Less Than Two Weeks Left To Apply For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: September 14, 1999
Release Number: 1283-13

» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms, Winds and Flooding

DULUTH, Minn. -- There are less than two weeks left for residents in central and northeastern Minnesota to apply for disaster assistance if they had damages from the severe storms and flooding which occurred during July 4 to August 2.

The deadline to call and apply is Saturday, September 25th. Disaster claims will continue to be processed after that date, but you must call before the deadline.

The toll-free number to call is 1-800-462-9029. There is also a special TTY number,

1-800-462-7585, for the speech or hearing impaired. The phone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. That one phone call is your application and usually only takes 15-20 minutes.

State and federal disaster officials urged residents and business owners in the six designated counties eligible for individual assistance not to prejudge themselves or think that they can not be eligible for assistance because they received some insurance funds. The counties include Cook, Lake, St. Louis Itasca, Cass, and Beltrami.

Almost $2.8 million in grants and low-interest loans have already been approved for some of the 1297 residents who have called to apply. There is also assistance available to help remove downed trees or storm debris.

A total of 590 applicants have received $768,847 in grants for rental assistance or essential repairs to help them return to their homes. Another 89 have received grants totaling $155,038 through the Individual and Family Grants Program, which is administered by the state and designed to meet essential needs not covered by other disaster programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has also approved almost $1.9 million in low-interest loans -- 83 home loans for $1,673,300 and 18 business loans for $174,600. . If you were issued a loan application, it must be completed and returned, or other forms of disaster assistance may be delayed.

Last Modified: Friday, 12-Dec-2003 13:36:14