Kanawha And Raleigh Counties Eligible For Disaster Aid
Release Date: June 6, 2002
Release Number: 1410-58
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Jack Schuback made the designation today at the request of state officials following a review of additional information about damages that occurred because of the disaster. Schuback is the deputy federal officer coordinating the disaster recovery.
The designation means that those who had damages in Kanawha and Raleigh counties are eligible to apply for state and federal disaster assistance. This aid could include temporary disaster housing assistance from FEMA; low-interest loans to repair or replace storm-damaged property from the U.S. Small Business Administration; or grants from the state-managed Individual and Family Grant Program for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other disaster assistance programs.
Federal funding has already been announced for these counties on a cost-sharing basis for hazard-mitigation measures designed to protect structures from possible future damages.
Steve Kappa, director of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services, explained that those needing disaster assistance should begin the disaster recovery process as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is July 5.
The addition of Kanawha and Raleigh counties brings to six the number of West Virginia counties eligible for the individual-assistance programs. President Bush authorized the assistance on May 5 following a request by Gov. Wise. Other counties are: McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming.
Residents and business owners seeking to register for assistance or seeking answers to questions about disaster-assistance programs can call the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons with difficulty hearing or speaking can call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-462-7585.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 17:01:11