Tropical Storm Mitch Florida State/Federal Aid More Than $945,000
Release Date: November 24, 1998
Release Number: 1259-05
» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Mitch
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- More than $945,000 in federal/state aid has been approved for Key Largo area residents and businesses that suffered damages during Tropical Storm Mitch, Federal Coordinating Officer Paul W. Fay, Jr., of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said today.
In addition to those funds, there is an estimated $1.5 million for public assistance for Mitch damages. These estimates are for such things as debris removal, emergency protective measures, public buildings and utilities.
Mitch was declared a major disaster Nov. 5 following the tornadoes and storms. More than 700 Monroe County residents have registered for assistance since the declaration. There also have been 60 applications filed from Palm Beach County that was added to the Mitch declaration for flooding damages.
The Monroe County fund approvals to date include $409,585 for temporary housing and minimal home repairs, $73,624 for individual and family grants for emergency expenses and $462,00 for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. The low-interest SBA loans include $342,200 for homes, $104,00 for businesses and $15,800 for economic injury disaster loans.
The Mitch declaration is separate from the major disaster declaration for Monroe County and 11 Florida Panhandle counties included in the Hurricane Georges disaster. Georges was declared Sept. 28 and the deadline for applying for assistance is Friday, Nov. 27.
Tropical Storm Mitch applications can be made on the FEMA toll-free registration line until Jan. 4. That number is 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments.
Last Modified: Thursday, 15-Jan-2004 10:21:21