More Than $12.2 Million Approved For Gaston Recovery
Release Date: November 5, 2004
Release Number: 1544-068
RICHMOND, Va. -- Federal and state disaster officials announced today that more than $12.2 million in disaster assistance grants and loans has been approved for victims of Tropical Depression Gaston since the Sept. 3 presidential declaration.
Here is a summary of activities for the period ending Nov. 4, 2004:
In the nine weeks since President Bush issued the disaster declaration, 5,426 homeowners, renters and businesses have registered for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Registration clears the way for a variety of grant and loan programs to cover uninsured losses for individuals, and low-interest loans for businesses.
FEMA and Virginia have approved $8,053,639 to pay for temporary housing, basic home repairs and essential needs. The funds include $5,698,538 for housing assistance and $2,355,101 to cover other needs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has sent out 3,988 disaster loan applications and approved more than $4,236,800 in low interest loans. These loans serve as the government's primary form of long-term recovery assistance. Individuals who do not qualify for a loan may be considered for a grant to cover serious unmet disaster-related needs, but first they must complete the SBA loan application.
The deadline to register with FEMA was Nov. 2.
The Sept. 3 declaration covers the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, King William, New Kent and Prince George.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 05-Nov-2004 15:33:10