More Than 800 Register For Disaster Assistance

Release Date: December 11, 2003
Release Number: 1491-130

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

RICHMOND, Va. -- More than 800 Virginians called to apply for disaster assistance on December 8-the final day the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free number was available to accept applications for disaster assistance for Hurricane Isabel.

Nearly $190 million in state and federal assistance has already been approved for individuals and businesses that suffered damage from Hurricane Isabel.

Federal and state disaster officials provide the following summary of assistance efforts to date:

92,765 individuals in 99 disaster-declared jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia have applied for federal and state assistance, including 833 calls Monday, December 8, the deadline for applying for assistance
20,466 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers opened throughout the Commonwealth. Two centers remain open, one in Gloucester and one in York.
$25,937,544 approved to support life-sustaining missions. These funds were used to support emergency needs such as water, ice, and generators at critical public facilities.
$59,556,800 in low-interest disaster loans approved by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for more than 2,416 homes and businesses
$30,887,982 approved in Housing Assistance for temporary rental assistance and minimal home repairs
$16,379,127 approved in Other Needs Assistance grants for necessary expenses and serious needs unmet by other assistance programs as a result of the disaster
$56,623,193 approved for debris removal, emergency protective services and permanent work
353 applicants have been housed in travel trailers until their homes are repaired

Hurricane Isabel, originally labeled a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall on September 18, 2003 someplace between a Category 2 and Category 1 storm. Altogether, 100 Commonwealth jurisdictions were declared disaster areas, which made federal funds available for long-term recovery and to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Dec-2003 09:38:56

FEMA 500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-FEMA