Disaster Aid Ordered For Delaware Hurricane Disaster 

Release Date: September 21, 1999
Release Number: 1297-01

» More Information on Delaware Hurricane Floyd

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds were made available for Delaware to help families and communities in New Castle County recover from the effects of Hurricane Floyd.

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said President Clinton authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration issued for the state this afternoon. The declaration covers hurricane damage to private and public property that occurred over the period of September 15-17.

Under the declaration, Witt said affected residents and business owners in New Castle County are eligible to apply for federal assistance that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Additionally, Witt said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the county to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the hurricane, and restoring damaged public facilities. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Witt, who designated the county eligible for assistance following the declaration, indicated that other counties may be designated for aid later if requested and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Steven A. Adukaitis, of FEMA's regional office in Philadelphia, was named by Witt to coordinate the federal relief effort. Adukaitis said residents and business owners who sustained hurricane losses in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process on Wednesday, September 22, by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Dec-2003 17:13:05