Disaster Aid Tops $1 Million
Release Date: May 13, 2003
Release Number: 1464-04
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Nashville, TN -- Federal and state assistance approved for residents of Tennessee's 20 declared disaster counties reached $1 million Tuesday as the number of families registering for recovery aid totaled 1,118.
Assistance for housing and essential needs of those who suffered losses in the tornadoes and severe storms of early May passed the million-dollar mark only five days after the declaration was issued by President Bush.
Residents were urged to register by John White of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, state coordinating officer for the recovery. "It takes only a few minutes and we don't want anyone who has suffered a loss to miss getting the help that is available."
FEMA's toll-free application line, 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired) is available daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Registration is required to receive assistance.
Individual and family assistance totaling $652,881 was approved to help 118 families with serious needs not covered by insurance or met by charitable organizations.
Grants totaling $229,454 were approved for 184 families in need of disaster housing and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved $223,700 in loans.
"We are pleased that registration so far has been robust," said Mike Bolch of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the official in charge of federal recovery operations. "That means the message is getting out that assistance is available for Tennesseans who were damaged."
The counties eligible for individual assistance are Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Crockett, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Houston, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Montgomery, Obion, Robertson, Stewart and Weakley.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 13-May-2003 12:12:27