Minnesota Flood Update: More Than $1.4 Million In Disaster Assistance Grants Approved So Far
Release Date: May 1, 2009
Release Number: 1830-031
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MOORHEAD, Minn. -- More than $1.4 million in financial assistance has been approved for residents of Clay, Norman, Traverse and Wilkin counties who suffered damages from the Red River Valley flooding, which began in March.
The following is a summary of ongoing disaster assistance as of close of business on Thursday, April 30:
- $1,438,313 in disaster assistance grants under the Individuals and Households Program has been approved. This includes $1,394,303 in Housing Assistance (432 applications) and $44,010 in Other Needs Assistance (74 applications).
- 860 applications have been received from the four designated counties. Nearly 50 percent of those applications were made online.
- 666 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists or to get help with SBA low-interest loan applications; 557 visited the DRC in Moorhead; 27 visited the mobile DRC in Breckenridge; and 82 visited the mobile DRC in Hendrum. The Hendrum mobile DRC has relocated to Ada and is opening today, May 1, at noon.
- $826,100 has been approved in Small Business Administration low-interest loans.
These grants may be just the first type of assistance that applicants may receive. Applicants may be eligible for both FEMA grants and SBA low-interest loans.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate eligible applicants for their entire losses. For those insured, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance companies.
Applicants who receive an SBA loan application should complete and return the forms even if they do not want a loan. If the SBA determines they are ineligible for a disaster loan, FEMA may be able to provide grants to repair or replace damaged or lost personal property and vehicles or to pay moving and storage expenses.
Individuals are encouraged to apply for assistance before visiting a DRC by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA operators are available from 6 a.m. to midnight CDT seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to assist you. Registration can also be completed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. The application deadline is June 9.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Friday, 01-May-2009 16:07:19