Hurricane Ivan Aid At $465,280
Release Date: September 26, 2004
Release Number: 1558-014
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- People affected by flooding in 16 West Virginia counties have received $465,280 in housing assistance and other needs under the Hurricane Ivan disaster declaration, officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services announced today.
Provided to people who are unable to occupy their flood-damaged homes, the funds are for rental assistance for temporary housing and other essential emergency needs.
Individual Assistance (IA) to disaster victims under the federal/state Individuals and Households Program may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. “We are committed to get assistance to eligible homeowners and tenants as fast as possible,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer for FEMA.
The disaster aid program also includes Other Needs Assistance (ONA) that may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs, and other eligible expenses. Renters, homeowners and business owners with flood damage are encouraged to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans.
Botta and Stephen S. Kappa, state coordinating officer, said people with disaster-related damage to their homes or businesses should register for help by calling, toll-free, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The phone lines will be open 24 hours a day until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
So far, more than 3,100 people in the 16 disaster-designated counties have registered for assistance.
On September 20 President Bush approved a request from Governor Bob Wise for a federal disaster declaration for the counties of Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Pleasants, Tyler, Wetzel and Wirt. On September 24 the counties of Berkeley, Cabell, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Morgan and Wood were added to the declaration.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Sep-2004 11:59:24