Federal Disaster Aid Ordered For Massachusetts Floods
Release Date: April 22, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-050
» More Information on Massachusetts Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for Massachusetts families and businesses victimized by floods that struck the state earlier this month.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued by President Bush following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from flooding that began on April 1.
Immediately after the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk Worcester eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery needs of affected residents and business owners.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, 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 available to the counties on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
James N. Russo of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate federal recovery operations. Russo said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties 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 tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 22-Apr-2004 16:47:34