Additional Counties Added For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: October 22, 2004
Release Number: 1549-067
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Mobile, Ala. -- Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) announced today that Bullock, Cherokee, Jackson and Houston Counties were approved for Public Assistance. The addition of these counties brings to 50 the number now eligible for Public Assistance.
The Public Assistance Program provides supplemental Federal disaster grant assistance, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, buildings and equipment, public utilities, and parks.
The Public Assistance Program also provides grants to eligible facilities operated by certain private, non-profit agencies including educational, emergency, utility, medical and custodial care facilities.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is on site as the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. SBA disaster loans pay for losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recovery assistance.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 22-Oct-2004 17:37:10