of West Virginia makes funds available for crisis counseling. If you or someone you know is suffering from signs of stress, you are encouraged to call one of the following crisis counseling centers: Advantage Valley Behavioral Health Services - Dunbar, 304-369-1930; Prestera Center - Huntington, 800-642-3434; or Prestera Center - Charleston, 304-341-0251.
Calling the FEMA toll-free teleregistration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), is the necessary first step in applying for disaster assistance. The following is a list of West Virginia counties currently designated as federal disaster areas, along with the number of applications for disaster assistance received as of Sunday, July 13 per county.
| Disaster Counties | Total Applications Received |
|---|---|
| Berkeley | 79 |
| Boone | 214 |
| Cabell | 155 |
| Kanawha | 1,005 |
| Lincoln | 113 |
| Logan | 470 |
| Mason | 115 |
| McDowell | 146 |
| Mingo | 312 |
| Nicholas | 22 |
| Putnam | 88 |
| Wayne | 230 |
| Wyoming | 124 |
| TOTAL | 3,073 |
Last Modified: Monday, 14-Jul-2003 15:18:53