Texas Disaster Recovery Assistance Tops $1.1 Million
Release Date: June 3, 1999
Release Number: 1274-24
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TEXARAKANA, Texas -- In just one month, state and federal officials have approved more than $1,160,000 in disaster recovery funds to help individuals who have applied for help following the May 4 tornadoes in northeast Texas.
Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (DEM) today released the following figures on the status of disaster recovery assistance in the four declared counties as of the close of business Wednesday, June 2:
- 329 calls were received at the National Teleregistration Center (1-800-462-9029, TTY 1-800-462-7585). Those who suffered tornado losses called to register for federal and state aid, including housing assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, low-interest loans, income tax and social security assistance, veterans' assistance, and serious needs and necessary expenses.
- Following is a list of the four declared counties and the number of applications received from those counties:
Bowie 273 Red River 17 Titus 14 Gregg 12 - 146 registered individuals contacted FEMA's Helpline (1-800-525-0321,TTY 1-800-660-8005) with questions about the status of their disaster assistance application, filling out SBA forms or ways to rebuild to reduce future damages.
- 400 individuals visited the Disaster Recovery Center in DeKalb after they had registered for assistance. The center gave tornado victims the opportunity to speak face-to-face with recovery specialists about disaster assistance and ask questions about their application. This center closed May 28.
- Checks totaling $75,122. have been approved for minor home repairs or temporary rental assistance.
- Checks totaling $186,203 have been approved in the Individual and Family Grants program, for those seriously damaged but not eligible for SBA loans.
- $900,700 in low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans has been approved for homeowners, renters and businesses.
In addition to the services listed above, individuals interested in building "safe rooms" may order a free copy of "Taking Shelter From the Storm" by calling 1-800-480-2520, and asking for FEMA publication number 320. The booklet is also available on the FEMA website (www.fema.gov/fima/tsfs01.shtm)
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Dec-2003 16:03:00