Federal Assistance to Iowa Reaches $31 Million
Release Date: June 21, 2008
Release Number: 1763-034
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Disaster assistance reaches $31 million for the Iowa counties hard-hit by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning on May 25.
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced that 69 Iowa counties are now included in the federal major disaster declaration issued on May 27. Joint federal and state disaster assessments are on-going throughout the state.
A total of 18,712 Iowa households have registered in the 47 counties eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). FEMA has approved 4,777 households for $21 million in housing grants.
This assistance may be used for temporary disaster housing and for the repair of disaster-damaged homes, returning them to livable condition. About 6,077 homes have been inspected by FEMA since the disaster was declared.
In addition, more than $1.4 million has been approved for Other Needs Assistance (ONA) programs for serious, necessary disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.
As of June 20, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 56 disaster loans totaling more than $4.8 million. SBA officials encourage anyone who has received a loan application after registering with FEMA, to turn it in as soon as possible in order to be eligible for any further assistance.
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes for property losses not fully covered by insurance. In addition, small businesses may receive loans to help provide working capital funds to recover from the disasters economic impact.
To date, FEMA has received requests for Public Assistance (PA) grants from local governments in the 63 counties approved for PA. Funds have been obligated for two projects totaling $6.5 million.
Under the PA program, FEMA will fund not less than 75% of eligible costs for emergency response efforts taken to protect lives or property, debris removal and repair of damaged public facilities like schools, water treatment plants, utility systems, parks, bridges and roads.
Sixteen Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open to distribute information about state, federal and non-profit organization assistance programs to those affected by the disaster. The centers have had more than 5,700 visits in the affected areas.
Individuals may register for assistance online at www.fema.gov anytime or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments, 24 hours, seven days a week. Applicants may also call those numbers to check on the status and update their applications or report any additional damage.
A large number of voluntary agencies have been working to help residents clean up, serving meals in affected regions and providing other assistance. Five counties have shelters open and the American Red Cross has served more than 105,000 meals to date.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 23-Jun-2008 09:12:18