Disaster Recovery Aid Exceeds $697 Million For Hurricane Rita
Release Date: March 3, 2006
Release Number: 1606-149
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
AUSTIN, Texas -- Families and individuals who suffered damage from Hurricane Rita have been approved to receive more than $697 million in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Evacuees still have until March 11, 2006, to register. Evacuees can register by applying online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
Recovery Services Summary as of March 2, 2006:
- 479,295 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
- $578,400,061 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $498,365,924 in Individual Assistance and $80,034,137 in Other Needs Assistance.
- $118,844,900 in loans have been approved by the U. S. Small Business Administration.
- 406,651 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). There are five DRCs in Texas. Individuals affected by Hurricane Rita may go to any DRC to have questions answered about disaster assistance in person.
- 342,460 home inspections have been requested. More than 99 percent of those submitted have been completed. There are 25 inspectors in the field.
- More than 99 percent of the debris from Hurricane Rita has been removed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, cities and counties have hauled away an estimated 8.6 million cubic yards of debris with 56,588 cubic yards pending removal.
- 4,373 requests for travel trailers have been received. Some 3,726 units are occupied. Accessible units with a wider entrance, handrails, and low-step tub entry also are available.
- $523.3 million in Public Assistance has been obligated to Texas by FEMA. The funds will be used by the State of Texas to reimburse local governments and agencies for eligible and documented debris removal, temporary sheltering, interim housing and emergency protective measures associated with Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 18-May-2006 08:49:31