Disaster Assistance Exceeds $6 Million In West Virginia 

Release Date: May 22, 2002
Release Number: 1410-35

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides

Beckley, WV -- To date, disaster recovery officials have approved more than $6 million in grants for those affected by the recent severe storms, flooding and landslides in southern West Virginia. Disaster officials expect these figures to continue to climb as the recovery operation progresses.

By Tuesday, 4,566 individuals had registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state for disaster assistance. Of these, FEMA is considering 4,087 applicants for the temporary Disaster Housing Assistance program. This program provides grants to disaster victims to make their home habitable or to rent alternate accommodations until a more permanent solution is found.

To date, FEMA has approved 3,144 Disaster Housing Assistance grants totaling $6,127,575.

The state currently is considering 2592 applicants for the Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG). The IFG program provides grants to individuals or families for serious disaster related needs not covered by other disaster assistance programs.

To date, the state has approved 48 IFG grants totaling $211,878.

When a person registers for disaster assistance by calling the toll-free number (listed below), reviewers determine for which programs the applicant may be eligible. FEMA turns over the information to a contract inspector who makes an appointment with the applicant to verify damages. A technician reviews the inspector's findings and forwards them to FEMA for final determination.

Four counties - McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming - are eligible for assistance to individuals and families following President Bush's major disaster declaration for West Virginia on May 5.

Those needing assistance should call FEMA, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hearing-impaired or speech-impaired persons may call TTY at 1-800-462-7585.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 17:11:02