Federal Disaster Assistance Extended to Five More Counties
Release Date: May 14, 2001
Release Number: 1367-09
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms & Flooding
Davenport, IA -- The number of Iowa counties eligible for federal disaster assistance increased to 18 today with the addition of Calhoun, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Sac, and Webster Counties.
Michael Bolch, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said the designation followed a review of additional information regarding damages incurred from the severe storms, tornadoes and floods that have plagued the state since April 8th.
This addition extends federal assistance to repair or replace eligible disaster-damaged public facilities located in Calhoun, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Sac, and Webster Counties. It also makes federal assistance available to eligible individuals (homeowners, renters, and business owners) in Calhoun County.
Assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, minor home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
State and local officials, and representatives from eligible non-profit organizations in the designated counties are eligible to seek reimbursement from FEMA for 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the storm and restoring essential public facilities damaged by the storm. The State of Iowa and the applicant will share the remaining 25 percent.
The Iowa counties now included in the disater declaration are: Allamakee, Buchanan, Calhoun, Clayton, Clinton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Humboldt, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Palo Alto, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Wapello and Webster.
"Residents in these additional counties are now eligible to apply for state and federal disaster assistance," said State Coordinating Officer Steve Zimmerman. "It's important that they call the toll-free number to begin the application process."
Anyone who sustained damage from the storms should register with FEMA by calling the toll-free teleregistration number: 1-800-462-9029. TTY service is available at 1-800-462-7585 for anyone who is hearing or speech impaired. The registration numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Individuals should register by phone as soon as it is practical. Local governments will be able to apply at upcoming briefings-locations and times to be announced in the coming days.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Oct-2003 10:37:23