State and Federal Aid Surpasses $6 Million For April-May Storms, Flooding
Release Date: June 10, 2002
Release Number: 1411-40
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- Because of a presidential disaster declaration, the counties of Bedford, Buchanan, Campbell, Cumberland, Greensville, Prince Edward, Shenandoah and Tazewell and the independent city of Bedford are eligible for federal disaster assistance due to tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred from April 28 through May 3.
- All areas have been designated for the Individual Assistance Program, which aids individuals, while Buchanan and Tazewell counties have also been designated for Public Assistance, which provides funding to jurisdictions to repair public infrastructure.
- To date, 1413 residents in the declared localities have registered for disaster assistance.
- 940 disaster housing checks totaling more than $1.84 million have been approved for individuals to assist with temporary housing and minor home repairs.
- A total of 752 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers seeking information concerning disaster assistance. The center in Tazewell closed on May 24, while the location at the Hurley Middle School remains in operation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- State officials have approved 195 registrations for Individual and Family Grant (IFG) assistance. IFG may be used to cover disaster-related expenses, such as essential home repairs, replacement of personal property, transportation, and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. To date, more than $625,000 in funds has been approved for distribution.
- Individuals may apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline to register is July 5.
- The FEMA Public Assistance Program has obligated more than $2.59 million to Buchanan and Tazewell counties, which includes funds for debris removal and the repair of roads, bridges, public buildings and utilities.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $1.27 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) for those who lost income because of the disaster, including farmers, farm workers, and other self-employed individuals. The deadline for filing an application with VEC is June 10 for residents of Buchanan and Tazewell counties and June 21 for residents of the remaining declared areas.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 16:02:11