Mass. Disaster Aid Nears $38 Million for May Floods
Disaster Assistance Registration Period Extended
Release Date: July 25, 2006
Release Number: 1642-032
» More Information on Massachusetts Severe Storms and Flooding
ANDOVER, Mass. -- As the recovery from mid-May flooding continues, nearly $38 million in state and federal assistance has been approved for Massachusetts residents and communities.
In addition, the disaster assistance registration deadline has been extended by two weeks. Individuals may continue to register for assistance at www.fema.gov/assistance or call toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is August 7, 2006.
To date, 10,133 households from the three disaster-declared counties (Essex – 6,747; Middlesex – 2,805; and Suffolk –581) have applied for assistance since President Bush approved a federal disaster declaration on May 25.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $14.9 million to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging, and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance (Essex - $9.7 million; Middlesex - $4.4 million; and Suffolk - $809,161). In addition, $1.6 million has been approved for personal property loss, medical or dental costs and other significant disaster-related expenses.
The SBA has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $20.5 million for homeowners, business owners and renters. SBA has four locations where individuals can receive assistance in filling out their loan applications.
LAWRENCE - Lawrence Public Library
51 Lawrence Street
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9-6, Fri. 9-5LOWELL - Small Business Assistance Center
88 Middle Street - Room 202
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5MELROSE - Senior Center
201 West Foster Street
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5HAVERHILL - United Way of Merrimack
Ward Hill Industrial Park - 237 Neck Road
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5
FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program provides funding reimbursement for eligible costs incurred for emergency response or damage to public infrastructure. On June 9, President Bush approved PA funding for local governments, state agencies and certain private nonprofits performing government functions in Essex and Middlesex counties. To date, FEMA has received 148 requests for public assistance and more than $850,000 has been obligated.
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: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 09:14:20