Southwestern Virginia Floods Weekly Update $2.8 Million In Assistance Approved
Release Date: August 17, 2001
Release Number: 1386-20
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Tazewell, VA -- More than $2.8 million in disaster assistance has been approved for Virginia residents impacted by the July severe storms and flooding, according to figures released today by state and federal officials.
Since the initial presidential disaster declaration on July 12, 1,398 residents have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration number 1-800-462-9029 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired). Those lines remain open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"Many flood victims in southwestern Virginia are continuing to apply for assistance, especially those hit by last weekend's flooding," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne Jackson.
"We intend to continue the aggressive outreach underway in all eight declared counties," added Deputy State Coordinating Officer Brett Burdick. "We want to ensure that anyone who suffered losses in the July and August flooding knows how and where to get help."
A look at disaster totals from Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell and Wise counties:
Total approved federal and state funding includes the following components:
- Grants totaling $1,704,938 for 854 applicants for emergency housing or essential repairs to make their property habitable.
- Grants totaling $602,097 for 188 eligible individuals and families to cover immediate needs or necessary expenses not covered by other programs or insurance.
- Low-interest loans totaling $534,900 for 21 loans to homeowners, renters and business owners by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
A snapshot of other disaster activities in southwestern Virginia:
- To date, 334 people have visited disaster recovery centers in Tazewell County. Beginning Monday, August 20, teams of disaster recovery specialists will make one-day visits to Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Scott, Smyth and Wise counties to provide information on available assistance programs and answer applicants' questions face-to-face.
- Inspectors have conducted 1,060 disaster-housing reviews, 85 percent of the total of 1,222 applications for disaster housing aid. Another 162 new inspections are being scheduled.
- FEMA and the state's community relations teams continue to work with local organizations and community leaders and to reach out to residents directly in all eight counties.
- On August 14, FEMA authorized public assistance funding for Scott County, making it the seventh county eligible for such assistance. Public Assistance enables local governments in the county to rebuild public property damaged by the recent floods. Counties designated for public assistance are Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, Scott and Wise.
Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Oct-2003 16:08:38