More than $6.5 Million Approved in Nisqually Earthquake Disaster Aid
Release Date: March 16, 2001
Release Number: 1361-23
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Seattle, WA -- Federal and state agencies have approved more than $6.5 million in aid to help Washington residents following the Nisqually earthquake.
The following is a summary of ongoing response and recovery efforts since the Presidential disaster declaration on March 1.
- During the 15 days since the disaster declaration, $6,568,000 in aid has been approved for disaster rental assistance and minimal repair grants.
- The number of applications made for disaster assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line totaled 9,273 at the close of business, Thursday, March 15. State and federal officials continue to urge disaster victims to call the registration number at 1-800-462-9029 or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
- Inspectors have completed 5,998 residential inspections in the declared counties.
- To date, eight Washington counties have been declared federal disaster areas. The counties of King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pierce and Thurston are eligible for Public and Individual Assistance. Grays Harbor and Snohomish counties are eligible for Individual Assistance.
For the designated counties the total number applicants and assistance approved to date are:
- Grays Harbor-207 applicants; $214,000 approved.
- King-4,313 applicants; $3,093,000 approved.
- Kitsap-703 applicants; $563,000 approved.
- Lewis-323 applicants; $351,000 approved.
- Mason-178 applicants; $138,000 approved.
- Pierce-1,579 applicants; $1,081,000 approved.
- Snohomish-417 applicants; $113,000 approved.
- Thurston-1,474 applicants; $1,015,000 approved.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate individuals for their entire loss. Persons covered by insurance may receive assistance from the government for areas not covered by the insurance. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of help may come in the form of loans (from the U.S. Small Business Administration). FEMA representatives will explain the process when persons call for assistance.
Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to cover private property damage that is not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. Disaster loans from SBA are the primary source of funds for repairing earthquake damage.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Oct-2003 11:04:14