Disaster Aid Tops $380 Million Two Months After Isabel
Release Date: November 19, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-239
WASHINGTON, D.C. --The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported today that more than $380 million in disaster funds have been doled out to aid people and communities following Hurricane Isabel's assault on the Mid-Atlantic states two months ago.
"Immediately after Isabel, we promised to do all we could to help get families back on their feet and rebuild their communities. President Bush and I toured the devastated areas and met with victims to pledge our commitment to the recovery," Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said. "There's still more to do, and we intend to stay for as long as it takes to make good on that promise."
Since Isabel made landfall on September 18, more than 160,000 hurricane victims have applied for aid under FEMA's Individual Assistance Program for Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Brown noted that requests to extend the 60-day registration period were recently approved for Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, giving families and business owners in those hard-hit states additional time to apply for assistance.
FEMA figures show that a total of $381.85 million in disaster aid has been obligated to date, including:
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$71.2 million in approved grants for housing requirements and $42.4 million for other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other assistance programs;
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$104.6 million in obligated funds to state and local governments for infrastructure repairs and costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective measures; and
- $48.3 million in mission-assigned assistance for critical emergency needs and support for the long-term recovery.
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $115.2 million in low-interest loans to help cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Following are the funding amounts obligated so far for the District of Columbia and the six declared states:
- Delaware - $14.87 million
- District of Columbia - $4.68 million
- Maryland - $89.66 million
- North Carolina - $113.39 million
- Pennsylvania - $1.17 million
- Virginia - $155.97 million
- West Virginia - $2.06 million
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, 20-Nov-2003 09:12:54