Kentucky Disaster Aid Tops $38 Million
Release Date: July 30, 2004
Release Number: 1523-055
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Mudslides
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- With just a week remaining for registration, more than $38 million in grants and low-interest disaster loans has been approved to assist Kentucky residents who suffered damages from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 26 through June 18.
The last day to apply for disaster assistance is Monday, August 9. Residents and business owners living or working in one of the disaster-declared counties who sustained damage or loss may register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. Phone lines will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.(EDT/CDT), Monday through Saturday.
After applying, registrants may receive a loan application package from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Whether interested in a loan or not, applicants must at least complete the loan package and return it by the August 9 deadline. The completed loan application is the key to being considered for several assistance programs. If the completed application is not returned, disaster victims may be eliminating themselves from any possible additional grants from FEMA and the state to meet other needs.
Federal, state, local and voluntary agencies are working in partnership to help Kentucky residents in the disaster recovery process. The following is an update of their activities as of close of business Thursday, July 29:
- 9,521 individuals from the 78 disaster-declared counties have called to apply for aid (see county specific application numbers and grant figures on page 2).
- $12,904,182 has been approved for repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured or underinsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and for temporary disaster rental assistance.
- $6,767,195 has been approved for Other Needs Assistance, which may include grants for medical, funeral, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses.
- 401 applications for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest home and business disaster loans have been approved, totaling almost $17.3 million.
- 161 Public Assistance projects totaling almost $1.5 million have been obligated to reimburse state, local and public sector agencies for disaster-related costs.
- Seven long-term recovery committees, made up of local and state voluntary agencies, have been formed in the affected areas of the state to identify and provide assistance for long-term needs.
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: Friday, 30-Jul-2004 15:41:32