Disaster Aid For May Storms Surpasses $90 Million
Release Date: August 20, 2003
Release Number: 1464-78
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Atlanta, GA. -- Federal and state disaster officials have approved more than $90 million to help individuals and local governments recover from one of Tennessee's largest disasters.
Several rounds of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding deluged the state in May, resulting in a federal disaster declaration for 73 of Tennessee's 95 counties; prompting 13,573 individuals to apply for assistance.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) have paid more than $21 million in grants to the eligible individuals and families who registered in the 69 counties.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also approved more than $33.9 million in low interest loans to homeowners, renters, and, business owners.
This totals $55.4 million in grants and loans to eligible residents and businesses.
- $8.7 million of the total is for Disaster Housing assistance grants.
- $12.7 million is for individual and household grants to help meet essential needs not covered by insurance or other programs.
- $33.9 million is for U.S. Small Business Administration loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. ($19 million for home loans, $12.2 million for business loans, and $2.7 million for economic injury loans).
Federal disaster aid for state and local governments has been approved for an estimated $35 million in eligible, disaster-related reimbursement costs to 217 public and private, non-profit entities.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 21-Aug-2003 09:20:15