Nisqually Earthquake Disaster Assistance Reaches $87 Million
Release Date: May 24, 2001
Release Number: 1361-75
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Olympia, WA -- Federal and state agencies have approved $87 million in aid to help Washington residents and businesses following the Nisqually earthquake.
The following are highlights of the ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts since the Presidential disaster declaration on March 1, as of close of business May 23.
- Since the disaster declaration, $37.5 million in aid has been approved for disaster rental assistance and minimal repair grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Inspectors have completed 28,151 damage verifications in the declared counties.
- The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $47.45 million in low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
- The Individual and Family Grant program has approved $2.16 million for residents affected by the earthquake. Grants are to assist with serious disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other disaster programs.
- The number of applications made for disaster assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line totaled 30,735 at the close of business, May 23.
State and federal officials continue to urge disaster victims to call the registration number at 1-800-462-9029 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. The deadline to register is June 30, 2001.
For the designated counties the total number applicants and assistance approved to date for disaster rental assistance and minimal repair grants are:
| County | Registrations | Approved Disaster Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Benton | 45 | 62,283 |
| Chelan | 47 | 31,501 |
| Clallam | 94 | 102,193 |
| Clark | 123 | 148,567 |
| Cowlitz | 102 | 207,356 |
| Grays Harbor | 1127 | 2,163,738 |
| Island | 81 | 99,999 |
| Jefferson | 69 | 86,547 |
| King | 12616 | 15,029,870 |
| Kitsap | 2163 | 2,610,316 |
| Kittitas | 68 | 49,982 |
| Lewis | 936 | 1,320,303 |
| Mason | 614 | 912,011 |
| Pacific | 137 | 297,923 |
| Pierce | 5881 | 7,753,677 |
| Skagit | 322 | 360,782 |
| Skamania | 5 | 6,030 |
| Snohomish | 1168 | 937,991 |
| Thurston | 4300 | 4,482,925 |
| Wahkiakum | 24 | 41,763 |
| Whatcom | 461 | 465,311 |
| Yakima | 328 | 376,623 |
A total of 22 counties are eligible for Individual Assistance. The counties are Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Whatcom, Wahkiakum, and Yakima. All counties were automatically made eligible for Hazard Mitigation assistance with the original disaster declaration.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate individuals for their entire loss. Persons covered by insurance may receive assistance from the government for areas not covered by their insurance. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of help may come in the form of loans from the SBA. FEMA representatives will explain the process when persons call to register for assistance.
Low-interest loans from SBA may be available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to cover private property damage that is not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. Disaster loans from SBA are the primary source of funds for repairing earthquake damage.
Indian tribal governments eligible for Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funding include the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha, Lummi Nation, Makah Tribe, Muckleshoot Tribe, Nisqually Tribe, Nooksack Tribe, Port Gamble Indian Community, Puyallup Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Quinault Nation, Samish Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, Shoalwater Bay Tribe, Skokomish Tribe, Snoqualmie Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Swinomish Tribe, The Tulalip Tribes, and the Upper Skagit Tribe.
The Hoh Tribe, and Yakama Nation are eligible for Individual Assistance only.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Oct-2003 15:04:52