Less Than Three Weeks to apply
Release Date: November 6, 2007
Release Number: 1729-029
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
ROCKFORD, Ill. Homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered damages from the August 20-31 storms and flooding have less than three weeks to register for disaster recovery assistance. Monday, November 26 is the last day to register.
More than $4.2 million in disaster assistance has been approved in the six weeks since President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for six Illinois counties according to officials with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Illinois businesses, families and individuals who suffered damages from the Aug. 20-31 severe storms and flooding are eligible to apply for disaster assistance funding and low interest loans.
"The November 26 deadline is coming up quickly. If you know someone who was affected by the August 20-31 storms, please encourage them to take a few minutes to register with FEMA and learn how we can help them," said Tony Russell, Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA.
Over 1675 households in the federally declared disaster counties of DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Lake, LaSalle and Will have applied for assistance. Individuals may register for assistance online at www.fema.gov anytime or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applicants may also call to check on their status or update their applications.
Over $3.5 million in financial assistance has been approved for Illinois residents under the Individuals and Households Program. This assistance may be used for temporary disaster housing; the repair of disaster-damaged homes and for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. More than 1,496 homes have been inspected in the six weeks since the disaster was declared.
As of Nov. 5, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $701,900, issued 1,253 home and 150 business loan applications. SBA officials encourage anyone who has received an application from the SBA to turn it in as soon as possible in order to be eligible for any further assistance.
SBA can provide low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of any size 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.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments 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: Tuesday, 06-Nov-2007 17:26:43