3 Missouri Counties Designated For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 6, 2006
Release Number: 1635-002
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been made available for homeowners, renters and business owners in Pemiscot County in the wake of severe storms and tornados that impacted the state beginning March 30 through April 3.
"What this means is that residents and business owners in Pemiscot are now eligible to apply for assistance to recover from the recent severe weather," said Thomas J. Costello, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster recovery effort.
Public Assistance, which is assistance to State and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations on a cost sharing basis, has been approved for Andrew, Pemiscot and Pettis counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Officials with FEMA and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said that counties were added to the list of eligible jurisdictions based on a review of recent damage data gathered by state and federal disaster recovery officials.
"We're pleased for the citizens of Missouri that our request for assistance for these Missouri counties were so quickly approved," stated Ron Reynolds, SEMA director.
Affected Missouri residents and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST, seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. People also may register online at www.fema.gov.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, and both businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes whose property was damaged or destroyed in the declared primary counties. The SBA also makes disaster loans available to qualified small businesses (located in both primary and neighboring counties) that have suffered economic injury as a result of the disaster. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace personal property. And businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury.
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 (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 10-Apr-2006 07:55:36