Application Deadline Nears As Georgia Tornado Recovery Effort Approaches $10 Million 

Release Date: April 12, 2000
Release Number: 1315-10

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ATLANTA, Ga. -- Renters, homeowners or business owners who live or do business in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Mitchell, Tift, and Turner counties and who were affected by the tornadoes that struck early Valentine's Day still have until Saturday, April 15 to apply for aid according to federal and state disaster recovery officials.

The officials said that over $9.9 million in disaster assistance funding has been approved for eligible residents in the six tornado-raked southwest Georgia counties since President Clinton issued a federal disaster declaration for the area nearly two months ago.

"This was a devastating storm, in terms of both loss of life and property damage," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell. "We want to be sure that all eligible victims have applied for assistance by the April 15th deadline."

To date, 649 residents have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free teleregistration number to enroll for a wide variety of recovery programs. The programs provide funds for various types of disaster housing needs, individual and family grants (IFG) grants to cover serious needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance, and disaster-related, low-interest, loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Recovery assistance in brief:

Individuals may apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free teleregistration number 1-800-462-9029 from 8 AM - 6 PM. through this Saturday. Applicants who are hearing or speech impaired and use special keyboard equipment (TTY) should call 1-800-462-7585.

Last Modified: Friday, 14-Nov-2003 11:44:50