Disaster Help Available in Declared Counties - One Call Starts the Process 

Release Date: June 25, 2002
Release Number: 1419-09

» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes

Moorhead, MN -- The first step toward federal disaster recovery assistance for individuals and businesses with losses related to the recent flooding is to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll free number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Red Lake and Roseau are the counties designated for Individual Assistance.

A phone interview initiates the application process. If you are in a previously non-declared county and called the tele-registration number, there is no need to re-register. Callers receive information and program referral based on information obtained during this registration process.

Some of the programs in place to help with recovery include:

Disaster Housing Program: This program includes funding for emergency repairs to damaged homes and temporary rental assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides low-interest loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses which sustained damages not covered by insurance. With information based on guidelines provided by the SBA, FEMA determines whether the applicant needs to apply for an SBA loan or may be automatically referred to the Individual and Family Grant program.

Individual and Family Grant Program: Administered by the state, underwritten with 75 percent FEMA funding, to provide grants to meet disaster-related serious needs and necessary expenses not provided by other programs, insurance or other means

Farm Services Agency: May provide emergency loans for farmers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture

IRS Tax Assistance: Provides federal income tax information about casualty losses. Assistance also includes expediting income tax refunds.

State agencies available to help with the disaster recovery process include:

State Division of Emergency Management; State Department of Health; State Department of Economic Security; State Department of Natural Resources; State Department of Commerce; State Department of Revenue; Department of Administration-Building Codes and Standards; Minnesota State Board of Electricity; Minnesota Housing Finance Agency; Department of Trade & Economic Development; and a variety of Minnesota Voluntary Organization agencies.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Aug-2003 14:45:18