President Authorizes Disaster Aid For District Of Columbia Hurricane Recovery
Release Date: September 20, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-199
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Washington, DC -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the use of federal disaster funds and emergency resources for the District of Columbia to help families and businesses recover from the effects of Hurricane Isabel.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at Homeland Security, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration immediately after receiving FEMA's analysis of the District's request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to private property from Isabel beginning on September 18.
"President Bush signed this declaration quickly because he knows that people are in need of immediate help," Brown said. "The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA are committed to seeing that they receive the assistance needed to get on the road to recovery as fast as possible."
Following the declaration, Brown designated the District of Columbia eligible for aid to stricken residents that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the District's government to pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.
Brown indicated that damage surveys are continuing and additional forms of assistance for the District's government may be designated later based on the results of the assessments.
Alexander S. Wells of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Wells said affected residents and business owners in the District can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Sunday, September 21, from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week until further notice.
Because of the anticipated high volume of initial calls, Wells urged owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. He also advised that hurricane victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.
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 Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Saturday, 20-Sep-2003 10:10:28