More Than $310,000 Approved for Disaster Housing in Broome and Chenango Counties
Release Date: December 29, 2006
Release Number: 1670-004
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- One week after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated Broome and Chenango counties eligible for disaster assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses, more than $310,000 in housing assistance has been approved for 71 households. President Bush declared a major disaster declaration on December 12 for the severe storms and flooding that occurred in New York on November 16-17.
FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson said, “FEMA inspectors were in the area beginning December 26 to assess damages.”
“It is important for residents to know that they are eligible to register for assistance with the November flooding event even if they registered for the prior flooding in June,” said State Coordinating Officer John R. Gibb of New York’s State Office of Emergency Management.
Those who have not registered for disaster aid are encouraged to call FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing and speech impaired can call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Registration lines will be open on Saturday, December 30 and Sunday, December 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day. The registration lines will be open again Tuesday, January 2 and resume the normal schedule of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Residents with Internet access may also register for disaster assistance on the agency’s website at www.fema.gov where valuable recovery information is also available.
Calling these numbers is the only way to register for a wide range of federal disaster assistance programs that can include funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property and housing repair; replacement grants to help meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs; and disaster unemployment assistance.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 29-Dec-2006 17:39:43