Ohio Disaster Assistance Tops $2.1 Million: Three Weeks Left To Apply For Assistance
Release Date: March 5, 2004
Release Number: 1507-026
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides
COLUMBUS - With the March 26 application deadline three weeks away, Ohio residents affected by January's severe storms and flooding have been approved for more than $2.1 million in disaster assistance to date, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).
Applications are still being taken for disaster assistance that was made available with President Bush's disaster declaration of one month ago. For those who have already applied for assistance, $1,122,638 in grants and $989,500 in low-interest disaster loans have been approved
Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered damage or loss in the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred between January 3 and January 30 to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice. The last day to apply for assistance is March 26.
The following is a one-month summary of assistance efforts as of close of business February 26:
- 783 individuals in 8 disaster-declared Ohio counties have applied for federal and state assistance (see page 2 for a breakdown of assistance by county)
- $896,313 approved in Housing Assistance grants for temporary rental assistance and minimal home repairs
- $226,325 approved in Other Needs Assistance grants for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.
- $989,500 approved in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans, including
- 49 home loans ($888,700) and 4 business loans ($100,800)
Disaster Assistance Grants By County
| County | Applications Received | Housing Assistance | Other Needs Assistance | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants Approved | Amount Approved | Grants Approved | Amount Approved | ||
| Belmont | 76 | 40 | $75,020 | 8 | $6,627 |
| Franklin | 358 | 174 | $443,802 | 94 | $119,215 |
| Jefferson | 90 | 49 | $80,743 | 7 | $4,833 |
| Licking | 13 | 8 | $20,596 | 4 | $2,654 |
| Morgan | 88 | 51 | $123,653 | 27 | $62,547 |
| Ross | 32 | 23 | $42,542 | 12 | $17,931 |
| Tuscarawas | 60 | 36 | $79,780 | 8 | $6,381 |
| Washington | 66 | 19 | $30,174 | 10 | $6,132 |
All figures are as of close of business, Thursday, March 4, 2004.
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 the Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies in determining homeland security strategies and priorities.
Last Modified: Friday, 05-Mar-2004 14:23:38