Almost $11 Million In Disaster Assistance To Washington Residents With March 31st Deadline Fast Approaching 

Release Date: March 20, 2009
Release Number: 1817-053

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OLYMPIA, Wash.  -- Washington residents have received almost $11 million in federal disaster assistance since the Presidential disaster declaration was issued on January 30, 2009, to help those affected by the   January 6-16, 2009 severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides and flooding. Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Washington Emergency Management Division are reminding all Washington residents affected by that storm and weather that the deadline for disaster assistance registration is March 31. They can register by calling, toll-free, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, or by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn said, “While almost $11 million in disaster assistance has been disbursed so far, we still strongly urge all those people who were affected, but have not yet applied, to do so by March 31. We want people to get the help they might need.”

Residents of the designated counties of Benton, Cowlitz, Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom are eligible to apply for disaster assistance.

State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin points out that, “Even if damage is not immediately evident, people should apply by March 31. It will cover them for potential future damages, such as mold, that may become evident later.”

3,625 homeowners and renters have already applied for disaster assistance, and inspectors have visited 2,936 homes. Grants awarded to date total $7,554,764 which includes:

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded $3,379,800 in low-interest disaster loans to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance or other compensation, bringing the total of disaster assistance so far to $10,934,564.

While all FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are now closed, there are two SBA Disaster Loan Recovery Centers (DLOCS) open to assist applicants with SBA loan applications that they received as part of the disaster assistance registration process. However, they will be closing soon.

They are:

Longview DLOC (Closing Thursday, March 26, 2009)
Cowlitz Co. Training Center (The Boat House)
1942 First Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Puyallup DLOC (Closing Tuesday, March 31, 2009)
Community Resource Center
107 N. Meridian (corner of E. Main and N. Meridian)
Puyallup, WA 98371
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

People who have received SBA applications are strongly urged to complete and immediately return their SBA applications. Even if they do not want a loan, submitting a loan application is a requirement for further disaster assistance. 

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 man-made disasters.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Mar-2009 15:00:25