Two More Puerto Rico Municipalities Designated For Tropical Storm Jeanne Assistance 

Release Date: September 22, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-205

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today designated the Puerto Rico municipalities of Caguas and Vieques eligible for federal disaster aid to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of Tropical Storm Jeanne.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, made the designations under President Bush’s major disaster declaration issued for the commonwealth on September 17.

The municipalities previously designated for the aid include Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Añasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Camuy, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerío, Corozal, Dorado, Florida, Guayama, Hatillo, Humacao, Isabela, Juana Díaz, Juncos, Lares, Las Piedras, Loíza, Manatí, Maunabo, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Quebradillas, Rincón, Río Grande, Salinas, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Villalba and Yabucoa.

Brown said affected residents in the newly added municipalities are eligible to apply for assistance that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other aid programs. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and businesses losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Stricken residents and business owners in the designated municipalities can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24-hours a day, 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, 23-Sep-2004 08:39:36